Operations Director- Small Engine Controls

Director of Operations

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities, creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.

Woodward supports our members' wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Estimated annual base pay: $164,000 (minimum) - $205,000 (midpoint) - $246,000 (maximum). All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity. 401(k) match (4.5%). Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%). Tuition reimbursement and training/professional development opportunities for all members. 12 paid holidays, including floating holidays. Industry leading medical, dental, and vision insurance upon date of hire. Vacation/sick time/vacation buy-up/short term disability/bereavement leave. Paid parental leave. Adoption assistance. Employee assistance program, including mental health benefits. Member life & AD&D/long term disability/member optional life. Member referral bonus. Spouse/child optional life/optional AD&D/healthcare and dependent care flexible spending. Voluntary benefits, including: home/auto insurance discounts. Whole life insurance/critical illness insurance/legal assistance/military leave.

Are you ready to lead with impact? We're seeking a dynamic and results-driven Director of Operations with strong Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) experience to join our leadership team. In this high-impact role, you'll oversee both MRO and OEM operations, driving excellence in turnaround time (TAT), delivered quality, and cost efficiency. You'll lead a multi-disciplinary team committed to achieving world-class operational performance aligned with our company's strategic vision.

What You Will Be Doing

• Lead and manage Assembly & Test operations across both OEM and MRO functions.
• Drive performance across key operational metrics: Safety, Quality, Delivery, Responsiveness, and Cost.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, capital investment plans, and staffing strategies.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to meet and exceed departmental and corporate goals.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align operations with broader business objectives.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Arts or Sciences (required); Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in operations, preferably within MRO or OEM environments.
• Proven track record in LEAN manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (certification preferred).
• Strong background in managing multiple product families and driving operational excellence.
• Multi-functional experience across engineering, operations, sales, marketing, project management, or materials management.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to design and implement effective operational strategies.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and team-building skills.

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).

Woodward is an Equal Opportunity Employer EO/AA/M/F/Disabled/Protected Veterans