Job Description
Because of the need for consistent, in-person collaboration and/or the requirement to perform all work onsite due to the nature of this role, it will be performed full-time on site. This means work will be conducted on location at a BAE Systems facility 100% of the time.
The role of the Ops Specialist II is to help oversee and manage the programs/projects within Operations responsibility. He/she serves as the liaison amongst the various functional groups within Operations and as the single POC between Operations as a whole and the rest of the company. This role includes overseeing different program phases, from development to transition to production and production. The Ops Specialist II aids in preparing project execution plans, identifies the technical and business resources needed, reviews project and budget status against the plan, manages schedules, and assesses issues to develop resolutions. The Specialist is the cross-functional leader of his/her program team, collaborating frequently with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Program Office, and Finance, providing technical and analytical guidance. The Specialist has the ultimate responsibility for managing program cost, capacity, quality, and delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist the Operations Program Manager in monitoring Operations performance against the baseline program plan, focusing on quality, schedule, and cost.
- Gather and interpret Operations data, such as status reports, and present it clearly to Management and Engineering teams.
- Generate operational plans (Manufacturing, Sales) and schedules using departmental standards to guide functional departments.
- Create ad hoc plans and schedules for activities outside normal Operations processes, utilizing tools like Excel and MS Project.
- Participate actively in project/team meetings, providing clear direction.
- Develop solutions to moderately complex problems using industry practices, techniques, and standards.
- Ensure program compliance with corporate policies and procedures.
- Maintain strong interpersonal skills across all levels of the team and support functions.
- Participate in cost tracking and analysis, including presenting cost positions, EAC, and variance explanations.
- Contribute to cost proposals, supporting customer negotiations and budget development.
- Review project performance metrics and develop 'get well' plans when needed.
- Support leadership in executing operations programs from proposal to client delivery and sign-off.
- Ensure efficient and effective utilization of operations resources to meet program goals.
- Serve as the single point of contact for program status and issue resolution between Operations and Program Office.
- Present operations status updates to Program Management as required.
- Assist in preparing estimates for Operations functions and contribute to cost proposals.
- Coordinate changes impacting assigned tasks within Operations.
- Support operations functions in accordance with negotiated statements of work and management directives.
- Participate in audits, fact-finding, and negotiations to help safeguard program interests.
- Promote teamwork and maintain awareness of new procedures to streamline processes.
- Support management reviews and discussions on customer and program issues.
- Generate and execute manufacturing plans aligned with contract requirements and service level agreements.
- Review and approve change orders.
- Create and review parts lists, monitor supply chain activities, and ensure schedule adherence.
- Lead or support weekly product support team meetings to resolve production issues.
- Monitor material costs and review drawings for part issues, directing appropriate actions.
- Manage vendors during production, including on-site visits and recovery plan reviews.
- Review purchase order pricing to ensure budget adherence.
- Support customer visits, proposals, and future business development.
- Maintain current knowledge of manufacturing theories and practices.
- Assist in overseeing multiple teams and their activities.
- Apply strategic analysis and innovative solutions in a dynamic environment.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- Bachelor's Degree
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Proven problem-solving, leadership, and influencing abilities
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage complex issues
- Capacity to adapt to changing priorities
- Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, MS Project)
- Results-oriented with strong follow-through and decision-making skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Effective cross-functional collaboration, prioritization, and project management skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation abilities
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- 5+ years of aerospace experience
- Master's Degree, PMP, Lean, Agile, or Six Sigma certification
- Familiarity with manufacturing systems like SAP, Solumina, Tableau
- Experience working with a represented workforce environment
- Strong analytical and process improvement skills
- Hands-on leadership style emphasizing transparency, collaboration, and accountability