DescriptionWORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA or Huntsville, AL
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $170,000 - $250,000. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.
SUMMARY
The Vice President, Operational Programs is responsible for driving coordination, alignment, and execution of all operational program activities across U.S. Redwire Defense Tech sites. This role serves as a strategic integrator who identifies cross-site operational gaps, removes barriers, and ensures programs receive the support, resources, and cross-functional collaboration needed for successful delivery. The VP of Operational Programs enhances execution efficiency, strengthens communication pathways, and ensures seamless operational performance across facilities.
This leader drives operational cohesion, leads cross-functional problem solving, and ensures programs have the operational support, resources, and coordination needed for success. The VP of Operational Programs ensures the right people, processes, and priorities are aligned across sites to support major production programs, new product introductions, and critical customer commitments.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.
- Coordinate all operational aspects of programs across U.S. facilities, ensuring unified execution and cross-site alignment by working closely with the Programs office and the site VP/GMs.
- Serve as the connective tissue between General Managers, Program Directors, supply chain, manufacturing engineering, and executive leadership.
- Align site readiness, capacity planning, production schedules, and resource allocation for major programs.
- Act as the primary problem solver for cross-site operational issues impacting program execution.
- Quickly identify bottlenecks, systemic issues, risks, or misalignments - and implement actionable solutions.
- Lead cross-functional task forces to resolve urgent operational challenges around quality, production delays, supply chain constraints, and program integration.
- Track operational performance of key programs, ensuring schedule adherence, quality standards, and delivery commitments are met.
- Develop enterprise-level dashboards, KPIs, and reports for SVP and executive leadership.
- Support major customer reviews and internal executive reporting regarding operational readiness and risk mitigation.
- Identify inconsistencies in operational workflows across sites and drive standardization, alignment, and documentation.
- Create and maintain cross-site operational program processes, escalation paths, and communication mechanisms.
- Facilitate continuous improvement efforts that remove friction between operations and program execution.
- Work closely with engineering, flight systems, quality, supply chain, and program management teams to ensure cross-site program needs are fully supported.
- Ensure operational requirements are clearly communicated and understood by all participating teams and sites.
- Support customer meetings, program reviews, and strategic discussions related to operational execution.
- Represent operational program needs in leadership meetings, ensuring internal teams and customers receive accurate and consistent updates.
- Lead special projects and initiatives that advance cross-site operational integration, program scalability, and enterprise execution maturity.
- Support new program introductions and coordinate manufacturing readiness across multiple facilities.
- All other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business Administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
- 10+ years of extensive experience in operations, manufacturing, or program leadership within aerospace, defense, UAS/UAV, or related advanced manufacturing sectors.
- Proven success in coordinating cross-functional teams across multiple sites or complex organizational structures.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with a track record of diagnosing and resolving operational bottlenecks.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across departments and leadership levels.
- Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, supply chain constraints, production planning, and quality systems.
- Ability to travel frequently across U.S. facilities and work in diverse operational environments.
- Strong organizational and strategic planning abilities, with the capability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
- High level of professionalism, accountability, and resilience in fast-paced and dynamic environments.
- PMP or PMI certification preferred
REDWIRE DEFENSE TECH BENEFITS
- Matching 401(k)
- Paid PTO
- Paid holidays
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance
- Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- HSA and FSA Options
- Critical Care Plan
- Accident Care Plan
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). To comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify a US person's status under the ITAR and the EAR.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The work environment may involve a standard office setting while also incorporating elements of a production area. Employees will use standard office equipment, including computers, and must demonstrate stamina to sit or stand while maintaining attention to detail despite potential interruptions. The role may require occasional activities such as walking, climbing, stooping, crouching, and bending. Vision is necessary for reading printed materials and a computer screen, while hearing and speech are essential for effective communication both in person and over the telephone. Additionally, the position may necessitate travel by air or automobile. Employees may be required to use personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety shoes, and shop coats, to ensure safety in the production environment. Employees may be able to lift up to 30 pounds as needed.
