Sr. Manager, Strategic Operations

Sr. Manager, Strategic Operations

The Sr. Manager, Strategic Operations plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient operation and strategic execution of initiatives within the COO's office. This individual will act as a key strategic partner to the Chief Operations Officer (COO), providing operational support, overseeing critical projects, and driving process improvements across various departments. The Sr. Manager, Strategic Operations will also be a primary liaison between the COO and senior leadership, facilitating communication, aligning priorities, and ensuring the alignment of resources with corporate objectives.

Position Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Execution :

Works closely with the COO to develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company goals. Assists in setting and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success.

Project Management :

Oversees critical projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with business objectives. Manages cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives.

Operational Efficiency :

Identifies and recommends process improvements across the organization to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and optimize resource allocation.

Communication & Stakeholder Management :

Serves as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring timely and accurate communication. Facilitates meetings, prepare briefings, and provides updates to senior leadership on key initiatives.

Problem Solving & Decision Support :

Assists the COO with complex decision-making by analyzing data, providing insights, and offering solutions to operational challenges. Manages the prioritization of initiatives based on business needs and impact.

Leadership & Team Development :

Fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance. Leads and mentors junior staff within the COO's office, developing talent and ensuring a high level of engagement.

Cross-Department Collaboration :

Works closely with functional leaders in engineering, operations, legal, P&C, and finance to ensure alignment and execution of operational strategies and initiatives.

Risk Management :

Identifies potential risks to operational performance and works proactively to mitigate these risks. Develops contingency plans to address issues in a timely and effective manner.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience in an operational leadership role, preferably in the defense, aerospace, or technology sectors.

Minimum of 4-6 years supervisory experience.

Experience in defense technology or a similar industry, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and regulations in the sector, is highly preferred.

Proven track record in managing large-scale, cross-functional projects with high visibility.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a strategic focus on long-term goals.

High degree of integrity and professionalism, with the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.

Ability and willingness to travel 25% of the time, as required, with varied commitments

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

MBA or other advanced degree preferred

Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.

Expertise in regulatory compliance, supply chain optimization, and operational risk management.

Ability to lead large, complex teams and drive organizational change within a global setting.

Experience with industry-standard operational tools, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).

Physical Demands

Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, etc. Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer.

Ability and willingness to travel 25% of the time, as required, with varied commitments

Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance :

Work is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning / heating.

May have some exposure to outside environment while traveling.

Special Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen

Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally territory when required.

The salary range for this role is : $148,891 - $211,365. AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education / training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement : This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and / or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and / or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9 / 80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.