MANUFACTURING MANAGER – NORTHEASTERN TENNESSEE
US Citizenship Required
Our client, an innovative defense contractor supplying military, law enforcement, and first responders with high-tech aviation products is seeking a Manufacturing Manager to drive production excellence and continuous improvement.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Strong pipeline with projected expansion. Join a growing company with 10+ person team producing complex, high-tech aerospace products used by elite military units. This Manufacturing Manager is a hands-on leader reporting directly to the President where you'll have significant impact and responsibility from day one.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Oversee daily manufacturing operations ensuring on-time delivery of high-quality products
- Manage production scheduling, ERP entries, BOM creation, and work instructions
- Drive continuous improvement in assembly workflow, quality, and efficiency
- Analyze workforce utilization, space requirements, and workflow for maximum efficiency
- Develop capital cost justifications and manage installation of new tooling/equipment
- Work directly with multiple vendors on quality issues and supply chain matters
- Hire, develop, and manage hourly production workforce
- Implement and maintain quality controls, safety programs, and OSHA compliance
- Manage payroll oversight and approval
WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE UNIQUE:
This isn't a corporate, siloed environment. You'll work cross-functionally with purchasing, quality, engineering, and vendors. When there's a quality issue, you pick up the phone and resolve it – no hiding behind emails. Initiative and hands-on problem-solving are expected and rewarded. Think small company agility working with large company contracts.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
- 7-10+ years manufacturing experience, preferably in small company environments
- Strong mechanical knowledge and understanding of how parts are manufactured and engineered
- Background in high-tech, aerospace, complicated electronics, or medical device manufacturing
- Experience managing production teams (10-15 employees) in fast-paced environments
- Proven ability to implement lean processes and drive efficiency improvements is a plus
- Self-directed with strong initiative – sees opportunities for improvement and acts on them
- Systems-savvy: proficient with MS Office, Excel, ERP/MRP systems (MS Project a plus)
- Not afraid of confrontation when needed to get results
- Engineering background beneficial but not mandatory
- Government contracting experience a plus
- US Citizenship required
WHAT YOU BRING:
- Quick learner who can pick up new concepts fast
- Strong work ethic and ability to instill that culture in your team
- Problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot under pressure
- "Get it done" mentality while maintaining professional relationships
- Ability to think strategically and prioritize optimal tasks for desired outcomes
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
- Salary: $140K-$190K+ (dependent on experience, with individual goal-based compensation)
- 22 PTO days plus 10 holidays (32 total days off)
- 100% employer-paid health insurance (BCBS silver plan)
- Relocation assistance available for the right candidate
WORK SCHEDULE & LOCATION:
Full-time, Monday-Friday position located in northeastern Tennessee (Tri-Cities region). Rural setting with excellent schools and low cost of living. Smoky Mountains and Asheville, NC both within one hour offering outdoor recreation and entertainment options while maintaining small-town quality of life.
WHY RELOCATE TO TENNESSEE?
Escape high cost of living and enjoy a family-friendly environment with excellent school systems. This region offers the perfect blend of rural convenience, natural beauty, and access to outdoor activities without sacrificing modern amenities. Quality of life and dollar go significantly further here.
Interested candidates should have verifiable manufacturing leadership experience in complex, high-tech production environments. This role requires someone who wants to build something meaningful, not just collect a paycheck.
About Gabriele & Company:
Gabriele & Company is a specialized recruiting firm focused on manufacturing and supply chain professionals. We partner with growing companies to identify and place exceptional talent in operations, quality, engineering, procurement, and leadership roles.
