Manager, Planning & Operational Excellence

Element is seeking a Department Manager (Planning & Engineering)to lead planning scheduling and program execution for aerospace testing operations in Huntington Beach. Guided by our mission of Making tomorrow safer than today this role enables safe accurate and on time delivery of complex test programs. Youll lead a team of planners and collaborate cross functionally with Engineering Lab Operations Sales and Quality to translate customer requirements into executable plans in a fast paced high impact environment.

Salary: $95000 - $115000/yr DOE

Planning & Scheduling Leadership

• Lead the planning function to ensure efficient scheduling resource allocation and on-time execution of customer work.
• Own end-to-end planning processes from work order creation through project completion.
• Monitor workflow capacity and work-in-process (WIP) to proactively identify and resolve bottlenecks.
• Develop and maintain planning standards scheduling disciplines and workload balancing practices.
• Partner with operations leadership to align capacity priorities and customer commitments.
• Establish planning metrics and performance indicators focused on schedule adherence turnaround time throughput and delivery performance.

Operational Excellence & Process Improvement

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving efficiency reducing cycle times and enhancing customer delivery performance.
• Evaluate existing workflows and business processes to identify opportunities for simplification standardization and automation.
• Develop business cases and implementation plans for operational and system improvements.
• Facilitate cross-functional improvement projects that drive measurable gains in productivity quality and operational performance.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability throughout the organization.
• Utilize Lean and operational excellence principles to eliminate waste and improve process effectiveness.

Systems & Technology Optimization

• Serve as the business lead for planning-related system enhancements and process automation initiatives.
• Partner with IT and business stakeholders to identify prioritize and implement technology solutions that improve operational effectiveness.
• Drive adoption and optimization of ERP LIMS scheduling reporting and workflow management systems.
• Develop reporting tools dashboards and performance metrics that improve visibility and decision-making.
• Ensure business processes are supported by scalable systems and data-driven workflows.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead coach and develop planning personnel to support business objectives and employee growth.
• Establish clear expectations and accountability for safety quality delivery and customer service.
• Conduct performance reviews succession planning and employee development activities.
• Manage staffing levels workload distribution scheduling and timekeeping responsibilities.
• Foster collaboration across departments and promote a positive solutions-oriented culture..

Bachelors degree in Engineering (Mechanical Materials Aerospace Industrial or related).
35 years of people management experience in laboratory testing aerospace manufacturing or a closely related technical environment.
Strong proficiency with LIMS/ERP/MRP and MS Office; capable with basic algebra/geometry for planning and tolerance/measurement context.
Proven ability to read and interpret test specifications drawings and test plans; can translate requirements into executable work orders and schedules.
Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-functional teams and communicating effectively with both technical and customer stakeholders.
Track record of delivering on safety quality and schedule commitments in a fast-paced environment.

Physical & Work Environment
On-site lab/manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE; occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
Standing/walking in lab areas; frequent computer work; occasional off-shift or weekend support to meet critical schedules.

Element is one of the fastest growing testing inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to Make tomorrow safer than today.

When failure in use is not an option we help customers make certain that their products materials processes and services are safe compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D through complex regulatory approvals and into production our global laboratory network of scientists engineers and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality sustainable outcomes and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

At Element we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming the worlds most trusted testing partner.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age disability ethnic origin gender marital status race religion responsibility of dependents sexual orientation or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about discussed or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge (b) in furtherance of an investigation proceeding hearing or action including an investigation conducted by the employer or (c) consistent with the contractors legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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