Director, Operations
New Hampshire Ball Bearings, Inc. (NHBB) is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Operations to lead multiple aerospace manufacturing facilities across several U.S. locations. This executive-level leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence, manufacturing performance, safety, quality, continuous improvement, and organizational alignment across a multi-site manufacturing environment.
The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative operations leader with a strong background in aerospace manufacturing, multi-site operational leadership, and Lean manufacturing principles. This role partners closely with the President and executive leadership team to align operational execution with long-term business strategy, customer expectations, and growth initiatives.
This position is best suited for a hands-on leader who thrives in complex manufacturing environments and has experience leading aerospace, precision machining, engineered products, or highly regulated manufacturing operations.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Leadership & Strategy
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Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for multiple manufacturing facilities across several states.
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Translate corporate objectives into measurable operational goals, performance standards, and execution strategies.
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Partner closely with the President and executive leadership team to support long-term business growth, operational scalability, and customer satisfaction.
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Lead organizational initiatives focused on operational excellence, workforce development, and manufacturing innovation.
Multi-Site Manufacturing Operations
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Oversee daily operations including production, quality, supply chain, logistics, maintenance, and manufacturing engineering.
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Ensure facilities consistently achieve or exceed key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
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Standardize operational processes and implement manufacturing best practices across all sites.
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Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency, throughput, and profitability.
Aerospace Manufacturing Excellence
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Ensure compliance with aerospace manufacturing standards, customer requirements, and regulatory expectations.
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Support precision manufacturing operations involving highly engineered products, tight tolerances, and complex manufacturing processes.
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Collaborate with engineering, quality, and operations teams to support operational readiness, customer delivery performance, and program execution.
Leadership & Organizational Development
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Lead, coach, and develop plant managers, operational leaders, and cross-functional teams.
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Foster a culture of accountability, employee engagement, safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
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Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, succession planning, leadership development, and retention initiatives.
Financial & Operational Performance
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Support operational budgeting, capital planning, cost control, and resource optimization initiatives.
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Analyze operational data and manufacturing metrics to improve productivity, capacity utilization, and profitability.
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Support investments in manufacturing technology, automation, equipment, and facility improvements.
Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
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Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and industry regulations including OSHA, EPA, and aerospace customer requirements.
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Champion environmental health and safety initiatives across all operations.
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Identify operational risks and implement proactive mitigation strategies.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, Manufacturing, or related field required; MBA preferred.
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Minimum 10–15 years of progressive manufacturing operations leadership experience.
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Minimum 5 years leading multi-site manufacturing operations.
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Significant experience within the aerospace manufacturing industry strongly preferred.
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Experience leading precision machining, engineered products, metal manufacturing, bearings, motion control, or highly regulated manufacturing environments preferred.
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Proven success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.
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Experience working within multinational organizations and diverse operational cultures preferred.
Leadership Competencies
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Strong executive leadership and team development skills.
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Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-site manufacturing operations.
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Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
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Strong communication and relationship-building skills with executives, customers, and frontline employees.
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Proven ability to drive organizational change and operational transformation.
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Ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 30%.
Important U.S. Export Compliance Requirement
Due to U.S. government export control regulations and aerospace industry compliance requirements, applicants must be a:
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U.S. Citizen,
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U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder),
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or person granted asylum or refugee status in the United States.
Candidates with aerospace manufacturing experience, particularly within regulated or defense-related manufacturing environments, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Why Join NHBB?
NHBB is a recognized leader in precision aerospace manufacturing and engineered motion-control solutions. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact across multiple manufacturing operations while leading high-performing teams in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment focused on innovation, quality, and operational excellence.
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New Hampshire Ball Bearings, Inc. (NHBB) is a leading manufacturer of precision bearings and complex bearing assemblies for the aerospace, defense, medical, dental, and high technology markets. Founded in Peterborough, NH in 1946, our almost 8 decades of success are rooted in our commitment to the safety, health and wellness of our employees, and partnerships with our customers, suppliers and the communities that surround us.
Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled
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