Aftermarket Operations Lead

Aftermarket Ops Lead

Whippany Actuation Systems, a fast-paced and innovative aerospace manufacturer specializing in electromechanical actuators for both commercial and military applications, is seeking a driven and customer-focused Aftermarket Ops Lead to support and grow our aftermarket business. The Aftermarket Operations Lead is responsible for coordinating and planning Repair & Overall (R&O) activities by aligning material readiness, inventory, and workflow with customer demand and production schedules. Working cross-functionally, this role drives improvements in On-Time Delivery, Turnaround Time, and overall aftermarket operational performance.

In this role, you would typically:

• Plan, coordinate, track, and prioritize all Repair & Overhaul (R&O) work orders to ensure material availability and schedule adherence from release through completion.
• Partner with Sales and Business Unit teams to forecast aftermarket demand and align inventory, components, parts, and kits with projected repair activity.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized overhaul kits for high-volume civil actuator product lines in accordance with Component Maintenance Manuals (CMMs).
• Manage overhaul kit inventory and establish Kanban replenishment strategies to maintain optimal stock levels and support anticipated demand.
• Ensure overhaul kits, including required FAA documentation (8130), are picked, verified, and staged for R&O in advance of repair requirements, enabling a proactive push-based workflow.
• Create and manage quarterly rework orders for repairable components and maintain exchange pool inventory to improve repair capacity, productivity, and margin performance.
• Monitor and expedite material shortages, spare parts orders, and purchasing activities to minimize production delays and maximize throughput.
• Coordinate R&O Shipments and source inspections to support customer delivery commitments and regulatory compliance.
• Track, analyze, and report On-Time Delivery (OTD), Turnaround Time (TAT), inventory readiness, and workflow status providing regular updates to internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify constraints, improve material flow, and implement process improvements that enhance repair station efficiency and customer responsiviness.
• Abide safety, quality, housekeeping and company policies and procedures to ensure compliance to regulatory and internal system requirements.
• Actively participates in EHS activities such as area inspections, safety assessments, team meetings, accident investigations and procedure development.
• Brings unsafe conditions to management’s attention or corrects as able.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field from an accredited university.
• 1 year experience in manufacturing environment (must have at least internship experience).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Authorization to work in the US.

Eligibility Requirements:

This role is restricted to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and other protected individuals under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) due to access to export-controlled technology. Whippany Actuation Systems will require proof of status before employment.

We would really like to see:

• Aerospace and defense experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn ERP and MRP systems.
• Understanding of production planning, inventory management, supply chain principles, or operational workflows.
• Ability to work in a cross-functional team environment and drive projects to completion.
• Bias for action. Ability to recognize problems and opportunities. Ability to drive problem resolution and follow through to completion.
• Results-oriented. Drives to achieve both short- and long-term goals.
• Strong organizational skills - the ability to take notes and maintain data efficiently in a way