Operations Manager – Drone Manufacturing, Production & Quality

EXEDY Globalparts Corporation is seeking an experienced and highly effective Operations Manager to lead our rapidly growing drone manufacturing operation. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing production, quality, compliance, inventory control, shipping/logistics, and operational performance within our agricultural drone business.

We are looking for a leader who can build accountability, develop people, drive continuous improvement, and create a culture of excellence. The ideal candidate has a strong manufacturing and quality background, understands technical products, and has a proven track record of successfully leading teams in a fast-paced environment.

What You'll Do

• Lead daily operations of the drone production and manufacturing facility.
• Manage production planning, scheduling, inventory control, and workflow efficiency.
• Oversee quality assurance, inspection processes, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, safety standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Systems & Controls, and Mechanical teams to support new product introductions and production readiness.
• Establish performance expectations, accountability measures, and operational KPIs.
• Develop, coach, and mentor supervisors, technicians, assemblers, and support personnel.
• Drive process improvements that increase productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Manage shipping, logistics, and fulfillment operations to ensure on-time delivery.
• Lead root-cause investigations and corrective action activities for production and quality issues.
• Build a positive, high-performance culture focused on teamwork, ownership, and results.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of manufacturing, operations, production, or industrial management experience.
• Minimum 5 years of direct leadership experience managing teams in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience managing quality systems, inspections, corrective actions, and process improvements.
• Strong understanding of production planning, inventory management, and operational metrics.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and improving operational performance.
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and employee development skills.
• Ability to hold teams accountable while maintaining positive working relationships.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, robotics, unmanned systems, automotive, electronics manufacturing, or other highly technical industries.
• Working knowledge of ISO quality systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• APICS CPIM, PMP, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related certifications.
• Technical understanding of electrical, mechanical, robotic, or autonomous systems.

What We're Looking For

This position requires more than operational expertise. We are seeking a leader who:

• Earns respect through professionalism and consistency.
• Creates accountability without creating conflict.
• Develops employees and builds strong teams.
• Communicates effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Leads by example and embraces continuous improvement.
• Thrives in a growing, entrepreneurial environment where processes and teams are evolving.

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person