Site Manager (Plant Manager)

THE COMPANY

Our client, is a highly respected, privately held U.S. aerospace company and global leader in the design, engineering, manufacturing, and servicing of sophisticated aircraft ground support equipment (GSE), engine tooling, and maintenance equipment. Founded in early 1970’s and headquartered in Southern California, this distinguished leader has built a 50+ year reputation for engineering excellence, quality, and innovation, serving leading airlines, aerospace OEMs, MRO organizations, aerospace leasing companies, and military & defense customers worldwide. As part of its continued growth and international expansion, this company is establishing a new manufacturing operation in Querétaro, Mexico, modeled after its flagship California facility. The operation will incorporate advanced metal fabrication, welding, CNC machining, assembly, and finishing to manufacture highly engineered GSE and aerospace tooling.

THE POSITION

Job Summary
This global leader is seeking an experienced and results-driven Site Manager (Plant Manager) to lead its Querétaro manufacturing operations, delivering world-class Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and precision metal fabrication for the aerospace industry. Modeled after the companies’ proven Southern California site capabilities, this facility will encompass advanced fabrication, welding, CNC machining, assembly, and finishing operations in support of both domestic and international customers. The ideal candidate will bring at least 10 years of progressive leadership in manufacturing with expertise in metal fabrication, manufacturing plant start-ups, and lean operations. The Site Manager will oversee all aspects of small to mid-size plant start-up and operations including Human Resources, production, quality, supply chain, maintenance, and site administration, while driving a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement, and safety. The Site Manager (Plant Manager) will be based in Queretaro, Mexico.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership for day-to-day operations of the Querétaro facility, ensuring the timely and high-quality production of aerospace ground support equipment, metal-fabricated tooling, and related assemblies.
• Oversee all key site functions including Fabrication, Welding, CNC Machining, Assembly, Finishing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Human Resources, ensuring full alignment with aerospace industry standards and customer specifications.
• Lead the ramp-up and ongoing development of a greenfield manufacturing start-up site, obtaining necessary government permits, establishing processes, SOP’s, workflows, and organizational structure consistent with companies’ SFS operational model.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement in safety, quality, lead time, and cost through lean manufacturing practices, 5S, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Develop, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) including fabrication efficiency, weld quality, CNC utilization, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction.
• Implement and maintain robust quality assurance processes; conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with ISO 9001 & AS 9100, customer requirements, and applicable Mexican regulatory standards (NOM, IMSS).
• Manage and optimize shop floor assets including welding (MIG/TIG) systems, CNC machines, press brakes (steel and aluminum bending), jigs, fixtures, laser cutting, and inspection equipment used in GSE and aerospace tooling manufacture.
• Support new product introductions and design changes, working closely with Engineering and Program Management to ensure manufacturability, quality, and schedule compliance.
• Collaborate with senior U.S. leadership and cross-functional teams to provide transparent reporting on production status, facility performance, risks, and improvement initiatives.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a skilled local workforce; build training programs and competency frameworks aligned with aerospace and fabrication standards.
• Maintain a safe working environment in full compliance with Mexican labor law (LFT), STPS regulations, and applicable international Environmental Health & Safety standards. Enforce proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage, conduct risk assessments, and implement preventive safety measures.
• Lead incident investigations, report near-misses, and drive corrective actions to closure. Promote a safety-first culture across all levels of the organization.
• Build and manage relationships with local suppliers, subcontractors, and government entities in the Querétaro aerospace corridor to support site operations and growth.
• All other duties as assigned by management.

THE CANDIDATE

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience as a plant manager or similar with plant oversight, preferably within heavy-duty metal fabrication, or Tier 1 / Tier 2 aerospace manufacturing environments (or similar) but open to other manufacturing sectors.
• Deep knowledge of some of the following manufacturing processes: MIG/TIG welding, structural steel and aluminum fabrication (press brake, metal forming, bending, laser cutting, etc.), CNC machining, mechanical assembly, and surface finishing (painting).
• Familiarity with aerospace, military / defense, or commercial ground support standards and specifications (e.g., ATA, FAA, AS9100, NADCAP where applicable) would a plus but not required.
• Experience implementing and managing ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality management systems in a fabrication or aerospace manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading greenfield or startup manufacturing operations, including obtaining required permits and approvals from Mexican government and regulatory entities, recruiting and training new staff, workforce development, and establishing site policies, procedures, and operating processes, facility layout, and equipment qualification.
• Knowledge of Mexican labor law (LFT), STPS/EHS regulations, IMSS compliance, and manufacturing regulations. Familiarity with Querétaro or similar industrial zones in the surrounding region.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop multidisciplinary production teams in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Proficient in interpreting technical drawings, GD&T, welding symbols, and fabrication tolerances.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, U.S.-based senior management, and local government or regulatory stakeholders.
• Fluency in Spanish (written and verbal) is required; professional proficiency in English is required for cross-border communication with U.S. headquarters.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required. Valid U.S. Travel Visa.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees work under typical office conditions, and the noise level is usually quiet to moderate. In certain assignments, an employee may work near moving equipment and be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, biological hazards, airborne fumes, outdoor weather conditions and loud, prolonged noise.