Vice President, Operational Programs

Redwire; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching 401(k)

Paid PTO

Paid holidays

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Redwire Defense Tech seeks a Vice President of Operational Programs to drive cross-site alignment and execution across U.S. facilities. You will integrate operations across sites, remove barriers, and ensure resources, processes, and priorities support major programs, new product introductions, and critical commitments.

You will lead cross-functional teams, develop dashboards, and report to executive leadership while enabling rapid, scalable program execution and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of extensive experience in operations, manufacturing, or program leadership within aerospace/defense or related sectors.
• Proven success coordinating cross-functional teams across multiple sites.
• Strong problem-solving skills with track record of resolving bottlenecks.
• Excellent communication across departments and leadership levels.
• Willingness to travel across U.S. facilities; PMI/PMP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all operational aspects of programs across U.S. facilities with site leadership alignment.
• Serve as connective tissue between GMs, program directors, supply chain, and executive leadership.
• Align readiness, capacity planning, production schedules, and resource allocation for major programs.
• Lead cross-functional task forces to resolve urgent operational challenges.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement actionable solutions to improve execution.
• Develop enterprise dashboards, KPIs, and executive-ready reports.
• Support customer reviews and internal leadership reporting on operational readiness and risk.
• Drive standardization of workflows and cross-site communication mechanisms.
• Facilitate continuous improvement and collaboration with engineering, quality, and supply chain.
• Lead special projects that advance cross-site integration and enterprise execution maturity.

Skills

Cross-site coordination

Program leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Description

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA or Huntsville, AL

FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $170,000 - $250,000. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.

Summary

The Vice President, Operational Programs is responsible for driving coordination, alignment, and execution of all operational program activities across U.S. Redwire Defense Tech sites. This role serves as a strategic integrator who identifies cross-site operational gaps, removes barriers, and ensures programs receive the support, resources, and cross-functional collaboration needed for successful delivery. The VP of Operational Programs enhances execution efficiency, strengthens communication pathways, and ensures seamless operational performance across facilities.
This leader drives operational cohesion, leads cross-functional problem solving, and ensures programs have the operational support, resources, and coordination needed for success. The VP of Operational Programs ensures the right people, processes, and priorities are aligned across sites to support major production programs, new product introductions, and critical customer commitments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all operational aspects of programs across U.S. facilities, ensuring unified execution and cross-site alignment by working closely with the Programs office and the site VP/GMs.
• Serve as the connective tissue between General Managers, Program Directors, supply chain, manufacturing engineering, and executive leadership.
• Align site readiness, capacity planning, production schedules, and resource allocation for major programs.
• Act as the primary problem solver for cross-site operational issues impacting program execution.
• Quickly identify bottlenecks, systemic issues, risks, or misalignments — and implement actionable solutions.
• Lead cross-functional task forces to resolve urgent operational challenges around quality, production delays, supply chain constraints, and program integration.
• Track operational performance of key programs, ensuring schedule adherence, quality standards, and delivery commitments are met.
• Develop enterprise-level dashboards, KPIs, and reports for SVP and executive leadership.
• Support major customer reviews and internal executive reporting regarding operational readiness and risk mitigation.
• Identify inconsistencies in operational workflows across sites and drive standardization, alignment, and documentation.
• Create and maintain cross-site operational program processes, escalation paths, and communication mechanisms.
• Facilitate continuous improvement efforts that remove friction between operations and program execution.
• Work closely with engineering, flight systems, quality, supply chain, and program management teams to ensure cross-site program needs are fully supported.
• Ensure operational requirements are clearly communicated and understood by all participating teams and sites.
• Support customer meetings, program reviews, and strategic discussions related to operational execution.
• Represent operational program needs in leadership meetings, ensuring internal teams and customers receive accurate and consistent updates.
• Lead special projects and initiatives that advance cross-site operational integration, program scalability, and enterprise execution maturity.
• Support new program introductions and coordinate manufacturing readiness across multiple facilities.
• All other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of extensive experience in operations, manufacturing, or program leadership within aerospace, defense, UAS/UAV, or related advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Proven success in coordinating cross-functional teams across multiple sites or complex organizational structures.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a track record of diagnosing and resolving operational bottlenecks.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across departments and leadership levels.
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, supply chain constraints, production planning, and quality systems.
• Ability to travel frequently across U.S. facilities and work in diverse operational environments.
• Strong organizational and strategic planning abilities, with the capability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
• High level of professionalism, accountability, and resilience in fast-paced and dynamic environments.
• PMP or PMI certification preferred

Redwire Defense Tech Benefits

• Matching 401(k)
• Paid PTO
• Paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• HSA and FSA Options
• Critical Care Plan
• Accident Care Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Clearance Requirements

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person’s status under the ITAR and the EAR.

Work Environment And Physical Requirements

The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Redwire Defense Tech is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources. Continued employment remains on an “At-Will” basis.