Chief of Staff
On-siteKinston, North Carolina, United States
Job Summary
Implement and maintain the Kinston plant governance structure while driving the Objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) cascade across the manufacturing facility. Oversee operational transformation initiatives and competitiveness workstreams, collaborating with Finance to analyze cost reduction trajectories aligned with the Sparrow program. Direct high-priority 'Tier 1' strategic initiatives and act as Recovery Manager to mobilize cross-functional teams, resolving critical production bottlenecks and restoring baseline operational performance during disruptions. Draft executive briefings, tactical status reports, and strategic presentations for Senior Vice Presidents and Executive Vice Presidents. Serve as the central operational liaison between plant leadership and key functional departments, including Human Resources, Finance, Engineering, Quality, and Operations. Represent plant leadership in internal regional working groups and key operational committees to foster organizational alignment. This role reports directly to the General Manager & Vice President of Airbus Aerosystems Kinston Inc., focusing on site competitiveness and seamless execution of operational strategies within the aerospace manufacturing environment.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, manufacturing, or a related industrial discipline, or equivalent experience in a manufacturing environment
- 8+ years of professional experience in an aerospace, complex manufacturing, or high-level industrial engineering environment
- demonstrated history of coordinating cross-functional projects
- Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes
- Strong understanding of industrial performance metrics
- Strong understanding of operational recovery frameworks
- Strong understanding of project management methodologies
- Strong business acumen with the capability to support financial budget reviews and analyze operational data
- Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to draft professional, board-level executive briefings
- Demonstrated ability to present complex operational data clearly to diverse internal stakeholders, plant leadership, and global executives
- Proficiency with advanced operational and data analysis systems (such as Skywise)
- Proficiency with project management tracking software
- Proficiency with standard executive suite tools (presentation design, spreadsheets, and reporting databases)
- 10% Domestic and International travel
- Able to work in US without current or future need for visa sponsorship
- Current work authorization
- Onsite work at the company's location in Kinston, NC
- Able to see and read computer screen and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents, reports and engineering drawings
- Able to hear to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds on production floor including safety warnings or alarms
- Able to speak in conversations and meetings, deliver information and participate in communications
- Able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment and some tools including production tools such as hydraulic lifts
- Able to carry documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30 lbs / 14 kgs
- Able to lift documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 30 lbs / 14 kgs
- Able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment and tools
- Able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on computer
- Able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving
- Able to stand for discussions in offices or on production floor
- Able to travel independently and at short notice (approximately 10% of the time)
- Able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces
- Safety Shoes
- Safety Glasses
- Hearing Protection
- Protective Gloves
- Steel-toed shoes
Desired Qualifications
- Master's or postgraduate degree in business administration, engineering management, or industrial leadership
- 10+ years of experience with direct exposure to aerospace plant management operations
- direct exposure to strategic operational recovery
- management consulting experience
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Lean Six Sigma certification
- Familiarity with the Airbus Operating System (AOS)
- Familiarity with Lean manufacturing practices
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