Director of Production

Job Title - Director of Production
For One of Gardner Standard's Portfolio Companies – Pacific Aero Tech
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Production is the accountable leader for all production operations at Pacific Aero Tech (PAT), an FAA Part 145 Repair Station specializing in aerospace transparencies, cockpit window overhauls, repairs, and manufacturing.
This position is responsible for safely delivering customer commitments through disciplined execution, workforce development, operational excellence, and capacity planning. The Director of Production leads production managers, supervisors, group leads, and manufacturing personnel across multiple shifts while driving throughput, labor efficiency, quality performance, schedule attainment, and on-time delivery.
This leader must build a culture of accountability, standard work, training effectiveness, problem solving, and continuous improvement while supporting PAT's rapid growth objectives.
The Director of Production serves as the primary operational leader responsible for converting customer demand into executed production output.
LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS
The Director of Production models and promotes PAT's Core Values:
Quality
Integrity
Respect
Excellence
Resourcefulness
Leadership behaviors include:
Building trust through consistent actions and transparent communication.
Creating accountability at all levels of the organization.
Driving urgency without sacrificing quality or safety.
Developing leaders and strengthening succession pipelines.
Leading through data, facts, and disciplined execution.
Demonstrating grit, ownership, and accountability for business results.
Creating a culture where problems are identified, escalated, and solved rapidly.
Driving engagement and continuous learning throughout the organization.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PRODUCTION LEADERSHIP
Direct and coordinate all production activities across multiple shifts.
Lead Production Managers, Supervisors, Group Leads, and hourly employees.
Establish clear accountability for production output, quality, labor efficiency, and safety performance.
Develop daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly production plans aligned to customer demand.
Ensure production schedules are executed with discipline and urgency.
Lead daily production reviews, tier meetings, and operational performance reviews.
Ensure resources are appropriately allocated to achieve business objectives.
Maintain production readiness by proactively identifying constraints and bottlenecks.
THROUGHPUT & OPERATIONAL EXECUTION
Own monthly production targets, throughput goals, and on-time delivery performance.
Develop and execute capacity plans to support company growth.
Drive improvements in labor productivity, cycle time, and manufacturing efficiency.
Establish visual management systems and performance metrics throughout production areas.
Monitor and improve labor utilization across all shifts.
Lead bottleneck identification and resolution activities.
Develop strategies to increase production output without compromising quality or safety.
Partner with Supply Chain and Engineering to remove operational constraints.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING
Build a scalable workforce capable of supporting rapid business growth.
Ensure effective onboarding and training of new employees.
Partner with the Training Manager to establish robust OJT programs and qualification matrices.
Develop succession plans for supervisors, leads, and key technical positions.
Identify skill gaps and create plans to close them.
Promote cross-training and workforce flexibility.
Hold leaders accountable for employee development and training effectiveness.
QUALITY & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Ensure production activities comply with FAA Part 145 requirements and company procedures.
Support Quality Assurance initiatives and audit readiness.
Partner with Engineering and Quality to reduce defects, fallout, rework, and escapes.
Drive root cause corrective actions related to production performance.
Maintain strict adherence to approved work instructions and regulatory requirements.
Support customer, FAA, EASA, and third-party audits.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Lead Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence initiatives.
Implement standardized work, visual controls, and process discipline.
Drive waste reduction throughout the value stream.
Utilize KPI dashboards and data analysis to identify improvement opportunities.
Champion structured problem-solving methodologies including:
RCCA
A3
5 Why
Kaizen
PDCA
Establish a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Manage direct labor spending and productivity performance.
Develop annual labor and capacity plans.
Participate in budgeting and forecasting activities.
Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.
Support inventory reduction and WIP optimization efforts.
Ensure efficient utilization of labor, equipment, and facilities.
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and Executive Leadership.
Support new product introductions, DER programs, and repair development initiatives.
Participate in strategic planning and operational reviews.
Communicate operational risks and mitigation plans proactively.
Foster strong collaboration across all departments.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)
The Director of Production will be measured on:
On-Time Delivery (OTD)
Throughput Achievement
Labor Efficiency
Direct Labor Cost Performance
Employee Training Completion
Quality Reject Rate
Rework Rate
Safety Performance
Employee Retention
Production Schedule Attainment
Inventory Turns
Capacity Utilization
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business, or related discipline preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience
Minimum 8 years of manufacturing or aerospace operations experience.
Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing production teams.
Aerospace, MRO, FAA Part 145, AS9100, or regulated manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success scaling operations in a high-growth environment.
Proven track record improving throughput, productivity, and operational performance.
Technical Skills
Strong understanding of production planning and scheduling.
Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.
Experience utilizing production KPIs and operational dashboards.
Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Leadership Competencies
Strong people leadership and coaching ability.
High accountability and execution mindset.
Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to influence across organizational boundaries.
Strong decision-making skills in fast-paced environments.
Ability to lead organizational change and growth initiatives.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must be a U.S. Person.
Safety Sensitive Position.
Ability to support multiple shifts and occasional weekends as required.
Ability to work in office and manufacturing environments.
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position requires work to be performed on-site in Kent, Washington.
Work is performed in a combination of office and aerospace manufacturing environments. Exposure to production equipment, chemicals, noise, temperature fluctuations, and manufacturing activities is expected. Compliance with all company safety requirements is mandatory.
DEPARTMENT: Production
REPORTS TO: VP of Operations
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SHIFT: Days (Must support all shifts as business requires)
SALARY RANGE: $125,000 - $145,000 Annual
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pacific Aero Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person