Head of Business Operations

Company Overview

My client is a cutting-edge hardware startup at the intersection of advanced manufacturing and defense tech, seeking a Business Operations leader to support their rapidly growing team.

This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in dynamic, early-stage environments and knows how to design systems that keep a company moving fast while also building long-term durability.

Responsibilities

• Design and improve operational systems, processes, and policies to support rapid scaling.
• Partner with executives on strategic planning, budgeting, and company-wide decision-making.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives requiring alignment across technical and commercial teams.
• Oversee compliance programs and regulatory obligations in highly regulated environments.
• Develop vendor strategies, negotiate long-term contracts, and manage procurement workflows.
• Manage facilities operations, leases, and workspace planning to support team growth.
• Build dashboards and reporting tools that provide leadership with real-time visibility into KPIs and resource allocation.
• Support proposal preparation, milestone tracking, and external reporting for complex programs.
• Introduce new tools and workflows to improve day-to-day team productivity and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with People / HR teams on processes that impact culture, employee experience, and retention.

Qualifications

Required :

• 10+ years leading business operations or strategy in aerospace, defense, or other complex hardware / deep-tech startup environments (excluding pure SaaS).
• Deep experience designing scalable systems, processes, and tools for rapid headcount growth.
• Experience running planning cycles, goal-setting frameworks (OKRs or similar), or performance tracking.
• Ability to design and maintain dashboards that turn KPIs into clear, data-driven recommendations for leadership.
• Strong understanding of compliance, risk management, and regulatory requirements in technical industries.
• Experienced in vendor management, supply chain strategy, and contract negotiations.
• Systems-thinking mindset with strong execution skills; high-energy, results-driven in fast-changing, ambiguous startup environments.
• Motivated by the challenge and impact of working in mission-driven, regulated environments.

Desired :

• Strong exposure to government programs and contracts in highly regulated industries (e.g. export controls, ITAR).
• Experience contributing to proposals, bids, or capture efforts for government programs.
• ?? If you're craving real ownership in a fast-paced startup environment, apply now! ??
• ITAR : Must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a US person as : any individual who is granted U.S. citizenship; or any individual who is granted U.S. permanent residence ("Green Card" holder); or any individual who is granted status as a "protected person" under 8 U.S.C 1324b(a)(3).