Job Description

Position Summary:
The Lead Operational Program Manager (OPM) serves as the primary strategic and tactical liaison between Program Management and the manufacturing shop floor (specifically Weld and Machine operations) in Aiken, SC. In addition to driving the translation of program requirements into executable manufacturing plans. The Lead OPM is responsible for the management, mentorship, and professional development of a team of OPMs. The Lead OPM is a driver of delivery and a leader of people, responsible for optimizing the flow of products to the assembly line while scaling the capabilities of the OPM function. The OPM is not a reporter of status, but a driver of delivery, responsible for removing roadblocks and optimizing the flow of products to the assembly line.
Key Responsibilities
1. People Leadership & Team Development

• Direct Supervision: Provide direct management for two OPMs, including conducting performance reviews, setting clear KPIs, and managing daily workloads.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Act as a mentor to junior OPMs, coaching them on P&S processes, stakeholder management, and the "solution-first" approach to problem-solving.
• Resource Allocation: Balance task distribution and portfolio assignments across the OPM team to ensure optimal coverage and prevent burnout.
• Talent Pipeline: Identify skill gaps within the team and develop training plans to increase the technical and leadership proficiency of direct reports.

2. Program Integration & Liaison

• Strategic Alignment: Act as the primary point of contact between Program Managers and the Weld/Machine operations teams to ensure alignment on delivery schedules and technical requirements of your program as well as overseeing the OPM team deliverables and requirements
• Executive Analysis: Lead and participate in Tier calls and Value Stream reviews, providing high-level critical analysis, early warning of systemic risks, and actionable mitigation options for the portfolio.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strategic relationships with program counterparts at internal customer sites, ensuring a deep understanding of end-customer needs and delivery pressures.

3. Pre-Production & Strategic Planning

• Bids & Proposals: Direct the operational input for bids and proposals for the Aiken, SC site. Supervise and validate all operational inputs provided by the OPM team to ensure that manufacturing capabilities, lead times, and costs are accurately represented and consistent across all program estimates.
• Make-or-Buy Strategy: Lead "Make vs. Buy" decision-making processes. Oversee the analysis performed by the OPM team, evaluating internal capacity and technical capability against external sourcing options to optimize cost and risk.

4. Operational Execution & Risk Management

• Portfolio Risk Mitigation: Establish a standardized process for monitoring material and component flow to identify potential shortages across all programs before they impact the line.
• Shortage & Surplus Mitigation: Proactively monitor material and component flow by partnering with the Planning and Materials team, to identify potential shortages before they impact the line. Manage surplus inventory to optimize shop floor space and cost, by aligning the production schedule strictly with the assembly line's the rate of customer demand (Takt time). If a build-up of finished parts that aren't scheduled for assembly for several weeks, provide guidance to the shop & materials team to pivot to a different priority.
• Priority Management: When conflicts arise between programs, develop and propose prioritization plans based on vehicle delivery dates and critical path analysis.
• Delivery Ownership: Own the "last mile" of delivery, ensuring that products from Weld and Machine operations are delivered to the assembly line on time and in the correct sequence.

5. Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Quality Governance: Participation in quality reviews and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) processes, ensuring that mitigation plans are implemented and sustained.
• Continuous Improvement (CI): Identify operational inefficiencies within the weld and machine functions. Lead or participate with OPM team in Lean/Six Sigma initiatives to reduce waste, improve throughput, and enhance first-pass yield.

Performance Success Metrics

• On-Time Delivery (OTD): Percentage of program products delivered to the assembly line according to the schedule as well as achievement of OTD metrics of direct reports
• Risk Lead Time: Ability to identify and flag delivery or quality risks X days/weeks before they impact the assembly line.

• First Pass Yield: Reduction in rework and quality escapes within the assigned weld and machine functions.

• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Feedback from Program Managers and Shop Floor Leads regarding communication clarity and proactive problem-solving as well as the effectiveness and proactivity of the OPM team.

Required Skills and Education

• Industry Experience: Extensive proven experience in manufacturing operations, program management, or industrial engineering, specifically within a heavy fabrication or aerospace/defense environment.
• Leadership: Minimum of 3+ years of experience in a lead or supervisory role, with a documented track record of developing direct reports and managing team performance.
• Operational Translation: Expert ability to translate complex program milestones into daily shop floor tasks and clear team objectives.
• Communication: Exceptional ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, from shop floor operators to executive leadership.
• Problem Solving: A "solution-first" approach to leadership; the ability to present a problem accompanied by at least two viable options for resolution.
• Travel: Willingness to travel to internal customer sites as required to maintain relationship health and program alignment.

Preferred Skills and Education

• Strategic Planning: Experience directing operational inputs for Bids & Proposals (B&P) and leading "Make vs. Buy" decision-making processes.
• Continuous Improvement: Certification or proven experience in Lean/Six Sigma initiatives to reduce waste and improve first-pass yield.
• Risk Management: Expertise in Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) and the ability to identify systemic risks well in advance of assembly line impact.
• Materials Management: Experience partnering with Planning and Materials teams to manage component flow and optimize inventory based on Takt time.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or Operations Management (or equivalent professional experience).

Benefits Information

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

Intern Benefits: Temporary employees generally are not eligible for BAE Systems benefits, but can elect to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. Temporary employees working 20+ hours per week are eligible for medical benefits, the employee assistance program, and business travel accident insurance.

Please note: Some benefits may be different for union employees that are governed by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or for positions covered by a wage law called the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA).