Senior Operations Manager

Senior Operations Manager

Stellant Systems, a premier manufacturer of critical power amplification products where our technologies and products are unparalleled in the industry. We specialize in the manufacture of microwave devices for ground-based, airborne and satellite communications, industrial and medical equipment, and radar; we are the only U.S. supplier of space-qualified Traveling Wave Tube and Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers. We combine cutting-edge technology with world-class engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions.

The Senior Operations Manager is a key high-level leader responsible for overseeing daily activities, optimizing organizational processes, and driving strategic initiatives to ensure efficiency and profitability.

This role will provide hands-on leadership to the manufacturing team within a high-energy, customer- and mission-focused environment. Focus will be on the primary responsibilities of developing people, leading a high-performing team, ramping up a microelectronics production line and driving continuous and sustainable improvement in operating metrics (safety, quality, delivery, cost and lead time) within the manufacturing factory. Results will be accomplished utilizing a data driven approach to achieve process standardization and the application of lean manufacturing and operations methodologies. This role interfaces cross-functionally across the Stellant Systems organization and will coordinate with Program Management, Finance, Mission Assurance/Quality, Supply Chain, Production Planning, Manufacturing Engineering and Test Engineering functions.

The ideal candidate will have an RF and microelectronics background. They will be a passionate, lean transformation champion with demonstrated success in driving transformation (both process and culture) and the ability to train the team while simultaneously driving quantifiable improvement in operating metrics.

Responsibilities

• Operational Planning & Strategy
  • Translate operations goals into actionable daily production plans and long-term production team roadmaps.
  • Meet production area annual operation plan targets.
  • Lead Manufacturing/Operations processes to ensure tools, processes, and staff are aligned to business needs.
  • Develop Manufacturing/Process Technology roadmap and required capital planning.
  • Support pursuits and proposals in the business, including review, approval and the generation of production schedules.
  • Communicate production strategies broadly to expedite adoption and institutionalization of best practices.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and meet operations goals while supplying expertise and guidance on operations projects and systems.
• Leadership
  • Manage and mentor an operations team while building a culture that supports workforce engagement, retention and efficiency improvements.
  • Develop cross-functional and team relationships that support a "one team" approach to execution.
  • Serve as key leader of a manufacturing team providing leadership, strategy, and execution of day-to-day operations.
  • Establish and maintain an effective and clearly defined training plan for area(s) of responsibility.
  • Provide strong communication and presentation skills. Deliver progress and production reports to executive team members routinely and as requested.
• Continuous Improvement and Process Optimization
  • Implement Lean Six Sigma methodologies to identify/reduce bottlenecks, eliminate waste, and continuously improve workflows utilizing KPIs and visual management.
  • Analyze metrics and drive root cause / corrective actions to address any operational performance gaps.
  • Develop and execute productivity improvement plans.
• Financial Performance
  • Achieve program labor budgets for product lines under responsibility.
  • Develop and drive cost improvement plans.
  • Improve quality metrics that result in cost savings for the affected programs.
• Compliance & Quality Control
  • Ensure a healthy and safe working environment and comply with federal and state regulations through collaboration with environmental, health and safety staff.
  • Ensure production areas maintain high quality standards.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree is required (Engineering, Operations Management or Business is preferred).
• A Master's degree in similar pursuits is an advantage.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in operations management, supply chain, or manufacturing with emphasis on RF passive, active and microelectronics products.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of the P&L and balance sheet while exhibiting an ownership mindset supportive of the company's growth initiatives.
• Experience with high-reliability assembly processes for highly engineered products.
• Possess a working knowledge of the cultural issues impacting lean implementation and demonstrated success in overcoming these issues.
• Experience deploying new production lines and establishing product line-based flow lines.
• Experience in applying best practice FMEA/DFMA/DTC methodologies.
• Experience in lean manufacturing implementation - Six Sigma Green/Black Belt Certification a plus.
• Demonstrated computer skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.

Additional Preferred Skills:

• Experience leading within a union facility.
• A background in IPC and MIL STD's requirements for passive and active devices
• Experience in DC, RF, and environmental test processes.
• Background in the development/LRIP manufacturing efforts is preferred.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI), and project management software.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high quality and focus on the details.
• The ability to work in a fast-moving environment under tight schedules and coordinate multiple tasks effectively.

Career Progression:

• The successful candidate will be afforded long-term career opportunities within the Stellant Systems business based upon performance in the role.

Stellant Systems is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (e.g. Green Card holder), or a protected individual as defined by the International Traffic in Arm Regulations (ITAR).