Job Description

Job Summary:
The Safran Electronics & Defense Cockpit Controls business in North America designs and manufactures flight deck control panels, integrated switch panels and light plates for the flight deck. The brand is known as IDD Aerospace and is the world leader in high volume high mix lighted panels and we are a major player in the supply of control panels, integrated switch panels, keyboards and Cursor Control devices. Our primary customers include the major OEM including BAE, Boeing, COMAC, Embraer, Gulfstream, Honeywell, Space X and Sikorsky to name a few. IDD Aerospace has two locations, one in Redmond, WA and one in Chihuahua, Mexico.

The President & CEO is responsible for the overall performance and operational efficiency of the IDD Aerospace business. This role will be in the Redmond, WA facility and accountable also for the performance of the operations in Chihuahua, Mexico. This role is fully accountable for the business objectives, including financial and operational performance as well as customer satisfaction and adherence to quality and safety standards. The President & CEO will lead cross-functional teams to achieve business goals in a high-precision development, manufacturing and customer support environment.

Essential Job Functions:
- Lead the business including sales, finance, production, quality, engineering, maintenance, human resources, IT and supply chain. This must be done through both direct reports and through collaboration with some shared services in a matrixed organization
- Develop and implement strategic plans to profitably grow the business
- Drive daily performance metrics including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
- Develop and implement strategic plans to improve operational efficiency and profitability.
- Ensure all products meet internal and external quality and compliance standards (e.g., ISO, FAA, EASA, AS9100).
- Achieve industrial and financial KPIs per the business objectives and lead regular reviews with department heads to ensure alignment with business goals, and execution of actions to achieve the goals
- Manage budget, forecasting, capital expenditures, and financial performance of the business
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and operational excellence.
- Lead talent development, coaching, and performance management to build a high-performing team.
- Promote a safe and inclusive work environment in line with Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) culture and standards while ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
- Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Required Competencies:
Education/Experience
- Bachelor's degree required. Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in leadership with a least five years in a general management role.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Proven track record of improving operational efficiency, quality, and profitability.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and technologies used in pilot control systems.
- Familiarity with industry quality standards and regulatory requirements (AS9100, ISO 9001, FAA regulations)
- Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Proficiency data-driven decision-making.
- Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems desired but not required
- Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets, analyze P&L statements, and drive cost controls.
- Ability to and familiarity working in a matrixed environment
- Organizational awareness
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to direct, motivate, and provide constructive feedback
Leadership skills / Management skills / Personal skills

- Effective change agent, capable of leading organizational transformation and culture-building.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to align site goals with overall corporate objectives
- Ability to collaborate well with peers and superiors who will be internal customers and suppliers within the larger Safran company
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.
- Ability to manage complex operations with multiple departments and high product mix.
- Ability to manage and solve conflicts
- Ability to analyze and synthesize
- High integrity and a strong sense of accountability
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of the organization
- Customer-focused with a commitment to quality and on-time delivery.
- Resilient, adaptable, and resourceful in managing through challenges and ambiguity.

But what else? (advantages, specific features, etc.)

Travel Specificity:
20% travel, including internationally to Europe and Mexico.

Experience in relevant Business sector:

Experience within the aerospace industry a plus, not required.

Company Information

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.