Director of Operations

Description

ABOUT EASTERN AERO MARINE, INC. (EAM WORLDWIDE)

Eastern Aero Marine, Inc., Inc. DBA EAM Worldwide (EAM), with a 74-year history, is a manufacturer and performs maintenance of critical Aviation Emergency Survival equipment trusted by airlines, aircraft manufacturers, governments, and operators around the world. Our life vests, life rafts, evacuation slides, and survival kits are sold to an international customer base in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, and South America. Customers include OEM’s, airlines, and after-market customers. When an aircraft experiences an emergency, the products we build may become the last line of protection for hundreds of passengers.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations, focusing on productivity, efficiency, and profitability. This role provides leadership across manufacturing, supply chain, inventory, and maintenance/facilities, while ensuring compliance with aviation manufacturing regulations, environmental laws, customer contract requirements, industrial certifications, and internal quality standards. The ideal candidate brings extensive manufacturing leadership experience and a proven ability to drive operational excellence, improve organizational performance, and develop high-performing teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all manufacturing operations, production schedules, and process improvements to enhance quality, capacity, efficiency, safety and accountability.

• Coordinate production activities and priorities to ensure on-time delivery, product quality, and cost control.

• Translate company objectives into measurable operational plans and results.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, customer contract requirements, manufacturing standards, and safety regulations. (FAA, AS9100, OSHA, ISO14001)

• Improve accountability systems and operational metrics to drive productivity, quality, delivery performance, and cost containment.

• Support company growth initiatives, expansion efforts, and implementation of new technologies.

• Develop and maintain a positive working environment through performance management and employee development.

• Build, coach, and develop department managers and supervisors.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, including experience leading multiple operational functions simultaneously.

• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing best practices, Lean Manufacturing principles, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Strong understanding of industry regulations, production planning, purchasing, inventory management, manufacturing operations, and supply chain processes.

• Demonstrated experience implementing new systems, technologies, and process improvements to enhance operational performance.

• Experience managing budgets, operating expenses, and operational performance metrics.

• Knowledge of Quantum or equivalent ERP system.

• Proven ability to improve operational efficiency, optimize production processes, and drive organizational performance.

• Strong project management, leadership, decision-making, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Lean Manufacturing experience preferred; Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher preferred.

At EAM Worldwide, we value our employees and are committed to supporting their overall well-being. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, supplemental insurance options, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Employees also enjoy paid time off (PTO), helping to support a healthy work-life balance.