Director, Operations

Job Description:

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Director, Operations is responsible for management of the overall execution within the organization. The Director, Operations provides overall leadership, direction, and guidance to the operational activities of the organization focused on execution of the business, our contracts, and internal projects to achieve on-time delivery of compliant, high-quality products (hard and soft), and with the ultimate objective of achieving the company goals; short-term, annual, and long term.

The Director reports to the Kratos SVP and is responsible for leading and directing STS Finance, Programs, Engineering, Operations, and HR. The Director will interface with the SVP daily, and corporate business functions regularly (to include monthly Operations Reviews and Program Management Reviews) and will operate in a hands-on manner across the STS business to ensure its success. The Director is responsible for continuously promoting the company’s (and Director’s) vision and culture across the organization.

Key Characteristics:

• Strong leader that the team will want to follow and support
• Strategic thinking and effective application of strategies
• Strong mentorship capability
• Structured program management capability and ability to distribute this consistently among your staff
• Effective decision maker
• Relationship builder (internal and external)
• Program financial experience with DoD programs of $25M or more
• Technical, cost, and schedule program management experience (development, transition to production, and ongoing production)
• Polished Public speaking ability
• Substantial P&L experience

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The primary roles of the Director fall into the following five broad categories:

• Drive the successful performance and delivery of the organization – lead and drive execution across the programs and products development/production including supply chain, engineering, program management, and manufacturing.
• Shape and develop the organization to support execution of the annual and longer term company plans. Ensure proper structurein business areas and departments to achieve the company goals.
• Lead managers to evaluate and take actions that are consistent with your execution expectations. Mentor direct and other personnel in the in the organization. Challenge basic assumptions underlying each area's operations. Act as a sounding board for directors and managers.
• Manage business unit’s performance against AOP goals. Deliver on time and on budget.
• Advise the SVP on strategic operations development and key corporate planning issues that relate to and impact the operations of the company. Determine resource allocation among areas. Keep the Division President informed about business activities, performance, opportunities, and recommended courses of action.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Yes

Experience and Skills:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Extensive leadership capability in multi-tiered organizations
• Deep understanding of Program Management
• Extensive capability in general business / personnel management and problem resolution
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors
• Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules
• Knowledge of defense contracting arena and operating requirements in that environment.
• Knowledge of and experience with both domestic and international defense contracts and practices
• Knowledge of ITAR, FAR, DFAR regulations
• Ability to motivate and maintain effective working relationships with staff and partners
• Ability to develop operations strategy and goals in alignment with overall company objectives.
• Demonstrated success and leadership of program execution and operations
• Demonstrated ability to partner with customers and senior leadership team resulting in high levels of performance and customer satisfaction.
• Solid presentation skills and the ability to communicate, influence, and gain commitment of stakeholders.
• Excellent knowledge of the customer organization and close personal relationships with key decision-makers
• Supervisory and administrative skills including the ability to select, appraise, motivate, and develop subordinates and supporting staff
• Ability to meet eligibility requirements for obtaining and maintaining at least a Top Secret clearance
• Ability to make good judgement decisions to plan and accomplish goals
• Ability to successfully work to reach company goals in an environment with a wide degree of creativity and latitude
• Polished oral and written communication skills
• Ability to efficiently and effectively assess performance, set strategies aligned with the business, and to drive continuous improvements and solutions into the operations of the business
• Ability to identify and analyze the key data, measurements, (metrics), and other information to reach accurate / effective conclusions
• Ability to think analytically and produce accurate analysis, while applying good judgment to conduct assigned responsibilities accurately and effectively
• Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with senior leadership team to achieve business unit and company overall goals
• Demonstrated use and understanding of Earned Value and other performance management methods
• Maintain the highest level of ethical behavior and core values

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• 15 or more years of progressive experience in the aerospace/defense industry with increasing responsibility in management positions where excellent contract performance and demonstrated employee management skills
• Demonstrated responsibility for leading multi-disciplined teams on complex/large defense programs as a Sr Program Director or Vice President
• Solid understanding of business management areas such as planning and financial controls
• Solid understanding of defense contracting, FAR, DFARs and government acquisition processes
• Inclusive management style: able to lead and motivate team members and raise issues in a timely manner
• Proficient in desktop computer applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Demonstrated accountability in a leadership role with ultimate profit and loss (P&L) responsibility
• Demonstrated leadership of support organizations

Preferred:

• MBA or advanced technical degree preferred
• Program Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Office and/or Manufacturing environments.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10-key, phones).
• May work extended hours or weekends.
• Standing, walking, lifting, and carrying up to 25 lbs.
• May work in non-temperature controlled environments.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• 0-25% To customer sites and Kratos sites, primarily CONUS, occasionally OCONUS.

Job Benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class.
All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.
EEO Is The Law

Disability Accessibility Accommodation
If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

Pay Transparency
The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

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From: Kratos Defense