Senior Manager Operations

Job ID: 115492

About the role

The Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems business is a trusted provider of innovative naval gas and hybrid power systems, control technology and support solutions for the U.S. Navy and navies around the world. We are seeking an accomplished, hands‑on Senior Manager, Operations to lead manufacturing and operational execution of a product line at our Menomonee Falls, WI facility. In this highly visible leadership role you will guide teams that produce reliable, high‑performance power and energy solutions supporting the U.S. Navy and allied defense customers. This position requires strategic operational leadership, a continuous‑improvement mindset, and the ability to build a safe, accountable, high‑performing organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop cross‑functional operations teams across manufacturing, production control, materials, quality, engineering, and supply‑chain partners.
• Drive safe, on‑time, and on‑budget delivery of complex naval power products and programs.
• Establish and execute operating plans that improve throughput, capacity, labor utilization, inventory performance, and schedule attainment.
• Champion a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and other operational‑excellence tools to eliminate waste, reduce cycle time, and improve first‑pass yield.
• Partner with program management and engineering to align production readiness, resource plans, and customer commitments.
• Use data‑driven performance management to identify risks, resolve constraints, and deliver measurable improvements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality systems, export controls, environmental health and safety requirements, and defense‑industry standards.
• Develop frontline leaders and build a strong talent pipeline through coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Communicate operational priorities, performance, and risk clearly to senior leadership and key stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, engineering, business, supply chain, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Significant progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, operations, production, or supply chain—preferably in defense, aerospace, marine, industrial, or other highly regulated environments.
• Demonstrated success leading complex manufacturing operations and delivering improvements in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity.
• Strong experience with Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational‑performance metrics.
• Proven ability to lead through change, solve complex problems, and build alignment across functions.
• Strong business acumen, communication skills, and executive presence.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems, production planning, capacity management, and materials flow.
• Experience supporting U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, or other federal programs.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous‑improvement credentials.
• Experience with earned value, program execution, or government‑contract manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with ISO, AS9100, or comparable quality‑management systems.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company contribution to a health savings account
• Telemedicine services
• Life and disability insurance
• Legal insurance
• 401(k) savings plan
• Wellness programs focusing on physical, emotional, and financial well‑being
• Career‑growth, professional‑development, and skill‑enhancement programs

Schedule

• Flexible work schedules with a 9/80 program
• Competitive vacation time
• Health/emergency leave
• Paid parental leave
• Community service hours