Job details

Director of Operations

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

Summary

As the Director of Operations, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring efficient and effective execution of all operational functions, meeting or exceeding all customer commitments, meeting or exceeding operations KPI’s, driving operational excellence, and contributing to the overall success of our organization. Your responsibilities will include managing day-to-day operations, production, manufacturing, quality, optimizing processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in a fast-paced and dynamic aerospace defense environment. Works closely with Engineering, Program Management, Finance and PLGM leadership. Further ownership includes: ensuring all safety standards are compliant to all applicable regulatory requirements and manufacturing facilities, production tooling, and capital equipment are adequately maintained as required.

Position Responsibilities

Operational Leadership: Provide strategic direction, execution and leadership to the operations, manufacturing, production control and quality teams, ensuring alignment with the organization's goals and objectives. Develop and implement operational plans, policies, and procedures to enhance efficiency and productivity while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.
Goal Management: The Director of Operations will develop strategies to achieve operational objectives for daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual metrics while maintaining budgetary objectives.
Teamwork: Builds and Leads a multifaceted and engaged operations team. Interfaces and aligns with Director of Supply Chain, Director of Materials Management, Product Line General Managers, Global Compliance, Finance and other functions to ensure organizational alignment.
Process Optimization: Continuously evaluate operational processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement initiatives to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance. Drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organization.
Resource Management: Oversee the allocation of resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to ensure optimal utilization and effectiveness. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan and coordinate resources based on project requirements and operational needs.
Performance Monitoring: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor operational performance. Regularly analyze performance data, identify trends, and take proactive measures to address any deviations from targets. Implement corrective actions as needed to drive operational efficiency and meet operational goals.
Risk Management: Identify operational risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and industry best practices related to aerospace defense operations. Implement robust safety protocols and foster a culture of safety awareness and adherence throughout the organization.
Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including senior management, engineering teams, and business development, to ensure operational alignment with organizational objectives. Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, suppliers, and customers to support operational excellence and achieve business objectives.
Team Development: Provide leadership and guidance to the operations team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Mentor and develop team members, identifying training needs and providing opportunities for growth and advancement.
Customer Satisfaction: Maximizes customer satisfaction through on-time delivery of products which meet required specifications and perfect out of the box quality
Maintains compliance to AV corporate policies, External compliance such as AS9100 and ISO9001 Supports the development and implementation of policies, standards, or procedures for LMS operations, and ensures ongoing compliance of these policies and standards with the relevant AeroVironment (AV) commercial and DOD standards
Supports Business Development, PLGM and Program Management on the development of customer proposals and customer visits
Work closely with the leadership team to establish and strategic KPI’s, adhere to AOP and ensure all company goals are met
Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations management, preferably in the aerospace defense industry.
Strong knowledge of aerospace defense operations, including manufacturing processes, supply chain management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
Demonstrated experience in driving operational excellence and process improvement initiatives.
Proven leadership skills with the ability to lead, motivate, and develop cross-functional teams.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of making data-driven decisions.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

Experience with lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies.
Familiarity with aerospace defense industry standards and practices.
Knowledge of defense contracting and government procurement processes.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Strategic thinking and business acumen to drive operational efficiency and contribute to the organization's overall growth and profitability.
Adaptability and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving aerospace defense environment.
Experience in New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) best practices

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office and/or manufacturing environment (Constant)
Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)

Special Requirements

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.

Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S.

The salary range for this role is:

$172,788 - $259,182

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:

http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits

We also encourage you to review our company website at

http://www.avinc.com

to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

AeroVironment Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V and works in compliance with both federal and state laws. We are committed to the concept regarding Equal Employment opportunity. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition nor disability, genetics, veteran and all others that may apply.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required

AeroVironment Glassdoor Company Review

3.5