Job SummaryThe Site Director has overall responsibility for the performance of GKN Aerospace's Phoenix operation, leading across Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, Engineering, Health and Safety, Finance, and People.
Phoenix is an approximately 90-person, high-value aerospace operation that serves as the hub for a broader global program, supported by smaller teams in the UK and Poland. The role combines hands-on site leadership with significant customer, supplier, financial, and cross-functional complexity across a matrixed global organization.
We are looking for a strong leader who can strengthen execution, raise performance expectations, develop the leadership team, and create greater ownership and accountability across the operation.
What you'll DoLead the Business- Set direction for the site, translate business priorities into measurable results, and hold functional leaders accountable for site and customer commitments.
- Own P&L and financial performance, including budget, forecast, productivity, inventory, working capital, cost, and capital investment.
- Use operational and financial data to identify risks, make sound decisions, and improve business performance.
Lead Customers & the Global Program- Serve as the senior site representative with customers, suppliers, and GKN Aerospace leadership, including during major performance or recovery issues.
- Work across Phoenix, UK, and Poland teams to align priorities, resolve issues, and deliver overall program commitments.
Drive Operational Excellence- Lead People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cash, and Cost performance through the GKN Aerospace Lean Operating Model.
- Maintain accountability for safe, compliant operations and strong quality and regulatory discipline across manufacturing, supply chain, supplier performance, planning, inventory, and logistics.
- Drive structured problem solving, continuous improvement, and lasting resolution of recurring operational and supplier issues.
Build Leadership & Culture- Build a strong Site Leadership Team with clear expectations, accountability, and shared ownership for business results.
- Create a culture where problems are raised early, difficult issues are addressed directly, and people take ownership.
- Coach and develop leaders while addressing capability or performance gaps when needed.
What You'll BringRequired - Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience in Engineering, Operations, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
- Progressive leadership experience in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, or another complex regulated manufacturing environment, with responsibility across multiple functions.
- Strong financial and business acumen, including P&L, budgets, forecasts, working capital, and operational cost drivers.
- Demonstrated ability to improve performance, accountability, and execution while leading senior customers, suppliers, executives, and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing, structured problem solving, continuous improvement, and developing experienced leaders.
Preferred - Previous Site Director, General Manager, Plant Manager, Operations Director, Program Director, or comparable leadership experience.
- Aerospace manufacturing experience with OEMs, engine manufacturers, or Tier 1 suppliers.
- Experience leading across multiple locations or international teams, including AS9100, aerospace regulatory requirements, complex supply chains, supplier recovery, or significant operational change.
