Director of Operations - Defense Division

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description:

Guill Tool & Engineering is seeking a hands-on, continuous improvement-minded leader with manufacturing experience to oversee our defense division. The role is primarily focused on managing build-to-print contracts for precision components and assemblies manufactured to customer-provided drawings and specifications. This person will lead a multifunctional team responsible for understanding customer requirements and coordinating contract execution from initial quote through final delivery.

This opportunity includes a planned transition with our current division leader, supported by documented procedures, a structured cross-training program, and an internal business intelligence team dedicated to improving processes and technology.

We value proven leadership, sound judgment, and an understanding of manufacturing operations. Manufacturing experience is required. Prior defense industry expertise is helpful but not required. Experienced manufacturing managers ready to take on broader leadership responsibilities are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Set clear priorities, coach employees, build accountability, and encourage teamwork and shared problem-solving.
• Quoting & Build-to-Print Contract Management: Oversee quoting, proposals, contract reviews, customer communications, and contract changes. Ensure customer drawings, specifications, quality requirements, and delivery commitments are understood and addressed, with support from technical and business teams.
• Operational Coordination: Work closely with manufacturing engineering, procurement, quality, and production to translate contract requirements into actionable manufacturing plans, resolve issues, and meet delivery commitments.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify bottlenecks, simplify workflows, and turn employee ideas into measurable improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and service.
• Business Performance: Monitor workload, manufacturing costs, contract profitability, delivery performance, and revenue forecasts to support sound decisions and profitable operations.
• Process Documentation & Training: Maintain and improve existing procedures and cross-training plans, verifying proficiency and building dependable coverage across departmental responsibilities.
• Technology & Automation: Partner with our business intelligence team to improve systems and apply practical automation, data analysis, and AI tools.
• Quality & Compliance: Learn and uphold applicable contractual, quality, and security requirements, coordinating with appropriate specialists and addressing risks promptly.

Qualifications:

• Manufacturing experience is required , with a working understanding of manufacturing workflows, production requirements, and shop-floor operations.
• Demonstrated success leading a team, managing competing priorities, and following through on commitments.
• A record of improving processes and achieving measurable results.
• Ability to learn unfamiliar products, customer specifications, systems, and contractual requirements and recognize when specialist input is needed.
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and customer relationship skills.
• Comfort using business software and data, with curiosity about new technology.
• Relevant education or equivalent practical experience.

Helpful Background:

Experience in precision machining, build-to-print contract manufacturing, manufacturing program management, or production control is beneficial. Familiarity with quoting and estimating, ERP systems, and regulated manufacturing environments—including defense or aerospace—is helpful.

Security Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.

About Guill Tool & Engineering:

Established in 1962, Guill Tool & Engineering manufactures precision components and assemblies supporting the U.S. Navy submarine industrial base and related defense industries. We are a Level I/SUBSAFE defense contractor, ITAR registered, and AS9100 certified.

Guill is also a worldwide leader in plastic extrusion tooling. Our culture emphasizes quality, teamwork, continuous learning, and practical improvements that help our people and customers succeed.