Director, Operations

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense; Simsbury (CT); On-site; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Comprehensive relocation support

Potential sign-on incentives

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense in Simsbury, CT is seeking a Director of Operations / Site Leader to oversee critical manufacturing operations that support national defense and space missions. This role demands strong leadership skills, operational excellence, and a commitment to safety and compliance.

The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of operational leadership experience, a relevant bachelor's degree, and a proven track record in complex manufacturing environments. A competitive salary of $175k—$225k plus bonuses is offered along with support for relocation and potential sign-on incentives.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of operational leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Proven experience leading a site or large-scale operations.
• Background in aerospace or regulated manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing site with accountability for SQDC objectives.
• Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Build organizational capability and support new program introduction.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Management

Operational Excellence

Team Development

Financial Acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

At Ensign‑Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD), we provide mission‑critical technology for space, missile, and defense programs. This Director of Operations / Site Leader position gives you the opportunity to lead a critical manufacturing site that supports national defense and space missions.

Location: Simsbury, CT
Reports to: VP Operations
Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Experience level: Site Leader / Director (15+ years)

The Opportunity

• Lead a critical manufacturing site with full ownership and accountability
• Operate in a high‑mix, low‑volume, engineer‑to‑order environment
• Establish and scale EBOS as the site’s operating system
• Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost
• Build organizational capability to support growth and new program introduction
• Partner cross‑functionally to support development, qualification, and production ramp of new products

Scope of Responsibility

• Manufacturing / Production Operations
• Production Support & Test
• Quality Assurance & Compliance
• Supply Chain & Materials Management
• Environmental, Safety & Health (ES&H / EHS)
• Maintenance & Facilities
• Continuous Improvement / EBOS

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Lead the organization to achieve Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) objectives
• Own execution of production across launch vehicle, missile, and defense programs
• Ensure adherence to program milestones and delivery commitments
• Drive on‑time delivery (OTD), past‑due reduction, and revenue execution

Safety & Compliance

• Establish and maintain a zero‑incident safety culture
• Ensure compliance with aerospace, defense, and regulatory standards

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and deploy EBOS as the site operating system
• Implement disciplined daily management, KPIs, and leader standard work
• Lead structured problem solving (RCCA) and continuous improvement initiatives
• Build scalable processes to support growth and operational excellence

People & Organizational Development

• Build and lead a high‑performing, accountable organization
• Develop leadership capability, succession depth, and team engagement
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement

Cross‑Functional Integration

• Partner with Engineering and Program Management on development and production readiness
• Support Business Development in proposal reviews and new opportunity evaluation
• Align operations with customer requirements and business objectives

Financial & Strategic Management

• Manage departmental budgets and cost performance
• Lead capital planning and facility/equipment investments
• Support long‑term capacity planning and growth strategy
• Contribute to site and enterprise‑level operational strategy

Core Competencies

• Enterprise Leadership Mindset – balances execution with long‑term business objectives
• People Leadership & Culture – builds strong teams, develops leaders, creates accountability
• EBOS / Lean Leadership – drives disciplined execution through operating systems and continuous improvement
• Strategic Execution – translates complex priorities into clear, actionable plans
• SQDC Results Orientation – uses data to drive measurable performance improvements
• Cross‑Functional Influence – effectively collaborates across engineering, programs, and commercial teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (Engineering or related field preferred); advanced degree a plus
• 15+ years of operational leadership experience in manufacturing
• Proven experience leading a site or large‑scale operations organization
• Background in aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments
• Experience in high‑mix, low‑volume or engineer‑to‑order production environments
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development experience
• Deep experience with Lean / operating systems (EBOS, DBS, or equivalent)
• Financial acumen including budgeting, cost control, and capital planning
• Ability to analyze data across the value stream and drive systemic improvements
• Experience working in cross‑functional, integrated product team environments
• Energetics experience is a plus

Defining Leadership Opportunity

• Full accountability for a critical manufacturing site
• Opportunity to expand scope as the business continues to grow
• Commitment to a culture of EBOS, disciplined execution, and continuous improvement
• Direct contribution to critical national defense and space programs

Compensation and Rewards

• Base Salary: $175k – $225k plus annual bonus
• Executive Relocation: Comprehensive support for a seamless transition
• Additional Enhancements: Potential sign‑on incentives and tailored rewards based on experience

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ensign‑Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.