Manager Operations

Company Information

Twenty‑Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high‑performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services for the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., the company supports national security and is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT, TASE: ESLT). The Warfighter Systems business, located in Roanoke Valley, Virginia, focuses on low‑light sensor technology, image intensifiers, and night‑vision goggle systems, serving the U.S. and nearly 100 allied countries.

Job Summary

The Manager, Operations provides mid‑tier operational leadership within Warfighter Systems, acting as the bridge between Production Supervisors and the Director of Operations. The role ensures consistent execution across production areas, drives daily operational performance, and supports strategic factory initiatives while promoting standardized processes, flow, quality, and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Leadership & Oversight: Lead and support Production Supervisors; ensure daily production plans, staffing, and workflow meet requirements; monitor performance metrics (schedule adherence, throughput, labor efficiency, defects, scrap, rework) and drive corrective actions; partner with Quality, Planning, Supply Chain, and Engineering to remove systemic barriers.
• Operational Excellence: Champion process consistency, standard work, and Lean/continuous improvement practices; identify risks related to material readiness, labor gaps, equipment downtime, and workflow constraints; implement visual management tools and tiered accountability systems.
• People Leadership: Directly supervise Production Supervisors or designated hourly staff; provide coaching, behavioral support, and development opportunities; support hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning; conduct performance reviews and regular feedback; address performance deficiencies with coaching tools, corrective actions, or Performance Improvement Plans (PIP).
• Communication & Coordination: Serve as the operational focal point for the Director of Operations; communicate priorities, changes, and expectations across shifts and departments; participate in daily/weekly operations reviews and escalate issues requiring leadership intervention.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce all safety, regulatory, and quality requirements; ensure compliance with AS9100, configuration‑control expectations, and factory‑specific procedures.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 3–7 years of experience in production, manufacturing, or operations roles.
• Prior experience leading teams or supervising production staff.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows, build plans, labor planning, and quality expectations.
• Ability to coordinate cross‑functionally in fast‑paced production environments.
• Preferred aerospace/defense manufacturing experience.
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated success influencing people, process, and business direction.
• Experience as a leader in a Union shop.

Benefits

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off.
• Competitive compensation & 401(k) program.
• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts.
• Basic Life Insurance; additional Life & AD&D insurances available.
• Flexible vacation & PTO.
• Paid parental leave.
• Generous employee referral program.
• Voluntary benefits: longer‑term care, legal, identity theft, pet insurance, and more.
• Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees.

Why Roanoke, Virginia?

• Lower cost of living.
• Family‑friendly area.
• Career and economic growth opportunities.
• Scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Outdoor‑enthusiast’s dream.