Senior Operations Manager

Stellant Systems, a premier manufacturer of critical power amplification products where our technologies and products are unparalleled in the industry. We specialize in the manufacture of microwave devices for ground-based, airborne and satellite communications, industrial and medical equipment, and radar; we are the only U.S. supplier of space-qualified Traveling Wave Tube and Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers.  We combine cutting-edge technology with world-class engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions.

The Senior Operations Manager is a key high-level leader responsible for overseeing daily activities, optimizing organizational processes, and driving strategic initiatives to ensure efficiency and profitability.

This role will provide hands-on leadership to the manufacturing team within a high-energy, customer- and mission-focused environment. Focus will be on the primary responsibilities of developing people, leading a high-performing team, ramping up a microelectronics production line and driving continuous and sustainable improvement in operating metrics (safety, quality, delivery, cost and lead time) within the manufacturing factory. Results will be accomplished utilizing a data driven approach to achieve process standardization and the application of lean manufacturing and operations methodologies. This role interfaces cross-functionally across the Stellant Systems organization and will coordinate with Program Management, Finance, Mission Assurance/Quality, Supply Chain, Production Planning, Manufacturing Engineering and Test Engineering functions.

The ideal candidate will have an RF and microelectronics background. They will be a passionate, lean transformation champion with demonstrated success in driving transformation (both process and culture) and the ability to train the team while simultaneously driving quantifiable improvement in operating metrics.

• →Operational Planning & Strategy: 
  • →Translate operations goals into actionable daily production plans and long-term production team roadmaps.
  • →Meet production area annual operation plan targets.
  • →Lead Manufacturing/Operations processes to ensure tools, processes, and staff are aligned to business needs.
  • →Develop Manufacturing/Process Technology roadmap and required capital planning. 
  • →Support pursuits and proposals in the business, including review, approval and the generation of production schedules.
  • →Communicate production strategies broadly to expedite adoption and institutionalization of best practices.
  • →Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and meet operations goals while supplying expertise and guidance on operations projects and systems. 
• →Leadership: 
  • →Manage and mentor an operations team while building a culture that supports workforce engagement, retention and efficiency improvements.
  • →Develop cross-functional and team relationships that support a “one team” approach to execution.
  • →Serve as key leader of a manufacturing team providing leadership, strategy, and execution of day-to-day operations.
  • →Establish and maintain an effective and clearly defined training plan for area(s) of responsibility.
  • →Provide strong communication and presentation skills. Deliver progress and production reports to executive team members routinely and as requested.
• →Continuous Improvement and Process Optimization: 
  • →Implement Lean Six Sigma methodologies to identify/reduce bottlenecks, eliminate waste, and continuously improve workflows utilizing KPIs and visual management.
  • →Analyze metrics and drive root cause / corrective actions to address any operational performance gaps.
  • →Develop and execute productivity improvement plans.
• →Financial Performance: 
  • →Achieve program labor budgets for product lines under responsibility.
  • →Develop and drive cost improvement plans.
  • →Improve quality metrics that result in cost savings for the affected programs.
• →Compliance & Quality Control:
  • →Ensure a healthy and safe working environment and comply with federal and state regulations through collaboration with environmental, health and safety staff.
  • →Ensure production areas maintain high quality standards.

• Undergraduate degree is required (Engineering, Operations Management or Business is preferred).
• A Master’s degree in similar pursuits is an advantage.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in operations management, supply chain, or manufacturing with emphasis on RF passive, active and microelectronics products.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of the P&L and balance sheet while exhibiting an ownership mindset supportive of the company’s growth initiatives.
• Experience with high-reliability assembly processes for highly engineered products.
• Possess a working knowledge of the cultural issues impacting lean implementation and demonstrated success in overcoming these issues.
• Experience deploying new production lines and establishing product line-based flow lines.
• Experience in applying best practice FMEA/DFMA/DTC methodologies.
• Experience in lean manufacturing implementation - Six Sigma Green/Black Belt Certification a plus.
• Demonstrated computer skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.

• Experience leading within a union facility.
• A background in IPC and MIL STD’s requirements for passive and active devices
• Experience in DC, RF, and environmental test processes.
• Background in the development/LRIP manufacturing efforts is preferred.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI), and project management software. 
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high quality and focus on the details.
• The ability to work in a fast-moving environment under tight schedules and coordinate multiple tasks effectively.

• The successful candidate will be afforded long-term career opportunities within the Stellant Systems business based upon performance in the role.