Job Description
The Deputy, Business Area Operations Director (Deputy BAOD) for Controls & Avionics Solutions (CAS) is a senior operations leader responsible for driving the daily operating rhythm, multi-site coordination, and tactical execution across the CAS manufacturing network. While the role aligns to CAS, it also directly supports the evolving Fort Wayne operational hub, which is increasingly producing products and capabilities for multiple BAE Systems business areas.
This role enables disciplined daily execution, drives recurring operational forums, resolves constraints, and ensures alignment across functions and sites. The Deputy BAOD will lead the Operations Product Line Directors (OPLDs) and provides hands-on operational oversight, freeing the BAOD to focus on long-term strategy, enterprise operating architecture, and future-state capability development.
The Deputy works closely with factory leadership, Quality, Operational Excellence, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Program teams. The Deputy BAOD also represents CAS Operations in executive forums as needed, ensuring continuity of leadership and decisions.
Key Responsibilities
• Serve as the delegated operational authority in the absence of the BAOD, providing continuity in leadership, decisions, and daily operational direction
• Lead day-to-day operations across CAS sites and the broader Fort Wayne hub, managing real-time production constraints and operational flow.
• Own recurring operational meetings and discussions (e.g., tiered management, weekly operations reviews, constraint reviews), ensuring clear actions and disciplined follow-through
• Manage and develop the Operations Product Line Directors (OPLDs); ensure performance aligns with CAS operational requirements and customer commitments
• Drive cross-functional coordination among production, engineering, supply chain, quality, and program teams to resolve issues quickly and maintain operational flow
• Champion cultural alignment across CAS operations partnering with stakeholders and business area leadership to identify cultural opportunities
• Participate in employee listening sessions, feedback mechanisms, and focus groups to identify engagement barriers and translate insights into targeted operational actions
• Monitor daily metrics (delivery, quality, labor, safety, cost) and ensure timely escalation and corrective action
• Ensure operational readiness for executive reviews, customer meetings, audits, and program engagements
• Serve as a stabilizing presence across operations, ensuring clarity, consistency, and effective communication of priorities
• Build stronger operational leadership capability across the organization and within factory teams.
• Identify leadership gaps, strengthen succession planning, and partner with HR and site leadership to develop talent across the hub.
Key Competencies
• Operational Execution
• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Leadership Presence
• Problem Solving
• Decision Quality
• Collaboration & Influence
• Risk & Issue Management
• Culture Stewardship
• Employee Engagement
• Executive Communication
Required Skills and Education
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, business administration, or related field; or equivalent experience in lieu of a degree
• 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, preferably in aerospace, defense, or complex electronics production; 15+ years experience in lieu of a degree
• Demonstrated strength in daily operations management, coordinating cross-functional teams, and leading recurring operational forums
• Experience in regulated environments such as AS9100, FAA requirements, or defense compliance standards (DFARS)
• Proven ability to lead through influence, drive accountability, and manage multiple priorities in real time
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to represent senior leadership in executive settings
• Security clearance eligibility
• Ability to travel regularly (25-40%) to support multi-site operational needs
Preferred Skills and Education
Desired Qualifications
• Master's degree in engineering, business, operations, or related discipline
• Experience leading product-line operations or multi-site operational teams
• Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certifications
• Experience supporting engine controls, flight controls, avionics systems, or power systems production
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
