Assembly Manager

Hydraulics International•Chatsworth, CA

6h•Onsite

About The Position

The Assembly Manager, also described as the Production Manager / Value Stream Manager, owns safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people results for a value stream at Hydraulics International, Inc. (HII), from released work order through shipment. The role is the single point of accountability for the stream across fabrication, machining, assembly, and test as applicable, and is responsible for making production predictable through safe practices, conforming products, committed shipments, and a visible operating plan. The manager runs the daily management system, including SQDIP boards, tiered meetings, 6S, and gemba walks, and builds operating discipline to reduce past-due backlog and support planning 30, 60, and 90 days ahead. The role works closely with Planning, Material Control, Quality, EHS, Maintenance, and Continuous Improvement. It is based onsite in HII facilities, is full-time and exempt, and reports to the Director of Operations. Direct reports include production supervisors, leads, and team support staff; team size varies by value stream. The position is primarily first shift, scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with flexibility for second shift, weekend coverage, and urgent production needs. Work takes place in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, machinery, metal, and coolants. Safety shoes and eye protection with side shields are mandatory. The role involves regular walking and standing across several buildings and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds. HII offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including health insurance, dental, vision and life insurance, 401(k), and PTO. The listed salary is $150,000 annually.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, manufacturing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 8 years of experience in discrete manufacturing, including at least 4 years leading supervisors or managers.
Experience in aerospace, defense, or other regulated, high-mix, low-volume manufacturing.
Working knowledge of machining, fabrication, welding, or assembly processes.
Hands-on Lean experience, including value stream mapping, 6S, standard work, visual management, and A3 problem solving.
Proficiency with an ERP/MRP system such as M2M or similar, production scheduling, and Excel.
Track record of improving on-time delivery and quality in a production environment.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, machinery, metal, and coolants; safety shoes and eye protection with side shields are mandatory.
Ability to walk and stand regularly across several buildings and lift up to 25 pounds.
Availability for a primarily first-shift schedule, with flexibility for second shift, weekend coverage, and urgent production needs.

Nice To Haves

MBA or master's degree.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
Knowledge of AS9100 and nonconformance and corrective action processes.
Experience managing a large, multi-building operation and a backlog recovery.
Experience with capacity planning and SIOP or S&OP processes.
Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Lead a safety-first culture by enforcing PPE, encouraging hazard reporting, investigating incidents, and escalating them within 24 hours.
Conduct biweekly safety walks with EHS and close corrective actions on time.
Keep the value stream audit-ready for AS9100 and customer requirements, and own responses to findings in the area.
Own the value stream production schedule and deliver against committed ship dates.
Manage work in process, line of balance, and bottlenecks; escalate material, tooling, machine, and quality constraints the same day.
Reduce past-due backlog through clear recovery plans and recommend overtime, added capacity, or outsourcing when supported by data.
Maintain accurate job status in M2M and close stale open jobs so Planning can build a reliable schedule.
Contribute to the monthly achievement plan and SIOP inputs.
Build quality into processes through standard work, in-process checks, and mistake-proofing.
Lead root cause analysis using A3, 5 Why, and Six Sigma tools for scrap, rework, and escapes, and verify that corrective fixes are sustained.
Partner with Quality on nonconformances, corrective actions, and customer complaints.
Run SQDIP boards and tiered daily meetings, make problems visible, and assign owners.
Drive 6S and visual management, and lead regular gemba walks.
Map the value stream, define current and future states, and deliver kaizen events to close the gap.
Standardize work instructions, changeovers, and handoffs between departments.
Manage labor, overtime, supplies, and scrap against budget; support headcount and payroll budget reviews.
Use capacity models, such as machine-based planning, to match workload to available hours.
Track daily headcount and attendance, and work with HR and temp agencies to address staffing gaps.
Hire, coach, develop, and hold supervisors and leads accountable; set clear goals and provide regular feedback.
Build cross-training and succession plans for critical skills, including machinists and welders.
Handle attendance, discipline, and performance issues fairly and consistently in partnership with HR.
Communicate openly with the floor in English and Spanish where needed.
Deliver results measured by SQDIP metrics, including safety, quality, delivery, inventory and cost, people, and productivity.