Depot Operations Manager

Depot Operations Manager

We are seeking a proven leader to transform and scale our depot repair operations. This role will own the end-to-end execution of depot-level repair, troubleshooting down to the component level, and will be accountable for building a disciplined, predictable, and scalable repair system.

The Depot Operations Manager will rebuild process into a best-in-class operation that supports growth, quality, and customer commitments. This is a change agent role.

Major Job Activities:

• Operational Leadership
• Own the execution of all depot maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) programs from intake to shipment.
• Establish daily/weekly scheduling discipline for MRO work, tied to part availability and contract deliverables.
• Ensure turnaround time, throughput, and quality performance meet or exceed program and customer expectations.
• Process Transformation
• Map current-state flows and rebuild them into structured, repeatable processes.
• Codify tribal knowledge into standard troubleshooting guides, repair playbooks, and work instructions including commonality across all MRO/Depot programs.
• Drive standardization and simplification in how repair work is planned, documented, and executed.
• Workforce Development & Knowledge Capture
• Capture expertise from senior technicians before retirement and convert it into permanent training assets.
• Stand up an apprentice/junior technician pipeline to ensure sustainability of the workforce.
• Create career pathways and training plans for repair personnel.
• Cross-Functional Integration
• Partner with New Build Operations and Supply Chain to align on repair part availability and sourcing.
• Partner with Engineering to resolve recurring failure modes and improve test coverage.
• Interface with Program Management and senior leadership to provide transparency on repair execution status.
• Performance Management
• Define and implement key metrics: turnaround time, backlog visibility, first-pass yield, rework rates.
• Stand up visual dashboards and reports to track repair health at all levels.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts to reduce cycle time and increase throughput.

Qualifications:

Education/Certifications:

• Bachelors in related field
• Must have the ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.

Experience:

• 10+ years of leadership experience in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul, depot sustainment, or component-level troubleshooting (aerospace/defense preferred).
• Demonstrated success in organizational transformation continuous improvements in processes and approaches for cost and schedule optimization enabling scaling for growth.
• Strong technical foundation in electronic/mechanical troubleshooting and repair.
• Proven experience implementing scheduling, process control, and workforce development systems.
• Familiarity with industry standards/regulations (AS9100, ISO, FAA/DoD depot practices).
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to reset culture and drive accountability.
• Experience with SAP S4/HANA or similar ERP/MRP repair scheduling environments.
• Prior responsibility for leading a depot or repair team through major growth.
• Lean/Six Sigma or continuous improvement certifications.
• Experience bridging the gap between shop floor technicians, engineering, supply chain, program management, and executive leadership.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.