Director, Operations

$150,000 - $200,000/Yr

Curtiss-Wright

Full-time - Senior

Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing

About the position

The Director of Operations at Curtiss-Wright is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the Fleet Solutions business unit, which supports the US Navy's repair work for aircraft carriers, submarines, and various support vessels. This position involves strategic direction for multiple facilities, ensuring operational excellence, financial performance, and compliance with industry regulations. The Director will lead a team, drive change, and develop strategies to meet customer needs while fostering a collaborative work environment.

Responsibilities

• Familiarize with the Business Unit, its activities, market, customers, product lines, capabilities, current strategy, business plans, and policies.
• Provide leadership guidance to site leadership teams across three facilities in Chula Vista, CA, Chesapeake, VA, and Mayport, FL.
• Monitor financial performance of all sites to ensure targets are met.
• Translate customer requirements into effective manufacturing and business strategies.
• Develop and implement staffing plans to meet customer expectations and budgets.
• Establish objectives to enhance operational excellence and deploy a LEAN operating framework.
• Coach and develop staff, fostering an environment of employee involvement and cross-training initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and maintain oversight of proposal development and contract negotiations.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships in government markets and commercial shipyards.
• Develop a comprehensive Operations Strategic Business Plan within the first 3 months of employment.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship with the ability to maintain government security clearances.
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or Financial Management.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant business leadership experience.
• Experience in repair/manufacturing and shipyard industry is a strong plus.
• LEAN and/or Six-Sigma experience preferred.
• Demonstrated career progression with leadership in best practice management.
• Thorough knowledge of production, manufacturing, and systems operations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to develop and implement new strategies in complex environments.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the shipyard industry.
• Knowledge of government contracting processes.
• Familiarity with export laws and technology transfer regulations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid vacations and holidays