Plant Director – Aerospace Manufacturing

Reports to: VP, Operations Lead a 300-Person Aerospace Manufacturing Operation Amfuel, a DART Aerospace company, is seeking an experienced Plant Directorto lead our manufacturing operation in Magnolia, Arkansas. This is a senior site leadership role with responsibility for approximately300 employees across two facilities, covering operational performance, people leadership, financial results, productivity, and continuous improvement. The Magnolia operation is entering an important stage of growth. We are looking for a manufacturing leader who can strengthen operational discipline, develop the organization, improve performance, and build the capacity required to support the next phase of the business. The successful leader will be equally comfortableon the manufacturing floor and at the executive table— combining hands‑on operational leadership with strong financial and business judgment. What You’ll Own Site Leadership & Operations Lead the overall performance and day-to-day operation of the Magnolia manufacturing facilities. Lead, coach, and develop the site's management team. Establish clear priorities, accountability, and operating rhythms. Partner closely with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, HR, Finance, IT, Sales, and corporate leadership. Ensure people, capacity, processes, and resources remain aligned with customer and production requirements. Operational Excellence Own and improve performance across: Safety Quality Productivity and throughput Cost and manufacturing efficiency Customer commitments Identify operational bottlenecks, strengthen KPI management, and implement sustainable improvements across the operation. Lead continuous improvement and operational transformation initiatives. Strengthen standardization, accountability, and execution across the site. ApplyLean Manufacturing and Six Sigmaprinciples to improve performance. Identify opportunities for automation and manufacturing modernization. Build an operation capable of supporting significant future growth. Financial & Business Performance Take ownership of site-level financial performance and contribute directly to the facility'sP&L. Develop and manage annual operating budgets. Review monthly financial results and explain key variances. Manage headcount, operating expenses, productivity, and capital requirements. Make operational decisions with a clear understanding of their impact oncost, margin, cash, and overall business performance .People & Organization Build a high-performance culture based on accountability, execution, collaboration, and urgency. Maintain a visible leadership presence on the manufacturing floor. Develop managers and strengthen leadership succession. Partner with HR on workforce planning, recruitment, organizational development, and employee relations. Operate effectively within aunionized manufacturing environment .What We’re Looking For We are looking for an accomplished manufacturing leader with:5+ years of progressive manufacturing management or leadership experience Experience leading managers and multidisciplinary operational teams Strong understanding ofP&L, budgeting, manufacturing costs, productivity, and financial performance Demonstrated success improving manufacturing performance Experience leading throughgrowth, transformation, integration, or organizational change Experience working in or supporting aunionized environment Strong executive communication and decision‑making capability A hands‑on leadership style and strong shop‑floor credibility Highly Valued Experience Aerospace and/or defense manufacturing Plant leadership or large manufacturing site responsibility Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma Manufacturing automation or modernization AS9100 Epicor or comparable manufacturing ERP Post‑acquisition integration or operational transformation Military or defense program exposure The Leadership Profile This role requires ahands‑on, business‑minded manufacturing leader who thinks and acts like an owner .You can set strategy while staying close enough to the operation to understand what is actually happening on the floor. You challenge existing processes, make decisions, hold teams accountable, develop leaders, and understand the relationship betweenpeople, operational performance, customers, and financial results .Why Join Amfuel / DART Aerospace? Own a significant operation. Lead approximately 300 employees across two manufacturing facilities with broad accountability for site performance. Lead meaningful transformation. Shape how the Magnolia operation evolves, integrates, and improves within DART Aerospace. Build for growth. Help develop the people, processes, automation, capacity, and operational structure required for the next stage of the business. Work directly with senior leadership. Partner closely with the VP of Operations and broader DART leadership while maintaining significant ownership of the operation. Build a broader leadership career. Strong performance can create opportunities for expanded business and senior leadership responsibilities within DART Aerospace. Amfuel offers a competitive total rewards package including:401(k) with company matching contributions Medical and prescription coverage Dental and vision coverage HSA and FSA options Company-paid Basic Life & AD&D insurance Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Paid vacation and sick leave Employee Assistance Program Additional voluntary benefits Export Control Requirement U.S. citizenship is required for this Plant Director role. Ready to lead a complex aerospace manufacturing operation through its next stage of performance and growth?