Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Warrenton, Virginia, United States

Work with cutting-edge AI technology that helps make the world a safer and more secure place. DroneShield (ASX:DRO) 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 defence and security stakeholders.

About the Role

DroneShield is seeking an Operations Manager with relevant experience to join the team in Warrenton, VA.

The position will report to the Chief Operating Officer. The Operations Manager – USA is responsible for leading and coordinating field operations, project delivery, deployments, demonstrations, inventory, facilities, and operational readiness across the United States. This role is a hands-on operational leadership position focused on ensuring successful customer outcomes through the efficient execution of demonstrations, deployments, projects, and support activities.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Supporting customer success through timely and effective demonstrations and deployments
• Coordinating project and program delivery to achieve customer and business objectives
• Developing efficient and repeatable operational processes across the U.S.
• Ensuring operational readiness of people, equipment, facilities, and infrastructure

The role works closely with Sales, Engineering, Product, Manufacturing, Customer Success, and Project Management teams to ensure operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities, Duties and Expectations

Field Operations, Demos & Deployments

Lead and manage field operations activities across the U.S. to ensure efficient, repeatable, and customer-focused execution.

Accountability

• All demonstrations, trials, installations, and field support activities
• End-to-end execution from customer request through mobilisation, delivery, and ongoing support
• Coordination of resources, equipment, logistics, and personnel required to support customer engagements

Key Outcomes

• 50% reduction in demo and mobilisation time
• Consistent, repeatable demo execution across all regions
• Improved first-time fix rate (>20%)
• Standardised deployment models and field playbooks
• Seamless coordination of assets, people, and sites

Project Delivery

In partnership with the Global Head of PMO, support the delivery of projects and programs while ensuring alignment with customer commitments and business priorities.

Accountability

• Local management of Project Managers to ensure priorities are met
• Local coordination of all programs, demonstrations, installations, and complex deliveries
• Cross-functional collaboration to support successful project execution

Key Outcomes

• 85% of projects delivered on time and on budget
• Strong front-end planning replacing downstream recovery
• Clear ownership across all deployments and programs
• Reduced execution risk in complex defence and customer programs

Test Sites & Demo Infrastructure

Manage and maintain U.S. test sites to support demonstrations, customer engagements, and operational readiness.

Accountability

• Site establishment, readiness, maintenance, and integration into operational planning
• Ensure test sites remain available, properly equipped, and effectively utilised

Key Outcomes

• Fully operational regional test sites
• Sites integrated into scheduling rather than reactive bookings
• Reduced setup time and increased utilisation
• Repeatable demo environments

Warehouse & Inventory

Maintain inventory readiness to support demonstrations, deployments, projects, and customer requirements.

Accountability

• Inventory control and warehouse operations
• Coordination of materials and equipment required for field operations and project delivery
• Inventory planning aligned with customer and project demand

Key Outcomes

• 98% inventory accuracy
• 98% kitting accuracy for demonstrations, projects, and field operations
• Materials always ready for deployment, not just manufacturing
• Warehouse flow aligned to field demand and project schedules

Facilities & Field Infrastructure

Ensure facilities and infrastructure support efficient operational delivery and future growth requirements.

Accountability

• Operational readiness of facilities across the U.S.
• Coordination of infrastructure improvements and capacity planning
• Support for inventory, project delivery, demonstrations, and field operations

Key Outcomes

• Facilities ready ahead of demand (>90%)
• Infrastructure supports field operations, inventory, and demonstration capability
• No delays due to lack of space, tools, or readiness

Health, Safety & Operational Assurance

Promote safe and compliant operations across all field activities, demonstrations, deployments, and facilities.

Accountability

• Compliance with applicable safety and operational requirements
• Support ongoing risk identification and mitigation activities
• Embed safety considerations into operational planning and execution

Key Outcomes

• Zero major safety or compliance incidents
• Safety embedded into field, demo, and deployment processes
• Strong leading indicators and proactive risk mitigation

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• 5+ years' leadership experience in operations, project delivery, engineering, logistics, defence, or a related field
• Proven experience coordinating complex projects, deployments, field operations, or customer-facing delivery activities
• Experience within defence, aerospace, government, technology, manufacturing, or other regulated industries
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, planning, and problem-solving skills
• Customer-focused with a high degree of ownership and accountability
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related discipline (preferred)

Note for recruitment agencies: We do not accept unsolicited candidates from external recruiters unless specifically instructed.

DroneShield Group Pty Ltd collects and processes personal information for recruitment and hiring purposes. Where applicable, personal information is processed on the basis of DroneShield's legitimate interests in assessing and selecting candidates for employment. For further information regarding how we collect, use, disclose, store and retain personal information, including your privacy rights, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

This is an anticipated salary range for this role in Virginia. Actual salary varies due to factors that may include but not limited to relevant experience, skills, certifications and location.

$130,000 - $170,000 USD