Job description
Job Description
Summary
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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)
- 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.
About AeroVironment
CEO: Wahid Nawabi
Revenue: $100 to $500 million (USD)
Size: 1001 to 5000 Employees
Type: Company - Public
Website: http://www.avinc.com
Year Founded: 1971