Director of Operations

Description

Location: Graham, KY
Reports to: VP of Operations
Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Experience Level: Director (15+ years)

Empower People. Drive Culture. Lead Growth.

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD), we’ve been innovating for nearly 200 years, delivering mission-critical technologies that protect lives and advance exploration. As we prepare to double in size over the next 3–5 years, we’re investing in our people and culture to support this transformation.

We’re seeking a dynamic Director of Operations who will be responsible for leveraging the Ensign Bickford Operating System (EBOS) to develop the infrastructure, talent and processes needed to support a growing energetics manufacturing business.

The Opportunity:

EBAD is a leader in energetic and electronic system solutions offered to aerospace and defense customers for a wide array of applications. EBAD’s products and capabilities set the U.S. standard and are highly sought after in the international community. This business has experienced unprecedented growth in support of our customer’s missions and is seeking an accomplished individual to fill the position of Director of Operations.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior leader to become a part of a growing aerospace and defense company. You will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact by providing critical leadership to our operations organization.

Core Competencies for Success:

• Lean & Continuous Improvement Expertise: Demonstrates success leading Kaizen events that deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Builds team capability in structured problem-solving and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
• Inspirational Leadership & Talent Development: Embodies the core value: Our People Matter. Proven Ability to engage, coach, and empower.
• Culture & Engagement: Champion a culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Drive initiatives that enhance employee experience and engagement.
• Organizational Effectiveness: Support organizational design, change management, and workforce planning to enable agility and scalability.
• Strategic Business Alignment: Strong project management skills with the ability to plan, execute, and deliver complex initiatives on time and within budget. Proven track record in factory readiness and production launch.
• Technical & Industry Expertise: Brings extensive experience high-mix, low-volume operations and manufacturing environments. Understands the unique demands of aerospace and defense product lifecycles.

The Candidate We Are Looking For:

• BS in Business Administration, Logistics, Engineering or another industry-related field required; MBA preferred
• Minimum 10 years of experience in high-mix, high-risk manufacturing experience preferred (energetic products a plus)
• Experience in managing, training, mentoring and coaching leaders
• Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or technology industries preferred
• Proven ability to lead through change and influence cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills
• Passion for people, innovation, and continuous improvement

A Defining Leadership Opportunity:

• Legacy: Join a privately held, 188-year-old business that takes a long-term approach, free from the short-term pressures of quarterly-driven reporting.
• Impact: Own and execute on critical initiatives for a fast-growing company with a bold vision for the future.
• Partnership: Work directly with the BU President, senior leadership, and enterprise HR leaders in a highly influential role at the intersection of people and business strategy.
• Culture of Excellence: Help shape a culture that values people, integrity, and mission-driven excellence, driven by a Kaizen mindset and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re an Operations leader ready to help shape the future of a respected aerospace and defense organization, we invite you to explore this opportunity and grow with us.

Compensation and Rewards

We recognize that world-class leaders deliver world-class impact, and we reward accordingly. This role offers a competitive executive package that includes:

Base Salary: $175k – $225k plus annual bonus

Executive Relocation: Comprehensive support for a seamless transition

Additional Enhancements: Potential sign-on incentives and tailored rewards based on experience