Director of Transformation

POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Transformation leads the strategic and tactical transformation of the repair station’s operations, driving initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times, eliminate waste, and strengthen overall operational performance. Reporting to executive leadership, this role owns the transformation roadmap end to end – from identifying improvement opportunities across the shop floor, back office, and supply chain, to executing change and embedding a culture of continuous improvement – all while maintaining full compliance with FAA Part 145 requirements and the station’s Repair Station and Quality Control Manuals., Transformation Leadership · Develop, own, and execute the enterprise transformation roadmap, prioritizing initiatives by impact on efficiency, cost, quality, and turnaround time (TAT).Lead cross-functional transformation actions across production, maintenance planning, materials/supply chain, quality assurance, and support functions. · Establish and chair a transformation governance structure (steering committee, initiative reviews, stage gates) to keep projects on schedule and accountable. · Serve as the primary change agent, aligning department leaders, technicians, inspectors, and support staff behind transformation goals.

Operational Efficiency & Continuous Improvement · Identify and eliminate sources of waste, bottlenecks, and non-value-added activity across intake, induction, work scoping, parts provisioning, execution, inspection, and return-to-service processes. · Deploy Lean, Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, and other continuous improvement methodologies appropriate to an MRO environment; lead kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops. · Reduce aircraft/component turnaround time, improve on-time delivery, increase touch-time and wrench-time ratios, and improve first-pass yield. · Optimize shop-floor layout, workflow, tooling availability, and capacity planning to increase throughput without compromising quality or safety. · Drive improvements in parts availability, vendor performance, and inventory management to minimize AOG delays and work stoppages.

Digital & Process Modernization · Assist in evaluating, selecting, and implementing digital tools (ERP/MRO software, electronic task cards, real-time production dashboards, barcode/RFID tracking) that improve visibility and efficiency. · Establish and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational dashboards; institutionalize data-driven decision-making at all levels of the operation. · Standardize processes and work instructions across shops and shifts to reduce variability. Compliance & Quality Alignment · Ensure all transformation initiatives comply with 14 CFR Part 145, the Repair Station Manual (RSM), Quality Control Manual (QCM), and applicable OEM and customer requirements. · Partner with the Quality Assurance and Accountable Manager functions to ensure process changes are properly documented, evaluated, and approved before implementation. · Embed safety management system (SMS) principles into all improvement work; ensure efficiency gains never compromise airworthiness or safety. People & Culture · Build continuous improvement capability across the workforce through training, coaching, and certification programs (e.g., Lean/Six Sigma belts). · Lead change management efforts – communication plans, stakeholder engagement, and resistance management – to ensure improvements are adopted and sustained. · Develop and mentor a team of continuous improvement professionals and initiative leads. Financial Stewardship · Build business cases for transformation initiatives, including ROI analysis and capital requests. · Track and report realized savings, productivity gains, and margin improvement to executive leadership. · Support annual operating plan and budget development with efficiency targets.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aviation Management, Business, Operations Management, or a related field or equivalent experience. 10+ years of progressive experience in aviation maintenance, MRO, or a comparable regulated manufacturing/repair environment, including 5+ years in a leadership role. Demonstrated success leading large-scale operational transformation or continuous improvement programs with measurable results (TAT reduction, cost savings, throughput gains). Strong working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 145 repair station operations, quality systems, and FAA regulatory requirements. Formal Lean and/or Six Sigma training (Black Belt or equivalent preferred). Proven change management and cross-functional leadership skills. Strong analytical skills; proficiency with operational data, KPIs, and business case development., Master’s degree (MBA, Engineering Management, or similar). FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate or equivalent technical background. Experience implementing or optimizing MRO/ERP systems (e.g., Ramco, CORRIDOR, AMOS, TRAX, Empower MX). Experience with EASA Part-145 or other international regulatory frameworks. PMP or equivalent program management certification.

SUCCESS FACTORS/JOB COMPETENCIES:

Thorough knowledge of Safety, Health and Environmental fundamentals, regulations, systems, and resources. Well organized. Compliance minded. Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to conduct training and to help develop a curriculum. Able to meet deadlines. Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand Standard English for general work correspondence and for producing work products. Must be able to adhere to all established safety policies, processes and procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Split time between office and shop floor/hangar environments. Occasional travel to customer sites, vendors, and other company facilities. Must be able to work in an active maintenance environment (noise, movement of aircraft/components, PPE required in designated areas).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required use the fingers to make small movements such as typing, picking up small objects, or pinching fingers together. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. WORK AUTHORIZATION/SECURITY CLEARANCE: Must be able to legally work in the US without sponsorship.