Director, Operations

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions. Click here ( to learn more.

Job Description

Location: Simsbury, CTReports to: VP OperationsIndustry: Aerospace & DefenseExperience Level: Site Leader / Director (15+ years)

Lead the Site. Build the System. Deliver the Mission.

EBAD is seeking a Director of Operations / Site Leader for our Simsbury, CT facility. This role carries full accountability for site performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people within a complex, highly regulated aerospace and defense manufacturing environment.

We are looking for a high-impact leader who can deliver operational results today while building the systems, team, and culture required to scale for future growth.

The Opportunity

EBAD is a leader in mission-critical energetic and electronic systems supporting major aerospace, missile, and space platforms. The Simsbury site is a key contributor to these programs and is positioned for continued growth.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Lead a critical manufacturing site with full ownership and accountability

• Operate in a high-mix, low-volume, engineer-to-order environment

• Establish and scale EBOS as the site’s operating system

• Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost

• Build organizational capability to support growth and new program introduction

• Partner cross-functionally to support development, qualification, and production ramp of new products

This is a high-visibility leadership role with both immediate impact and long-term growth potential.

Scope of Responsibility

The Director of Operations has full leadership responsibility for all site-level operations and support functions, including:

• Manufacturing / Production Operations

• Production Support & Test

• Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Supply Chain & Materials Management

• Environmental, Safety & Health (ES&H / EHS)

• Maintenance & Facilities

• Continuous Improvement / EBOS

This role also works closely with Engineering, Program Management, and Business Development to support new product development, qualification, and growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Lead the organization to achieve Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) objectives

• Own execution of production across launch vehicle, missile, and defense programs

• Ensure adherence to program milestones and delivery commitments

• Drive on-time delivery (OTD), past due reduction, and revenue execution

Safety & Compliance

• Establish and maintain a zero-incident safety culture

• Ensure compliance with aerospace, defense, and regulatory standards

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and deploy EBOS as the site operating system

• Implement disciplined daily management, KPIs, and leader standard work

• Lead structured problem solving (RCCA) and continuous improvement initiatives

• Build scalable processes to support growth and operational excellence

People & Organizational Development

• Build and lead a high-performing, accountable organization

• Develop leadership capability, succession depth, and team engagement

• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement

Cross-Functional Integration

• Partner with Engineering and Program Management on development and production readiness

• Support Business Development in proposal reviews and new opportunity evaluation

• Align operations with customer requirements and business objectives

Financial & Strategic Management

• Manage departmental budgets and cost performance

• Lead capital planning and facility/equipment investments

• Support long-term capacity planning and growth strategy

• Contribute to site and enterprise-level operational strategy

Core Competencies

Enterprise Leadership MindsetBalances operational execution with long-term business objectives.

People Leadership & Culture BuildingBuilds strong teams, develops leaders, and creates accountability.

EBOS / Lean LeadershipDrives disciplined execution through operating systems and continuous improvement.

Strategic ExecutionTranslates complex priorities into clear, actionable plans.

SQDC Results OrientationUses data to drive measurable performance improvements.

Cross-Functional InfluenceEffectively collaborates across engineering, programs, and commercial teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (Engineering or related field preferred); advanced degree a plus

• 15+ years of operational leadership experience in manufacturing

• Proven experience leading a site or large-scale operations organization

• Background in aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing environments

• Experience in high-mix, low-volume or engineer-to-order production environments

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development experience

• Deep experience with Lean / operating systems (EBOS, DBS, or equivalent)

• Financial acumen including budgeting, cost control, and capital planning

• Ability to analyze data across the value stream and drive systemic improvements

• Experience working in cross-functional, integrated product team environments

• Energetics experience is a plus

A Defining Leadership Opportunity

Scope & OwnershipFull accountability for a critical manufacturing site.

Growth & Career PathOpportunity to expand scope as the business continues to grow.

Operational Excellence CultureA company committed to EBOS, disciplined execution, and continuous improvement.

Mission ImpactDirect contribution to critical national defense and space programs.

LocationSimsbury, CT offers strong quality of life with access to major metropolitan areas.

Compensation and Rewards

We recognize that world-class leaders deliver world-class impact, and we reward accordingly. This role offers a competitive executive package that includes:

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.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are a proven operations leader ready to take full ownership of a complex site, build a high-performing organization, and deliver meaningful results, we encourage you to explore this opportunity.

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.

EBI's 190-year history has been shaped by innovation and stewardship defining who we are today: a family-owned, independently led, and professionally managed company united by our people, Core Values, and Winning Vision. We invite you to explore our three strong businesses and discover how you can help shape the next chapter of our story.

Ensign-Bickford Industries ( founded in 1836, is a privately-owned high technology conglomerate that participates in businesses that are relevant to the future of the world and have multigenerational growth prospects. As One EBI, we innovate in science and technology for the safety, health, and well-being of society, creating exceptional long-term value.

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