Vice President of Operations

Verus Aerospace; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Verus Aerospace is seeking a Vice President of Operations to oversee operational performance across the organization. In this role, you will own manufacturing operations execution and ensure alignment with customer demands and financial plans.

The ideal candidate will possess significant manufacturing leadership experience, with a deep understanding of ERP systems and a strong capability to enhance operational productivity and accountability.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Minimum 5+ years in senior leadership (Director level or above).
• Aerospace or complex manufacturing environment strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own full operational execution cadence across all timelines.
• Establish clear KPIs and lead structured operating reviews.
• Drive performance against revenue, margin, and productivity targets.

Skills

Master scheduling

Financial acumen

Labor efficiency

ERP governance

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Operations Management

MBA

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Excel

BI/dashboard reporting tools

Job description

The Vice President of Operations reports directly to the General Manager and holds full executive accountability for operational performance across the organization. This role owns daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly execution of manufacturing operations, ensuring strict alignment with the ERP dispatch file, backlog requirements, customer demand, and the approved financial plan.

This VP of Operations establishes and governs an integrated production control function, drives schedule adherence, oversees ERP integrity, and reinstates operational discipline across Scheduling, Operations, and Program Management. This position is responsible for operational productivity, labor efficiency, ESH performance, overtime control, and building a culture of accountability and execution excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Executive Operational Ownership

• Own full operational execution cadence (daily/weekly/monthly/quarterly).
• Drive performance against revenue, margin, productivity, labor efficiency, and working capital targets.
• Establish clear KPIs and lead structured operating reviews.
• Ensure all operational activities align with approved budgets and strategic objectives.

ERP & Schedule Governance

• Enforce strict schedule adherence aligned to the ERP dispatch file.
• Lead daily and weekly ERP exception management to maintain a clean, reliable master schedule.
• Govern master production scheduling processes and ensure system accuracy.
• Establish ERP data discipline across Operations, Scheduling, and Program Management.

Integrated Production Control

• Design, implement, and govern an integrated Production Control function.
• Drive structured ship plans (daily/weekly/monthly/quarterly) aligned with backlog and customer commitments.
• Ensure cross-functional coordination between Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management.
• Eliminate reactive scheduling through proactive planning and disciplined execution.

Productivity & Labor Management

• Own ESH (Earned Standard Hours) productivity performance.
• Drive labor efficiency improvements and strict overtime control.
• Implement structured capacity planning and workforce optimization strategies.
• Monitor and improve throughput, cycle times, and on-time delivery performance.

Operational Discipline & Accountability

• Reinstate operational rigor across Scheduling, Operations, and Program Management.
• Implement structured accountability systems at all leadership levels.
• Champion root cause corrective action processes to eliminate repeat issues.
• Build a culture of urgency, ownership, and execution.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture across all operations.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, aerospace regulatory standards, and customer requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety metrics and workplace conditions.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Directors, Managers, and Supervisors.
• Build leadership bench strength and succession planning pipelines.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability standards.
• Drive cross-functional alignment and collaboration at the executive level.

Position Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field required; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Minimum 5+ years in senior leadership (Director level or above).
• Aerospace or complex manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Proven ERP governance and production control leadership experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of master scheduling, MRP/ERP systems, and dispatch control.
• Strong financial acumen with ability to manage budgets, labor costs, and margins.
• Demonstrated success driving productivity, labor efficiency, and schedule adherence.
• Experience building integrated production control systems.
• Strong executive presence and communication skills.
• Ability to lead organizational change and reinstate operational discipline.

Computer Skills

• Advanced proficiency with ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong Excel and operational reporting capability.
• Familiarity with BI/dashboard reporting tools preferred.