Chief Operating Officer (COO)

American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world.

Job Summary:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) directs, administers, and coordinates the day-to-day operations of AR, and supports strategic activities of the organization in support of the policies, goals, and objectives established by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The COO works closely with senior leadership and department heads to ensure the organization runs efficiently and profitably while maintaining operational excellence.

Location: Auburn Hills, MI or Plymouth, MI

Essential Functions:

• Guide and direct management in the production, quality, and financial performance of the organization’s products and services.

• Lead the preparation of short-term and long-range strategic plans and budgets in alignment with corporate goals and growth objectives.

• Oversee executives and department leaders to ensure successful implementation of company policies and initiatives.

• Develop and implement programs that support overall corporate objectives and performance metrics.

• Design the organizational structure and processes to support current operations and anticipated future growth.

• Maintain a robust succession plan and policies that promote management development and leadership continuity.

• Develop and implement internal communication procedures and information flow systems to improve organizational transparency and collaboration.

• Supervise the design and deployment of hardware and software systems that enhance operational efficiency and data flow.

• Establish and enforce operating policies in alignment with the CEO’s strategic direction.

• Regularly evaluate operational performance, analyze key metrics, and provide reports and recommendations to the CEO.

• Clearly define and communicate responsibilities, authorities, and accountability to all direct reports.

• Ensure organizational compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to business operations.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Directly manages subordinate supervisors and department leaders across the following areas: Quality, Materials, and Operations. Responsible for overall leadership, direction, coordination, and evaluation of these departments.

Performs supervisory duties in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws, including but not limited to:

• Interviewing and hiring

• Training and onboarding

• Assigning and directing work

• Conducting performance evaluations

• Managing employee recognition and discipline

• Addressing complaints and resolving operational and personnel issues

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (as demonstrated through experience, training and/or testing)

• Strong leadership and organizational management skills with experience overseeing multiple departments.

• Solid business acumen, including budgeting, strategic planning, and performance management.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working across all organizational levels.

• Proven ability to lead change, solve complex problems, and make data-driven decisions.

• Working knowledge of enterprise systems (e.g., ERP) and process improvement tools.

• Understanding of regulatory requirements and business compliance.

• Ability to develop talent, build teams, and drive accountability.

Education & Experience

• Bachelors or equivalent (Graduate degree preferred) and fifteen years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Background Prerequisites:

• Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks and controlled substance testing.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

With or without reasonable accommodation requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

• For physical requirements, indicate Rarely, Occasionally, Frequently, or Continuously where possible

• Rarely: exists, but not on a regular basis

• Occasionally: <33% of the time (just over 2.5 hrs/day)

• Frequently: >34% but less than 66% of the time (2.72 – 5.28 hrs)

• Continuously: 67-100% of the time (5.36 – 8 hrs)

• Highly repetitive: repeating the same motion every few seconds with little or no variation for >2 hrs total/day)

• Hazards, tasks, PPE, ergonomic concerns, travel requirements, workspace (close proximity to others)

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally

• Travel – ability to go from site to site on a regular basis with overnight stays, international travel less than 25% of time.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.