Executive Vice President, Operations

About the role

The Executive Vice President, Operations for Space, Defense & National Security is responsible for scaling end-to-end operations to deliver products efficiently, on time, and in alignment with company growth objectives. This role reports to the President, Space, Defense & National Security and is based in the Long Beach, CA OR Denver Metro Area, CO area. This role is onsite.

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale core operational functions including production, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, facilities, safety, and enterprise systems.
• Drive operational execution to ensure on-time, on-cost delivery of products, aligning production output with company growth objectives and customer commitments.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, processes, and infrastructure to support rapid scaling, including expansion into new facilities and production capacity.
• Oversee supply chain strategy, including supplier selection, onboarding, performance management, and compliance with applicable national security requirements.
• Establish and track key performance across segment-level operations, ensuring visibility into performance, cost control, and continuous improvement.
• Sure seamless integration of pertinent enterprise systems within but not limited to manufacturing, supply chain, and other functions to enable accurate planning, forecasting, and execution.
• Partner closely with engineering and program management teams to align production plans with product development, schedules, and delivery milestones.
• Lead operational budgeting, cost management, and forecasting in collaboration with finance to ensure adherence to financial targets.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, drive implementation and continuous improvement of policies and standards.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team across operations, including workforce planning, hiring, training, and organizational design for this business segment.
• Support executive leadership on strategic initiatives, including major program bids, partnerships, and customer engagements when necessary.
• Interface with customers, partners, and external stakeholders, including participation in reviews, audits, and operational briefings.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, transparency, and continuous improvement across the operations organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, supply chain, business, or a related field.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership in aerospace, defense, or a comparable high-reliability manufacturing environment.
• 10+ years of experience across manufacturing, operations, or supply chain organizations.
• Proven track record of scaling production and operations in a fast-growing or complex technical environment.
• Experience managing end-to-end manufacturing and supply chain operations, including cost, schedule, and quality performance.
• Hands-on experience with ERP or enterprise systems in a production environment.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to manage large, cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership and technical teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, Master’s, or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in closely related senior operations leadership roles, overseeing both processes and people.
• Background in environments with quality systems.
• Experience implementing or scaling complex systems and integrating them across operations and finance.
• Familiarity with government contracting, defense programs, and national security compliance requirements.
• Experience expanding or standing up new manufacturing facilities and production lines.
• Experience engaging with executive stakeholders, including board members, investors, and key customers.
• Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.