Production Director

Job Description: Production Director

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Production Director to lead the build-out and operation of a highly automated production facility. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on scaling manufacturing capabilities, assembling top-tier teams, and driving products from prototype to market at speed. You will own end-to-end production strategy with an emphasis on automation, efficiency, quality, and rapid delivery of complex hardware (likely in aerospace, space systems, automotive, or advanced technology sectors).What is the text in parenthesis . I do not understand what it means?

The ideal candidate has deep experience at world-class organizations and can deliver results that surpass typical aerospace/defense benchmarks.

Key Responsibilities

We should put a couple bullets that we actually want them to design and build out the entire facility..not just people..that is the heart of what I am looking for…so please emphasize that…Design , lead development, and operational readiness of world class satellite production facility..like really hit these points

• Build and Lead High-Performing Production Teams: Recruit, develop, and mentor talent capable of executing at the highest levels. Prioritize attracting exceptional individuals with backgrounds from elite organizations.
• Design and Implement Automated Production Facilities: Lead the planning, commissioning, and optimization of advanced automated manufacturing lines. Drive processes that enable high-volume, high-reliability output.
• Scale Production to Market: Own the transition of products from development into full-rate production. Focus relentlessly on bringing high-quality products to market faster and more efficiently.
• Process Optimization & Automation: Implement lean manufacturing principles, automation technologies, robotics, and digital systems (MES, ERP, etc.) to maximize throughput, minimize defects, and reduce costs.
• Quality, Safety & Compliance: Establish and maintain rigorous quality standards, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance (ITAR, AS9100, ISO, etc. as applicable).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with engineering, supply chain, quality, and program teams to resolve bottlenecks and ensure production readiness.
• Performance Metrics & Continuous Improvement: Define and track KPIs (yield, cycle time, OEE, on-time delivery, cost per unit). Drive data-driven improvements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven Track Record: 8+ years of progressive leadership in production/manufacturing operations, with significant experience scaling automated facilities in complex hardware environments (satellites,automotive, vehicles, electronics, or similar).
• Background Preferred: Strong Manufacturing background in aerospace or automotive
• Automation Expertise: Hands-on success implementing automated production systems, robotics, and smart factory technologies.
• Team Building: Demonstrated ability to recruit, build, and lead high-output manufacturing teams in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
• Technical & Business Acumen: Strong understanding of manufacturing engineering, supply chain, quality systems, and product-to-market lifecycles. Ability to balance technical excellence with business outcomes (cost, schedule, quality).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering (delete mechanical engineering), Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations/Supply Chain Management or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• Personal Attributes: Bias for action, strong ownership mindset, excellent communication skills, and comfort operating in ambiguous, high-growth settings. (you can delete this…that will show up in interview)

What Success Looks Like

• A fully operational, automated production facility delivering products at scale by late 2028.
• A high-caliber production team recognized for performance and culture.
• Measurable improvements in time-to-market, quality, and cost efficiency.

If you are a results-driven production leader who has “done it before” at the highest levels and is excited to build something exceptional, we want to hear from you.

This JD is directly informed by your notes: emphasis on stealing top talent from the listed companies, building automated production capability, assembling the right team, and a sharp focus on bringing products to market.

Would you like me to adjust the tone (more formal/casual), add specific technical requirements, tailor it to a particular company, include salary range, or create a shorter version for LinkedIn/posting?