Manufacturing Operations Manager

Introduction:
The Manufacturing Operations Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all manufacturing activities across small machining, large machining and welding operations in support of complex Defense products. This role ensures that production processes are well-documented, properly resourced and executed to meet safety, quality, delivery, cost and people objectives. The position oversees manufacturing processes, resource planning and development, production scheduling and the selection and maintenance of manufacturing equipment to ensure optimal capability and capacity for current and future program demands.

Description:
Production & Operations Leadership

Lead daily operations across small machining, large machining, and welding areas to meet high on-time production targets.
Monitor production activities in real time and provide direction to maintain workflow, resolve bottlenecks, and support rapid decision-making.
Drive operational discipline, standard work adherence, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Ensure released manufacturing processes comply with Defense industry standards, customer requirements, and internal procedures.
Drive continuous improvement in throughput, efficiency, and quality.
Oversee production scheduling across machining and welding areas to align with program milestones and customer commitments.
Conduct ongoing capacity analysis to anticipate future demand and optimize resource and machine utilization.

• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Program Management and Supply Chain to maintain achievable and accurate schedules.

Resource Management & Development

Manage manufacturing operations staffing levels, skills mix, and direct labor allocation to support production needs.
Build workforce capability through coaching, training, certification pathways, and cross-skilling.
Create a positive, inclusive environment that motivates employees, strengthens team culture, and promotes retention.

• Partner with HR and where required, external technical training colleges to build long-term workforce capability in machining and welding disciplines.

Cost, Efficiency & Hours Management

Manage manufacturing cost performance, including:
Labor hour accuracy, actual hour tracking, labor efficiency, and productivity metrics.
Scrap, rework, consumables, and overhead cost drivers.
Machine utilization and uptime.

Implement cost-reduction initiatives and ensure production teams understand their cost and hour targets.

• Maintain visibility of performance through daily, weekly, and monthly KPIs and dashboards.

Machine Equipment & Selection

Support the evaluation and selection of machining, welding and other associated manufacturing equipment.
Define capability requirements for new machines, tools and technology based on program and product needs.
Oversee commissioning, qualification, and integration of new equipment.

• Ensure preventive maintenance schedules are effective and adhered to minimize downtime.

Quality & Compliance

Collaborate and partner with Quality to ensure all work meets Defense and aerospace standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO9001, customer-specific requirements).

Establish and maintain structured reporting on:
Defect trends and reduction plans
Scrap and rework levels
First-pass yield improvement actions
Process capability and stability metrics

Lead or support root cause analysis activities and drive timely implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
Promote a culture of “zero defects” and continuous improvement across all production areas.

• Take a proactive, not reactive, approach to building quality into processes.

Cross Functional Collaboration

Work closely with Engineering for manufacturability reviews, process development, and change management.
Support Program Management with status reporting, risk identification, and recovery plans.
Partner with Supply Chain on material readiness, tooling procurement, and subcontracted operations.

• Develop and delivery weekly, monthly and quarterly reports as required to the General Manager in support of key business-related performance indicators as required.

Culture, Morale & Engagement

Serve as a role model for professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.
Actively support initiatives to strengthen communication, transparency, and trust between leadership and production teams.
Recognize good performance, reinforce positive behaviours and address performance issues constructively and promptly.

• Help create a workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to contribute to shared goals.

Health and Safety

Participate and support Marand’s commitment to health and safety excellence, complying with Marand’s requirements and legislated obligations.
Champion a proactive safety culture and lead risk assessments, hazard identification, near-miss reviews, JSEA’s and safety walk activities.
Ensure the correct use of PPE, machine guarding, and safe work methods.
Foster a culture of proactive safety engagement where employees feel responsible, empowered, and supported in raising concerns.

• Participate, as required from time to time, in health and safety improvement activities.

Skills and Experiences:

• Degree or qualifications in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management or equivalent
• 7+ years’ experience in machining, fabrication or advanced manufacturing operations
• Strong understanding of CNC machining (small and large format), welding processes, tooling and complex assembly workflows
• 5+ years’ leadership experience managing manufacturing teams and aa technical workforce of >50 people
• Experience in Defense, aerospace, or similarly regulated manufacturing environments
• Proven knowledge of production scheduling, capacity planning, and documentation systems
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with AS9100-compliant environments
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and digital manufacturing tools
• Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma accreditation
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability
• High attention to detail and strong documentation discipline
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills