Manager, Manufacturing

Company: Saab
Location: Lafayette
Posted on: November 2, 2025

Job Description:

Job Description: At Saab in West Lafayette, IN, you have the opportunity to join a team that manufactures the rear section of the T-7A Redhawk military trainer aircraft for the United States Air Force. This flagship facility utilizes advanced manufacturing techniques and leverages research and development to support Saab’s broad product portfolio. As Saab continues to grow our manufacturing operations, we are seeking Manufacturing Managers to help lead our world-class production system and assembly team. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills, the ability to see opportunities and continuous improvement focus, with significant experience creating and delivering integrated process-improvements in an aerospace or advanced manufacturing operation. Responsibilities will include: Execute the vision, creation, and maintenance of a “Smart Factory” production system with a people first culture and our core values. Effectively recruit and transform new structural assemblers into a highly functioning team utilizing best practices in training and standardized work development Drive workplace accountability through active management, organization, workforce education and technical training, and feedback at all levels of the organization. Set and articulate goals (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Morale), building a team around those goals to deliver a culture of continual process improvement through implementation and ownership. Champion the core Company values: Trust, Drive, Expertise and Support. Lead production system by directing large teams in collaboration with safety, quality, engineering, supply chain, and human resources in startup of a Greenfield operation. Identify strategic initiatives and drive improvements by establishing individual and team objectives as well as performance measures. Responsible for cost, budget and accountability of human resources including staffing/hiring teams members, providing on-going feedback, determining compensation and making recommendations regarding overall employment decisions (including but not limited to hiring, termination, performance management, training and career development). Partner with Program Managers, Team Leads, Senior Management or others in order to effectively anticipate organizational challenges likely to occur due to the dynamics of the business environment and formulate contingency plans and coping strategies Provide support and oversight for multi-shift operation. Compensation Range: $128,800-$167,400 This position is based out of West Lafayette, IN. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training. Skills and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or similar field required. MBA, M.Sc. or an equivalent documented education a plus. 7 years' experience leading a large-scale operation is required, prior aerospace production management experience is preferred. Experience managing and driving productivity across a multi-shift operation. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with team building experience working in an international environment. Experience creating and maintaining an operating budget, forecasting and executing resource requirements, and developing business proposals to meet company objectives. Proven ability to drive accountability and performance through frontline people leaders. The ability to grow and mentor technical talent by identifying, crafting, and implementing development and compensation plans. The ability to identify, qualify and cultivate strategic partnerships in support of functional and business objectives internally and externally. Strong lean foundation and discipline to 6S, FOD, and other waste and risk reduction techniques Leading manufacturing in a DoD environment and acting as a representative on behalf of the business. Previous work with labor unions and labor contracts preferred. Citizenship Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident (green card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Drug-Free Workplaces: Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen. Benefits: Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits. Highlights include: Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays 401(k) with employer contributions Tuition assistance and student loan assistance Wellness and employee assistance resources Employee stock purchase opportunities Short-term and long-term disability coverage About Us: Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 19,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in eight U.S. locations. Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.

Keywords: Saab, Lafayette , Manager, Manufacturing, Human Resources , Lafayette, Indiana