Finance Operations Manager - Defense Manufacturing

Operations Finance Manager – Aerospace ManufacturerLocation: Inglewood, California (Onsite)Compensation: $125,000 - $155,000+ Base (flexibility for exceptional candidates)The OpportunityMost finance roles report on what happened. This role will help determine what happens next.Seeking an Operations Finance Manager to partner directly with Operations leadership and build the processes, reporting, forecasting, and cost management infrastructure needed to support a rapidly growing defense manufacturing enterprise.This is a newly created role with significant visibility and influence across the organization. Reporting into Finance while embedded within Operations, you will work directly with manufacturing leaders, program teams, and executive leadership to establish the operational metrics, cost models, budgets, and performance management systems that drive profitable growth.If you understand manufacturing operations, cost accounting, earned value concepts, budgeting, forecasting, and how production performance ultimately impacts program profitability, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.Why This Role MattersThe company is evolving from a traditional manufacturing company into a modern defense technology enterprise supporting some of the nation's most critical aerospace and defense programs.The company has a substantial backlog, expanding facilities, growing production demands, and increasing focus on operational excellence.To support that growth, the company is investing in a dedicated Operations Finance function that will:Establish manufacturing cost and performance management processesCreate meaningful operational dashboards and KPIsImprove forecasting accuracy and Estimate-at-Completion (EAC) methodologiesDevelop budget accountability from the program level down to individual work centersSupport capital investment decisions and productivity initiativesDrive continuous improvement across manufacturing operationsThis is an opportunity to build something rather than inherit it.What You'll DoBecome the Financial Partner to OperationsWork directly with supervisors, managers, directors, and executive leadership to improve financial visibility throughout manufacturing operations.Build Cost & Performance Management SystemsDevelop reporting and analytics that measure:Labor utilizationManufacturing efficiencyBudget performanceCost performanceSchedule performanceForecast accuracyResource utilizationDrive Budgeting & ForecastingLead the development of:Annual operating budgetsManufacturing cost center budgetsLabor forecastsProgram support estimatesEstimate-at-Completion (EAC) projectionsImprove Operational Decision-MakingCreate dashboards and reporting tools that translate complex data into actionable business decisions.Support Growth InitiativesPartner with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Business Development teams on:New business proposalsCapital investment analysisProductivity initiativesCost reduction programsManufacturing process improvementsDevelop Manufacturing Cost StandardsHelp establish and improve:Engineered standardsWork measurement systemsLabor performance metricsTime studiesLearning curve analysisCost estimating methodologiesWhat We're Looking ForRequired Experience5+ years of Operations Finance, Manufacturing Finance, Cost Accounting, Industrial Engineering Finance, or Program Finance experienceExperience supporting manufacturing operations in an aerospace, defense, or highly regulated production environmentStrong budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis backgroundExperience developing operational KPIs and performance reportingAdvanced Excel and financial modeling skillsAbility to influence leaders across Operations and FinanceAerospace & Defense manufacturingDOD contracting environmentManufacturing cost estimatingEngineered labor standardsFAR / TINA familiarityProposal pricing supportPreferred ExperienceEarned Value Management (EVM)Capital investment analysis (ROI, IRR)EducationBachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or related fieldMBA, CMA, PMP, APICS, or related certifications are a plusWhat Success Looks LikeWithin your first year, you will help the company establish a more integrated approach to operational financial management by:Creating meaningful manufacturing performance dashboardsImproving budget accountability throughout OperationsImplementing repeatable forecasting and EAC methodologiesStrengthening the connection between Operations, Programs, and FinanceIdentifying cost savings and productivity opportunitiesBuilding the foundation for future growth of the Operations Finance function