Vice President, Operations

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.

Job Description

Location:Simsbury, CT
Reports to:Business Unit President
Industry:Aerospace & Defense
Experience Level:Vice President (15+ years)

Shape the Future of EBAD. Drive Transformation Through People.

For almost 200 years, we've been at the forefront of aerospace and defense innovation; designing, building, and supporting technologies that protect nations, connect people, and explore new frontiers. As we enter our next century, we are transforming our workforce, culture, and capabilities to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

EBAD is positioned to double in size in the next 3-5 years, and we are seeking a visionaryVice President of Operationsto lead this transformation and shape the future of our organization. You will lead the operations responsible for manufacturing products to support our Launch Vehicle, Missiles, Satellite's and Warfighter markets.

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 & 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 Vice President 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 leadingKaizen eventsthat deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Builds team capability instructured problem-solvingand 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 of 15+ years of industry related experience including 3 years in upper management required
• 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
• Demonstrated problem solving, root cause analytical skills to lead and influence others to drive change
• Fundamental knowledge of financial concepts such as sales, gross margin, operating income, balance sheets, and working capital

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 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 Shape The Future?

If you're a bold Operations leader ready to shape the future of a highly respected aerospace and defense organization, this is your opportunity to lead a transformative manufacturing strategy that will define our next century of excellence.

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: $225k - $275k plus annual bonus

Executive Relocation: Comprehensive support for a seamless transition

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

We offer a competitive compensation package aligned with skills & experience, with flexibility to reward top talent and extraordinary qualifications.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.