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Director of Operations

Job details

General information

Entity

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

Reference number

2025-163616

Job details

Domain

Production

Job field / Job profile

Manufacture assembly and repair - Production/ repair director

Job title

Director of Operations

Employment type

Permanent

Professional category

Professional, Engineer & Manager

Part time / Full time

Full-time

Job description

Job Summary:

The Director of Operations, reporting to the President & CEO of SEDA Pilot Controls and EMS, will lead and unify production and supporting operations across multiple sites. This role is a unique opportunity for a collaborative, change-oriented P&L executive with a proven track record in manufacturing highly regulated aerospace components for both commercial and military customers. The ideal candidate will drive operational excellence through innovation, continuous improvement, and a customer-focused systems perspective.

Essential Job Functions:

• Own full P&L responsibility for multi-site production facilities in the U.S. and Mexico, including manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, and test operations. Oversee inventory optimization and supply chain collaboration to meet customer-driven production goals.

• Set and communicate a clear vision for the Operations team, aligning contributions with SEDA's annual business plan and long-term strategic vision, leveraging the One Safran management system.

• Foster a growth-oriented, collaborative, and accountable culture focused on continuous improvement, employee engagement, and open communication to sustain high-performing teams and organizational growth.

• Establish and manage operational and financial performance through KPIs/OKRs, cascading accountability across all levels, including frontline employees.

• Provide timely performance visibility to team members and deliver comprehensive reporting for business reviews.

• Serve as a member of the Executive Committee, contributing to annual reviews of mission, vision, and strategy. Develop and implement strategic objectives, annual action plans, and budgets for Operations while adapting to changing business conditions.

• Collaborate cross-functionally on design development, product trials, and SIOP processes to align demand, supply, and inventory for optimal efficiency and customer service.

• Ensure all operations comply with ethical standards, regulations, and company policies, with a strong focus on HSE compliance and proactive safety practices.

- Other duties as assigned.

But what else? (advantages, specificities, etc.)

Additional Information

• Travel: Up to 50% between Irvine, CA and Mexicali, MX.

• Physical Demands: Primarily office-based, with occasional lab work requiring close-range observation, light lifting (up to 10 lbs), and use of office/lab equipment.

• Work Environment: Office (quiet) and lab (occasional hearing protection required).

Other Requirement:

1. Must be authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.

2. This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. green card holder), political asylee or refugee

Safran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Candidate skills & requirements

Required Competencies:

• Accountability & Results: Full ownership of operational outcomes, including P&L performance.

• Strategic Vision: Ability to define and execute credible vision and strategy with awareness of industry trends.

• Change Leadership: Proven success in leading positive change, overcoming silos, and institutionalizing improvement.

• Team Leadership: Builds empowered, collaborative teams and drives accountability at all levels.

• Customer Focus: Cultivates strong customer and supplier partnerships, ensuring satisfaction and agility.

• Technology Savvy: Leverages technology for innovation and organizational improvement.

• Cultural Intelligence: Adapts effectively across cultural contexts, fostering diverse collaboration.

• Ethics & Integrity: Demonstrates honesty, transparency, humility, and ethical leadership.

• Communication: Strong oral and written communication across all levels, internally and externally.

Education & Experience

• Proven financial and operational leadership of a $150M+ business, with expertise in planning, budgeting, capability development, and customer satisfaction in aerospace and defense.

• Track record of leading high-performance operations teams across multiple sites (400+ employees) within an IPT model.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills with internal and external stakeholders.

• Expertise in process improvement, Lean/Six Sigma, balanced scorecard management, and AS9100/ISO9002 systems.

• Ability to drive change programs integrating process, systems, people strategies, and communication.

• MBA or equivalent, or 10+ years of P&L/cost center leadership.

• Strong aerospace/aviation industry knowledge; experience in foreign-owned companies preferred.

• Bilingual English–Spanish preferred (not required).

Annual salary

$134K-$215K

Job location

Job location

North America, United States, California

City (-ies)

1833 Alton Parkway CA 92606 Irvine

Applicant criteria

Minimum education level achieved

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum experience level required

More than 8 years

ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency

Yes