L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Production Manager, Operations Management

Reference #35673

Waterdown, Ontario

Primary Responsibilities Operational Execution

• Lead day‑to‑day production operations within assigned manufacturing areas to meet master schedule requirements, output targets, and cost objectives.
• Translate strategic and operating plans from Senior Manager, Operations Management into actionable weekly and monthly action plans.
• Ensure production activities are executed efficiently with minimal overhead, waste, and material usage.
• Monitor and manage key production metrics (schedule adherence, yield, cycle time, labor productivity, rework, scrap) and initiate corrective actions as required.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and develop Production Supervisors, Leads, and hourly production employees.
• Build a culture of accountability, integrity, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance reviews, support training initiatives, manage staffing levels, and recommend promotions or role adjustments.
• Foster strong communication across shifts and between production, quality, engineering, and planning.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Environmental Health & Safety policies, facility security requirements, and all L3Harris operating procedures.
• Maintain strict adherence to AS9100 standards and ensure all production processes meet quality requirements.
• Lead root cause investigations for production or quality issues and drive corrective/preventive actions to maintain customer satisfaction.

Continuous Improvement

• Support and execute Lean/Six Sigma improvement activities to reduce cost, improve flow, and eliminate non‑value‑added operations.
• Identify opportunities to streamline operations, optimize labor, and improve equipment utilization.
• Participate in major operational initiatives, such as process redesigns, workstation improvements, and equipment upgrades.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate production readiness and issue resolution with Quality, Operations Engineering, Planning, and Program Management.
• Provide input on manufacturing elements of cost proposals, supporting the Senior Manager as needed.
• Contribute to capital planning discussions and support equipment installations or layout changes.

Reporting & Communication

• Provide timely updates on production performance, risks, and recovery plans.
• Prepare weekly operational summaries and participate in management review meetings.
• Ensure all staff understand production goals, schedules, and expectations.

Required Capabilities

• Strong leadership, communication, and team‑building skills.
• Ability to translate strategic plans into effective daily manufacturing execution.
• Working knowledge of operating plans, budgeting, and cost control in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Effective problem solver with strong decision‑making skills under pressure.
• Builds trust, models ethical behavior, and encourages transparent communication.
• Able to work collaboratively in a matrixed environment and influence cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to develop talent and retain high‑performing employees.
• Strong business acumen and ability to drive measurable results.
• Excellent planning, organization, and execution skills.

Desired Education & Experience

• Degree or diploma in Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 5–8+ years of experience in production or manufacturing management.
• Experience in high‑precision or optics-based manufacturing is an asset.
• Experience working within AS9100 or other regulated manufacturing environments preferred.

This posting is for a current vacancy. In the province of Ontario, Canada, the salary range for this position will be $125,000-175,000

At L3Harris, we foster an inclusive and equitable workplace. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. For applicants with disabilities, we will provide you with accommodation so that you have what you need in order to be at your best.

L3Harris performs background checks prior to employment as all applicants must be eligible for registration with the Controlled Goods Program and obtain and maintain a positive security assessment. Some positions may require a government of Canada “Reliability” status and/or Level 2 (Secret) security clearance. In addition, L3Harris performs pre-employment substance abuse testing where required.