Performance Center Director
The Manufacturing General Manager (Performance Center
Director) is a senior operations leader with full P&L responsibility for a
complex aerospace structures manufacturing site. This role is designed for a
leader who thrives in high-expectation, action-oriented environments and has a
proven track record of improving performance, not maintaining it.
The successful candidate will be accountable for driving
measurable improvements in cost, delivery, quality, and working capital, while
strengthening operational discipline and talent capability. This is not a
steady-state leadership role. The General Manager is expected to actively
engage in problem-solving, challenge existing processes, and move the
organization forward at pace.
Revenue: Approximately $60M
Employees: Approximately 150
Who are we?
Founded in 1849, Ducommun is the oldest company in California. Starting as a hardware supply store during the California Gold Rush and eventually assisted in the birth of the aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace pioneers like Lindbergh, Douglas and Lockheed.
Today Ducommun is a global provider of innovative manufacturing solutions for customers in the aerospace, defense and industrial markets. We specialize in electronic and structural systems, producing complex products and components for commercial aircraft platforms, mission-critical military and space programs, and sophisticated industrial applications.
Our Facility in Parsons, Ks manufactures
precision parts for passenger and military aircraft. Travelers around the world
count on our employees for their commitment to quality.
Job Summary
Key Responsibilities
Business & P&L Leadership
- Own
full-site P&L with direct accountability for operating income, cash
flow, cost structure, and productivity improvements.
- Translate
strategic objectives into aggressive, achievable operating plans and
execute with urgency.
- Identify
underperforming areas quickly and implement corrective actions decisively.
Operational Excellence & Execution
- Lead
manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, and support functions to deliver
sustained improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
- Drive
continuous improvement initiatives that result in tangible gains, not
theoretical models.
- Actively
remove barriers to execution, making timely decisions in imperfect
conditions.
- Ensure
operational readiness for new programs, volume changes, and evolving
customer requirements.
Change Leadership & Culture
- Set a
clear performance standard and hold leaders accountable for results.
- Lead
cultural change initiatives that reinforce ownership, accountability, and
continuous improvement.
- Personally
model Lean and Six Sigma behaviors through visible engagement and
follow-through.
- Build
a culture that rewards problem-solving, adaptability, and results over
process preservation.
Cross-Functional & Customer Interface
- Partner
with program management, finance, engineering, and corporate functions to
ensure alignment and execution.
- Support
contract execution and customer commitments through hands-on operational
leadership.
- Participate
in bid/no-bid decisions and make/buy analysis with a focus on
manufacturability and margin.
- Engage with customers and suppliers as needed
Required Skills and Leadership Profile
- Results-driven
leader who is comfortable operating in environments with change, pressure,
and competing priorities.
- Demonstrated
ability to move an organization from acceptable performance to higher
standards.
- Strong
executive presence with the ability to challenge constructively and lead
difficult conversations.
- Decisive,
data-driven, and willing to act without perfect information.
- High
energy, resilient, and visible on the manufacturing floor.
- Comfortable
in fiscally disciplined organizations where leaders are expected to do more with less.
Required Experience &
Qualifications
- Bachelor's
degree in Engineering or Business required; Master's or MBA preferred.
- 10-15+ years of
progressive manufacturing leadership experience with increasing scope and
accountability.
- Prior Full P&L
ownership of a manufacturing operation is required.
- Demonstrated
success leading operational improvement, turnaround efforts, or
step-change performance initiatives.
- Deep
understanding of Lean manufacturing, process control, and continuous
improvement in an aerospace or regulated - manufacturing environment.
- Experience in
aerospace structures manufacturing strongly preferred.
- Strong
understanding of financial metrics
- Proven ability
to develop leaders and strengthen bench capability while driving results.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Veterans/Disabled
3333 Main Street
Parsons, Kansas, 67357
United States