Senior Director, Operations

Company Description SEAKR Engineering is seeking a Senior Director of Operations to lead and optimize both in-house manufacturing and contract manufacturing partnerships in support of our advanced aerospace programs. This role will report directly to the General Manager, manufacturing, production testing, facilities, EH&S, security and information systems to ensure operational excellence, efficiency, and scalability. The Senior Director will play a pivotal role in SEAKR’s ability to meet customer demands, drive innovation, and maintain a competitive edge in the aerospace industry. Job Description Strategic Leadership & Operational Execution Develop and execute the operations strategy for SEAKR, ensuring seamless integration of in-house production and external contract manufacturing to meet company objectives. Oversee end-to-end manufacturing operations, including engineering, assembly, testing, and logistics, ensuring high-quality production at scale. Serve as a key advisor to the General Manager, providing operational insights, risk assessments, and solutions to enhance overall business performance. Lead cross-functional collaboration between engineering, production, and supply chain teams to drive efficiency, scalability, and innovation. Drive lean manufacturing principles and process optimization initiatives across all operations, ensuring best-in-class execution. Contract Manufacturing & Supplier Management Develop and manage strategic relationships with contract manufacturers, ensuring alignment with SEAKR’s quality, delivery, and technical requirements. Establish clear performance metrics and governance structures to maximize contract manufacturer efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Work closely with supply chain teams to ensure that procurement, subcontracting, and inventory control support both in-house and outsourced production. Optimize make-versus-buy decisions, balancing internal capabilities with external partnerships to enhance flexibility and scalability. Manufacturing & Production Oversight Lead SEAKR’s high-mix, low-volume manufacturing operations, ensuring the production of highly complex, custom aerospace electronic payloads. Oversee production test operations, ensuring 24/7 environmental and functional testing meets aerospace-grade reliability standards. Drive process automation and advanced manufacturing technologies to increase efficiency, quality, and throughput. Ensure seamless coordination between engineering and production teams, accelerating time-to-market for cutting-edge aerospace products. People & Organizational Development Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing operations leadership team, ensuring SEAKR has the right talent to support both internal and external manufacturing initiatives. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, driving operational excellence at all levels. Partner with Human Resources to align the workforce with business objectives, ensuring the hiring, retention, and development of top-tier talent. Customer & Business Engagement Act as a key operational interface with aerospace prime customers, ensuring SEAKR meets and exceeds customer expectations for quality, delivery, and technical performance. Lead customer experience strategy, ensuring exceptional service, responsiveness, and program execution. Identify and drive business growth opportunities, leveraging both in-house and contract manufacturing capabilities to enhance SEAKR’s position. Compliance & Safety Ensure adherence to all aerospace industry regulations, quality management standards, and company policies. Partner with Environmental, Health, and Safety leaders to maintain a proactive safety culture and regulatory compliance across all operational functions. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (Master’s preferred). 12+ years of senior leadership experience in operations, contract manufacturing, and in-house production within the aerospace, high-tech, or defense industry. Deep expertise in contract manufacturing, supplier management, and make-versus-buy strategies. Proven ability to optimize complex, high-mix, low-volume manufacturing operations. Strong ability to lead large, cross-functional teams, optimize production workflows, and drive scalable solutions. Expertise in lean manufacturing, process automation, and operational efficiencies. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, with experience in executive-level strategy and execution. Additional Information Compensation: Base pay range is $220,000 - $270,000 per year depending on qualifications. SEAKR has very rich medical, dental and vision insurance plans, along with a generous 401(k) retirement plan. In addition to base salary, employees are eligible for a year-end bonus. SEAKR offers a variety of paid leave, such as vacation, sick, bereavement, and FMLA. There is potential for a remote hybrid work schedule once training is complete. SEAKR is an Equal Opportunity Employer - All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. US Citizenship Required Seniority level Executive Employment type Full-time Job function Other Industries Defense and Space Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr