About the role:

We are seeking a dynamic Operations Manager to lead the end-to-end management of our OEM production. You will be responsible for the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) processes, production flow, team leadership, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring products and services are delivered on time, within budget, and at the highest quality standards.

This is a key leadership role driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and lean transformation in an aerospace-regulated environment (FAA/EASA Part 145/21G standards).

What you will do:

• Lead, manage, and continuously improve the entire Aero production

• Oversee MRP planning and ensure material availability, capacity planning, and production scheduling meet customer and operational requirements.

• Drive production execution, including daily operations, safety, quality, delivery, cost (SQDC) performance, and escalation management.

• Implement and sustain Lean Manufacturing practices and continuous improvement programs (Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping).

• Collaborate closely with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Program Management teams.

• Develop team capabilities through leadership, coaching, training, and performance management.

• Ensure strict adherence to aerospace regulatory standards (EASA, FAA, AS9100) and company policies.

• Report on KPIs, provide operational visibility to leadership, and recommend strategic improvements.

• Ability to travel (2-6 months) for training in the first 2 years of employment

What you will need

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, Operations Management, or related field

• 5+ years of experience in operations leadership role

• Deep understanding of MRP/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Infor).

• Strong experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing cross-functional teams in a high-regulation environment.

• Working knowledge of aerospace standards (e.g. Part 145, Part 21G, EASA, FAA, AS9100, etc.) is a nice to have

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, customer-focused, and safety-critical environment.

What you will gain:

• Advancement opportunities in international team

• A total rewards package, that includes: private health insurance, life & accidental insurance

• Multisport package

• Meal Vouchers

• Company performance bonus program

• Work-life balance

• PPK: Woodward offers payment to your PPK account up to 4% of your compensation depending on seniority

• Educational support