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.

Salary Range

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.

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.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we've been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world's most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC. Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company's hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

ITAR

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee / refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.

About AV

AV isn't for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don't just build defense technologywe redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonianbut we're not building history, we're building what's next. If you're ready to build technology that matterswith speed, scale, and purposethere's no better place to do it than AV.

Careers at AeroVironment

AeroVironment (https : / / www.avinc.com / careers / our-team)