Operations Manager – Drone Manufacturing, Production & Quality

EXEDY Globalparts Corporation is seeking an experienced and highly effective Operations Manager to lead our rapidly growing drone manufacturing operation. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing production, quality, compliance, inventory control, shipping/logistics, and operational performance within our agricultural drone business.

We are looking for a leader who can build accountability, develop people, drive continuous improvement, and create a culture of excellence. The ideal candidate has a strong manufacturing and quality background, understands technical products, and has a proven track record of successfully leading teams in a fast-paced environment.

What You'll Do

Lead daily operations of the drone production and manufacturing facility.
Manage production planning, scheduling, inventory control, and workflow efficiency.
Oversee quality assurance, inspection processes, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ensure compliance with company procedures, safety standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Partner closely with Engineering, Systems & Controls, and Mechanical teams to support new product introductions and production readiness.
Establish performance expectations, accountability measures, and operational KPIs.
Develop, coach, and mentor supervisors, technicians, assemblers, and support personnel.
Drive process improvements that increase productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Manage shipping, logistics, and fulfillment operations to ensure on-time delivery.
Lead root-cause investigations and corrective action activities for production and quality issues.
Build a positive, high-performance culture focused on teamwork, ownership, and results.
Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
Minimum 7 years of manufacturing, operations, production, or industrial management experience.
Minimum 5 years of direct leadership experience managing teams in a manufacturing or production environment.
Experience managing quality systems, inspections, corrective actions, and process improvements.
Strong understanding of production planning, inventory management, and operational metrics.
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and improving operational performance.
Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and employee development skills.
Ability to hold teams accountable while maintaining positive working relationships.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Preferred Qualifications

Experience in aerospace, robotics, unmanned systems, automotive, electronics manufacturing, or other highly technical industries.
Working knowledge of ISO quality systems and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
APICS CPIM, PMP, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related certifications.
Technical understanding of electrical, mechanical, robotic, or autonomous systems.
What We're Looking For

This position requires more than operational expertise. We are seeking a leader who:

Earns respect through professionalism and consistency.
Creates accountability without creating conflict.
Develops employees and builds strong teams.
Communicates effectively at all levels of the organization.
Leads by example and embraces continuous improvement.
Thrives in a growing, entrepreneurial environment where processes and teams are evolving.
Benefits:

401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person