Director of Operations

Director of OperationsWarrenton, Virginia, United StatesWork with cutting-edge AI technology that helps make the world a safer and more secure place. DroneShield develops market-leading counter-drone solutions used by military organizations, government agencies, airports, critical infrastructure operators, and law enforcement operating in some of the most challenging and high-stakes environments in the world. Employees work at the forefront of innovation, solving complex technical problems and delivering mission-critical capabilities where performance, reliability, and speed matter.As an ASX200-listed company and the world's only publicly listed pure-play counter-drone business, DroneShield is experiencing rapid growth. Revenue increased from A$57 million in 2024 to more than A$217 million in 2025, supported by record profitability, a global sales pipeline exceeding A$2.5 billion, and annual R&D investment of over A$50 million.Since 2017, DroneShield has grown from 11 employees to more than 550 globally, with operations across Australia, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, supporting customers in over 70 countries.DroneShield's U.S. headquarters in Warrenton, Virginia, supports American customers through locally based R&D, sales, customer support, and engagement with defense and security stakeholders.About the RoleDroneShield is seeking an Operations Director with relevant experience to join the team in Warrenton, VA.The position will report to the Chief Operating Officer.The Operations Director – USA is accountable for building and running a field-first, delivery-driven operations engine that enables rapid, reliable demonstrations, deployments, and customer outcomes at scale.This role is not a traditional back-office operations function. It is a front-line execution leadership role, directly responsible for:Winning and enabling customer outcomes through demos and deploymentsDelivering projects and defense programs with predictability and speedBuilding a high-velocity field operations capability across the U.S.The role ensures operations is a commercial enabler, not a constraint—shifting the organization from reactive execution to planned, repeatable delivery systems.Responsibilities, Duties and ExpectationsField Operations, Demos & DeploymentsOwn and lead a world-class field execution engine across the U.S.AccountabilityAll demonstrations, trials, installations, and field supportEnd-to-end execution from customer request ? mobilisation ? delivery ? supportKey Outcomes50% reduction in demo and mobilisation timeConsistent, repeatable demo execution across all regionsImproved first-time fix rate (>20%)Standardised deployment models and field playbooksSeamless coordination of assets, people, and sitesProject DeliveryIn concert with the Global Head of PMO, build and lead a disciplined, scalable project delivery engine.AccountabilityLocal management of Project Managers to ensure priorities are metLocal coordination of all programs, demonstrations, installations, and complex deliveriesKey Outcomes85% of projects delivered on time and on budgetStrong front-end planning replacing downstream recoveryClear ownership across all deployments and programsReduced execution risk in complex defense and customer programsTest Sites & Demo InfrastructureEstablish and operationalise U.S. test sites as core revenue-enabling assets.AccountabilitySite establishment, readiness, and integration into planningEnsure test sites are always ready, available, and utilisedKey OutcomesFully operational regional test sitesSites integrated into scheduling rather than reactive bookingsReduced setup time and increased utilisationRepeatable demo environmentsWarehouse & InventoryTransform inventory into a deployment-ready, execution-critical capability.Key Outcomes98% inventory accuracy98% kitting accuracy for demonstrations, projects, and field operationsMaterials always ready for deployment, not just manufacturingWarehouse flow aligned to field demand and project schedulesFacilities & Field InfrastructureEnsure facilities enable, rather than constrain, field delivery and growth.Key OutcomesFacilities ready ahead of demand (>90%)Infrastructure supports field operations, inventory, and demonstration capabilityNo delays due to lack of space, tools, or readinessHealth, Safety & Operational AssuranceEmbed safe, compliant field execution at speed.Key OutcomesZero major safety or compliance incidentsSafety embedded into field, demo, and deployment processesStrong leading indicators and proactive risk mitigationQualifications, Experience and SkillsSenior leadership experience in Engineering, Operations, Project Management or similar.Background in defense, aerospace, or highly regulated high-tech manufacturingProven experience operating in global, multi-site environmentsEngineering or technical qualifications preferredCustomer-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountabilityRelevant tertiary qualification in Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain or Business (desirable)Note for recruitment agencies: We do not accept unsolicited candidates from external recruiters unless specifically instructed.