Plant Manager – Aerospace Airfoil Manufacturing

DRT Holdings, LLC•Winsted, CT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Manufacturing Plant Manager to lead a high-performance aerospace manufacturing facility focused on precision-engineered airfoil components serving some of the industry's most demanding customers. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for a results-driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced aerospace environment and is passionate about safety, quality, continuous improvement, and team development.

Requirements

Direct experience manufacturing aerospace airfoils, turbine blades, vanes, or related precision-engineered components
Understanding of aerospace production processes, quality requirements, and customer expectations
Experience interacting directly with aerospace OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and strategic customers
Proven ability to manage customer relationships, audits, performance reviews, and escalations
Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing principles
Experience leading Kaizen events, waste reduction initiatives, process optimization, and continuous improvement programs
Full P&L management experience
Experience managing budgets, forecasting, capital expenditures, cost reduction initiatives, and profitability improvements
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Business, or related field
10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
5+ years of Plant Manager, General Manager, Operations Director, or equivalent leadership experience
Aerospace manufacturing experience required
Demonstrated P&L ownership and accountability
Experience managing large manufacturing teams and multi-functional departments
Strong understanding of aerospace quality systems and operational requirements
Ability to travel as needed for customer and business requirements

Nice To Haves

Lean and/or Six Sigma certification strongly preferred
Strategic business leader with strong operational discipline
Proven aerospace manufacturing expert with airfoil experience
Customer-focused executive who builds trust and long-term partnerships
Data-driven decision maker with strong financial acumen
Continuous improvement champion with Lean and Six Sigma expertise
Inspirational leader who develops talent and drives accountability
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-performance aerospace environment

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and direction for aerospace manufacturing operations
Maintain full P&L responsibility, including revenue, cost control, margins, productivity, and operational performance
Develop and execute strategic plans to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and financial objectives
Lead production, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and operational support functions
Serve as the primary point of contact for key aerospace customers and support customer visits, audits, and business reviews
Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility
Improve operational efficiency, throughput, capacity utilization, and on-time delivery performance
Ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory expectations
Develop succession plans and leadership capabilities throughout the organization
Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions to improve plant performance