This executive leadership role is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and performance of the company's operational functions. The Chief Operating Officer partners closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team to develop and execute strategies that drive operational excellence, organizational growth, profitability, customer satisfaction, and long-term shareholder value. The role oversees all aspects of operations including manufacturing, supply chain, production planning, procurement, quality assurance, IT, customer support, regulatory compliance, business continuity, facility and site management, and organizational effectiveness.
Responsibilities
Partner with the CEO and CFO to develop and execute the company's strategic vision and business plan
Ensure compliance with government regulations when building U.S. supply chain
Translate corporate objectives into actionable operational strategies and measurable performance goals
Collaborate with executive leadership to support both organic and inorganic growth objectives, including the identification, assessment, and integration of potential M&A candidates
Drive organizational alignment around key business initiatives, priorities, and performance metrics
Support growth initiatives including new products, market expansion, strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and organizational scaling
Provide operational leadership and strategic recommendations to the CEO and Board of Directors
Direct and oversee all operational activities across manufacturing, production planning, supply chain, warehousing, inventory management, purchasing, quality assurance, customer support, and related functions
Ensure operational systems support efficient production, on-time delivery, product quality, and customer satisfaction
Develop and implement scalable operating structures, processes, and systems that support continued business growth
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to measure performance, drive accountability, and improve operational effectiveness
Optimize equipment utilization, labor productivity, production capacity, and workflow efficiencies
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing costs, improving quality, increasing throughput, and eliminating waste
Coordinate cross-functional collaboration among operations, engineering, technology, customer service, and commercial teams to create organizational performance
Manage sites and facilities, including ensuring readiness to scale
Develop and execute supply chain strategies that ensure operational resilience, cost efficiency, and product availability
Oversee sourcing, procurement, inventory planning, and supplier management operations
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Establish inventory management systems that ensure accuracy, reporting visibility, stock rotation, shelf-life tracking, and production support
Manage vendor and supplier relationships, including contract negotiation, cost optimization, quality standards, and delivery performance
Identify opportunities to strengthen supply chain continuity and reduce operational risk
Drive procurement and inventory strategies that align with production schedules and customer demand forecasts
Manage operational budgets, capital expenditures, and resource allocation to maximize profitability and return on investment
Develop operational forecasts and business plans that support strategic growth initiatives
Monitor operational and financial results and implement corrective actions when necessary
Ensure operating activities contribute to revenue growth, margin improvement, and overall financial performance
Establish and track meaningful performance metrics and reporting systems across all operational functions
Support executive leadership in evaluating business opportunities, investment decisions, and operational risks, and readiness to scale
Maintain special attention to compliance, operational integrity, financial stewardship, and risk management as a corporate officer
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, industry standards, and company policies
Review quarterly and annual SEC filings and disclosures related to operational activities for accuracy and completeness
Support governance initiatives and maintain effective internal controls throughout operational functions
Identify business risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect company assets and continuity
Maintain robust quality management systems and support all quality audit activities
Support new product development and commercialization initiatives by ensuring operational feasibility and successful product launches
Partner with sales leadership to establish pricing support, production schedules, forecasting, and customer delivery commitments
Ensure manufacturing and operational capabilities align with customer needs and growth expectations
Oversee customer-facing operational activities to support exceptional customer experiences and satisfaction
Ensure field repairs, maintenance operations, and technical support functions deliver high-quality service
Facilitate communication between customer support functions and engineering teams to drive product improvements and corrective actions
Oversee the company's global IT infrastructure, including networking, cloud services, end-use computing, and remote connectivity
Maintain the company's cybersecurity strategy and execution in line with applicable regulations and industry best practices
Develop the company's information technology roadmap and ensure execution to plan
Partner with Finance to manage NetSuite ERP system, maintaining performance and data integrity
Establish and maintain business continuity, disaster recovery, and operational contingency plans
Develop crisis management protocols and emergency response procedures across all operational functions
Ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to minimize business disruptions
Oversee health, safety, environmental, and workplace compliance programs
Promote operational readiness and risk awareness throughout the organization
Build, lead, and develop high-performing operational and cross-functional leadership teams
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
Mentor leaders and employees to support succession planning, career growth, and long-term organizational capacity
Promote open communication, knowledge sharing, and employee engagement throughout the organization
Coach leaders to identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, improve quality, and enhance operational performance
Ensure organizational structures and talent strategies support future company growth
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline required
MBA or other relevant advanced degree strongly preferred
15+ years of progressive senior management experience with responsibility for multi-site operations, including international experience
Prior experience as a COO or President of an operating division within a manufacturing company preferred
Demonstrated success leading manufacturing, operations, supply chain, quality, and business performance initiatives
Proven experience scaling operations within a growth-oriented organization
Experience in aerospace, drones/UAS, or defense manufacturing preferred
Public company experience and familiarity with SEC reporting requirements preferred
Experience in M&A and the successful integration of acquired companies
Strategic planning and operational execution expertise
Strong business, financial, and operational acumen, including the ability to read and interpret company financial statements
Exceptional leadership, coaching, and organizational development skills
Deep knowledge of manufacturing, supply chain, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
Experience leading organizational growth, change management, and transformation initiatives
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
Important Details
Key Performance Indicators: Revenue growth and profitability; Gross margin improvement; Operational efficiency and productivity metrics; Manufacturing throughput and capacity utilization; Inventory accuracy and working capital management; Supply chain performance and supplier reliability; On-time delivery performance; Product quality and customer satisfaction; Employee engagement, retention, and leadership development; Budget performance and cost control; Regulatory compliance and audit outcomes; Strategic initiative execution and organizational scalability
