VP of Operations

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VP of Operations

Full Time Executive Grand Forks, ND, US

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title every day with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services.

Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental improvements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.

The Vice President of Operations reports to the President and provides executive leadership for operational execution across the Motion and Testing Systems business, including Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management. This role serves as the President’s primary operational partner, translating company strategy and business priorities into aligned operational plans, clear functional commitments, and measurable results. This role is accountable for on-time delivery, project cost and margin performance, alignment of cross-functional commitments, and the operating discipline required to deliver customer commitments safely, efficiently, and predictably.

The role is responsible for creating an integrated and scalable operating model, improving visibility and accountability across functions, and resolving barriers that affect schedule, cost, quality, or customer satisfaction. The Vice President of Operations also develops operational leaders, strengthens collaboration across the organization, and fosters a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making.

The Direct of Engineering, Director of Manufacturing, Supply Chain Manager, and Sr Manager of Program Management report to this role.

Job Responsibilities

Operational Leadership and Strategy

• Translate company strategy and business priorities into integrated operational plans, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Lead Engineering and Manufacturing through their respective directors, establishing clear accountability, decision rights, and operating rhythms.
• Align operational capacity, resources, and priorities with customer demand, program requirements, and company growth objectives.
• Build scalable processes and organizational capabilities that support sustainable growth and consistent execution.

Delivery and Cross-Functional Execution

• Own enterprise on-time delivery (OTD) performance and drive execution against customer commitments.
• Ensure Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management commitments are aligned to the overall master schedule and required delivery dates.
• Establish clear cross-functional priorities and resolve competing demands that put schedule, cost, quality, or customer commitments at risk.
• Serve as the senior escalation point for operational issues and drive timely decisions, ownership, and resolution.
• Ensure critical dependencies, constraints, and resource gaps are identified early and addressed across functions.

Operating Performance and Governance

• Establish and lead an operating review cadence that provides clear visibility into delivery, schedule, capacity, quality, cost, and risk.
• Define and monitor operational performance indicators; use data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement priorities.
• Ensure program and functional leaders maintain accurate forecasts, realistic commitments, and timely reporting.
• Strengthen coordination between Engineering, Program Management, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain throughout the product lifecycle.
• Partner with Finance and functional leaders to support operating plans, budgets, investment decisions, and performance against business objectives.
• Identify, assess, and proactively mitigate operational risks that could affect delivery, financial performance, quality, or customer satisfaction.

Continuous Improvement and Quality

• Champion lean thinking and continuous improvement across the organization, with emphasis on flow, accountability, waste reduction, and predictable delivery.
• Ensure operational processes support applicable quality, safety, regulatory, and customer requirements.
• Sponsor improvements to systems, planning practices, and workflows that strengthen efficiency, visibility, and decision-making.

Leadership and Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the Director of Engineering, Director of Manufacturing, and other assigned leaders.
• Build a high-performing, collaborative leadership team that operates with shared accountability for company results.
• Set clear expectations, evaluate performance, support succession planning, and strengthen leadership capability across Operations.
• Promote effective communication and partnership across departments, locations, and divisions.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, engineering, manufacturing, program execution, or a related field, including leadership of senior managers or directors.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, complex manufacturing, engineered systems, or another project-based technical environment.
• Demonstrated accountability for on-time delivery and cross-functional execution across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management.
• Experience leading organizational growth, operational improvement, and change across multiple functions.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally and obtain a passport.
• Due to federal contract requirements, candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. Section 1324b(a)(3).

Skill Requirements

• Enterprise-level leadership with the ability to connect strategy, customer commitments, and daily execution.
• Strong business acumen, including capacity planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management.
• Ability to establish accountability and influence decisions across functions with competing priorities.
• Sound judgment and decisiveness when resolving complex operational issues and tradeoffs.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, coaching, and change leadership skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with a disciplined approach to risk management and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work for extended periods at a computer workstation and keyboard.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and through electronic means.
• The position may require walking, standing, sitting, bending, reaching, and occasional lifting and/or carrying of up to 25 lbs.

Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.