Plant Manager

THE COMPANY

Our client is a leading worldwide aerospace manufacturing supplier supporting major global OEMs including Boeing, Gulfstream, and other tier-one aerospace customers.
The North America division has a diversified manufacturing footprint across the United States, Canada, and Mexico and they deliver advanced aerostructures through a network of machining, fabrication, and assembly operations.
The Mexicali facility is a critical part of this network, historically a sheet metal operation, it is now evolving into a high-precision machining and structural components center, playing a key role in supporting future aerospace production demand.
This is an organization entering a phase of operational transformation, growth, and performance optimization.

THE POSITION

Role Overview
This global aerospace manufacturing leader is seeking a high-impact General / Plant Manager to lead its Mexicali manufacturing operations, one of the most strategically important sites in its North American network.
The facility is at a critical inflection point, managing:

• Significant New Product Introduction (NPI) activity
• Multiple Transfers of Work (TOW)
• Increasing rate readiness requirements
• Leading an operational transformation

This role requires a hands-on, transformation-oriented leader capable of stabilizing operations, improving execution, and driving financial performance.
Mission of the Role

1. Stabilize execution
2. Lead growth readiness
3. Improve financial performance
4. Build a stronger organization

Key Responsibilities

• Drive performance across SQDCP (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People)
• Ensure consistent On-Time Delivery (OTD)
• Lead integration of NPI and TOW programs
• Improve execution discipline, urgency, and accountability
• Optimize cost structure and drive productivity
• Establish a path toward positive EBITDA
• Prepare plant for future aerospace rate increases which will more than double.
• Build and elevate leadership team and culture

Key Performance Indicators

• Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Financial (EBITDA); Growth readiness; People development.

THE CANDIDATE

Profile
We are seeking a high-caliber manufacturing leader with strong operational and financial discipline, capable of delivering predictable performance in complex industrial environments, improving cost discipline, and positioning the plant for long-term growth.  Able to create predictable performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP) metrics while managing significant launch and transfer activities. This search prioritizes quality of leadership and operational capability over title alone.
Because this role operates in a cross-border manufacturing environment, the ideal candidate must be comfortable working with U.S.-based leadership teams while leading operations in Mexico.
Required Experience

• 10+ years in aerospace or advanced manufacturing with at least 3+ years as a Plant Manager, General Manager for a manufacturing site, or similar.
• Proven experience in plant turnaround, stabilization, or leading teams through operational transformation
• Strong background in CNC machining or may consider metal  fabrication in industrial manufacturing
• Experience managing New Product Introduction (NPI) and program ramp-up
• Strong financial acumen with understanding of plant cost structures and profitability drivers
• Experience in cross-border (U.S.–Mexico) operations
• Ability to work closely with U.S.-based leadership teams
• Willingness to relocate to Mexicali, Mexico or Calexico / El Centro, Calif.
• Bilingual (English / Spanish)

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace manufacturing experience (strongly preferred)
• Experience operating in Mexico in complex manufacturing environments
• Background in Lean Manufacturing / Operational Excellence

Leadership Characteristics

• Strong operational discipline and execution focus
• High accountability and ownership mindset
• Ability to drive performance through teams
• Clear, direct communication style
• Comfortable in high-demand, fast-paced environments
• Hands-on leadership presence on the shop floor
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability