Director of Operations

Director of Operations Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD) invites you to apply for the Director of Operations position. We are an aerospace and defense technology company with nearly 200 years of innovation, expanding rapidly and investing in people and culture. Location: Graham, KY Reports to: VP of Operations Industry: Aerospace & Defense Experience Level: Director (15+ years) Job Overview As Director of Operations, you will leverage the Ensign Bickford Operating System (EBOS) to develop the infrastructure, talent, and processes necessary to support a growing energetics manufacturing business. You will provide critical leadership to our operations organization and help deliver mission‑critical technologies to protect lives and advance exploration. Core Competencies for Success Lean & Continuous Improvement: Demonstrated success leading Kaizen events, building team capability, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Inspirational Leadership & Talent Development: Embodies the value “Our People Matter” and engages, coaches, and empowers teams. Culture & Engagement: Champions integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement; drives initiatives enhancing employee experience and engagement. Organizational Effectiveness: Supports organizational design, change management, and workforce planning to enable agility and scalability. Strategic Business Alignment: Strong project‑management skills, delivering complex initiatives on time and within budget; proven track record in factory readiness and production launch. Technical & Industry Expertise: Extensive experience in high‑mix, low‑volume operations and manufacturing environments; understands aerospace and defense product lifecycles. The Candidate We Are Looking For BS in Business Administration, Logistics, Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred). Minimum 10 years of high‑mix, high‑risk manufacturing experience (energetic products a plus). Experience 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. Leadership Opportunity Legacy: Join a privately held, 188‑year‑old business free from short‑term quarterly pressures. Impact: Own and execute critical initiatives for a fast‑growing company. Partnership: Work directly with the BU President, senior leadership, and HR leaders at the intersection of people and business strategy. Culture of Excellence: Shape a culture that values people, integrity, and mission‑driven excellence with a Kaizen mindset and commitment to quality. Compensation & Rewards Base Salary: $175k – $225k 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr