Senior Operations Project Manager — Cross-Functional Leader

AeroVironment, Inc.; Strathearn (CA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. seeks a Manager of Operations Project Management to lead the LMS Operations PM group, oversee plans and budgets, and ensure timely project delivery.

You will coordinate cross-functional teams across procurement, manufacturing, and quality control while guiding a team of professionals and supervisors with clear accountability. The role requires deep PM expertise, strong communication, and the ability to optimize processes for cost reduction and efficiency across programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Manufacturing Management, or Engineering or in a related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Advanced degree, MBA or MS is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a leadership role.
• Aerospace and/or Defense experience preferred.
• Proficient in using manufacturing software systems and tools, such as ERP systems, MES, and data analytics platforms.
• Project Management proficiency and related experience.
• Knowledge in manufacturing principles, processes, and technologies.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and best practices, such as ISO 9001.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and managerial skills.
• Ability to set long-term goals and communicate them to others.
• Ability to motivate and organize multiple efforts to accomplish goals.

Responsibilities

• Manage the activities and performance of Operations Project Management professionals and/or supervisors, providing direction, guidance, and accountability for team results.
• Oversee the development and implementation of project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resources, to ensure operational efficiency and project success.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure project components are executed according to plan, including procurement, manufacturing, and quality control.
• Oversee vendor and supplier activities to secure necessary goods and services within established budgetary constraints.
• Analyze operational processes and recommend improvements to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Adapt departmental plans and priorities to address resource requirements and operational challenges.
• Determine and allocate resources to meet project schedules, operational priorities, and business goals.
• Facilitate communication between project stakeholders, including regular status reporting and project reviews, to ensure alignment and address concerns.
• Oversee risk management strategies to identify potential project obstacles and establish appropriate contingency plans.
• Recommend changes to processes, policies, and procedures that affect the function or related disciplines.
• Provide technical and operational guidance to employees, colleagues, and internal customers.
• Oversee post-project evaluations to assess outcomes, document lessons learned, and integrate findings into future project planning processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Communication

ERP Systems

MES

Data Analytics

Manufacturing Principles

ISO 9001

Budgeting

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor's in Business/Engineering

MBA preferred

Tools

ERP

MES

Data Analytics Platforms

Job description

AeroVironment, Inc. seeks a Manager of Operations Project Management to lead the LMS Operations PM group, oversee plans and budgets, and ensure timely project delivery.

You will coordinate cross-functional teams across procurement, manufacturing, and quality control while guiding a team of professionals and supervisors with clear accountability. The role requires deep PM expertise, strong communication, and the ability to optimize processes for cost reduction and efficiency across programs.