Pursuit Aerospace is a global manufacturer of complex aircraft engine components that are developed through highly integrated processes.Our exceptional quality is driven by a deep investment in and the daily practice of continually improving our people, processes, and products.We leverage the Pursuit Production System, a relentless approach to developing our people and processes using Kaizen and Moonshining. This approach results in breakthroughs in technology and improved quality. The core of this methodology is quick process changes for the betterment of our customers and employees. Come learn and grow along with us!Job Title: Manufacturing Rate Readiness LeaderLocation: Whitesboro, NY; Eastford, CT; Manchester, CT; Plainville, CT; or South Windsor, CTJob Type: Full-Time, Division LevelJob Summary:We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Manufacturing Rate Readiness Leader to ensure our organization is fully prepared to scale production efficiently and meet increased demand. This critical role will oversee readiness assessments, identify bottlenecks, and implement strategies to ramp up production in alignment with customer requirements, new product introductions, and market growth. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing operations, process optimization, and cross-functional leadership.Key Responsibilities:
- Production Scaling: Lead efforts to ensure manufacturing processes and operations are ready to meet increasing production rates, aligning capacity and capability with demand forecasts.
- Readiness Assessments: Conduct comprehensive assessments of manufacturing readiness, identifying gaps in processes, equipment, and resources that may impact rate readiness.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, supply chain, production, quality, and other departments to ensure seamless coordination in preparing for higher production rates.
- Capacity and Resource Planning: Develop strategies for workforce scaling, equipment upgrades, and resource allocation to support production rate increases without compromising quality or efficiency.
- Process Optimization: Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to streamline operations, reduce cycle times, and eliminate bottlenecks in the production process.
- Risk Management: Identify risks associated with ramping up production, including supply chain constraints, equipment failure, and workforce shortages, and develop mitigation plans.
- Technology Integration: Drive the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and automation to increase throughput and maintain consistency at higher production volumes.
- New Product Introduction (NPI) Support: Collaborate with the NPI teams to ensure smooth transitions from prototype to full-rate production, ensuring processes are robust and scalable.
- KPI Tracking and Reporting: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production readiness, such as lead times, equipment uptime, and resource availability, reporting regularly to senior leadership.
- Change Management: Lead change management initiatives to prepare the workforce and manufacturing systems for production rate changes, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruption.
- Training and Development: Ensure that the workforce is adequately trained and prepared for rate increases, implementing targeted training programs where necessary.
- Business Continuity: Work closely with site leadership to ensure the manufacturing locations have business continuity plans to guide remediation as a critical event occurs and to ensure efficient operational recovery.
- Preventative Maintenance: Supports the development of internal SOP's, as well manuals/guides for machines, equipment and process. This includes operating and maintenance procedures, production forecasts, maintenance plans, spare parts, technical support processes, etc.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Minimum of 8-12 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with a focus on production readiness, rate ramp-up, and process improvement.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field is required; advanced degree (MBA, MS) preferred.
- Leadership: Proven leadership experience, with the ability to manage cross-functional teams and drive collaboration across departments.
- Operational Expertise: In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, capacity planning, and production ramp-up strategies.
- Process Improvement: Strong understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, and other process optimization tools to drive efficiency and readiness.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze production data, identify trends, and make informed decisions regarding readiness planning and process improvement.
- Communication: Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Project Management: Strong project management skills with a track record of leading successful, large-scale production ramp-ups.
- Physical Qualifications/ Conditions:
- Location requires mobility in an office environment; each floor is accessible by elevator. Occasionally work will be performed in a mine, outdoor or manufacturing plant setting.
- Must be able to travel up to 50% of the time.
- Must be able to frequently sit, stand and walk.
- Must be able to frequently lift and carry up to 10 pounds.
- Must be able to work in a potentially stressful environment.
- Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves and any other protective equipment as required.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in high-volume or complex manufacturing industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, or industrial manufacturing.
- Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, and digital manufacturing tools.
- Experience with global supply chains and managing rate readiness across multiple sites or regions.
- Green or Black Belt preferred.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, retirement, and wellness benefits.
- Opportunities for career growth and leadership development.
This role is essential for ensuring that our manufacturing operations are prepared to scale efficiently and meet growing demands. If you have a track record of driving growth and innovation in manufacturing and are excited about shaping the future of a rapidly growing organization, we encourage you to apply.