Director of Operations
This position is located On-site in our Pensacola, FL location.
Position Overview:
The Director of Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing all operational activities at Birdon’s Pensacola shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing facility. This executive leadership role provides strategic direction and oversight for production, shipbuilding, manufacturing, quality, safety, scheduling, workforce planning, facility operations, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Director of Operations ensures operational excellence while delivering programs on time, within budget, and in compliance with customer, regulatory, and Birdon performance requirements.
The successful candidate will build and lead a high-performing organization capable of supporting large-scale vessel construction and sustainment programs for U.S. Government and commercial customers. The position serves as a key member of the site leadership team and collaborates closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Program Management, Quality, Finance, Human Resources, and Executive Leadership. Birdon’s Pensacola operation is being developed as a major shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing facility supporting military and maritime programs.
Roles and Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Develop and execute the operational strategy for the Pensacola facility.
- Lead all manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, shipbuilding, repair, and production activities.
- Establish performance metrics and accountability systems to achieve safety, quality, schedule, and financial objectives.
- Drive efficient utilization of labor, equipment, facilities, and resources.
- Ensure operational readiness for growth, new program launches, and facility expansion.
Production & Program Execution
- Oversee production planning, scheduling, and execution to meet customer commitments.
- Partner with Program Managers to ensure successful delivery of vessel construction and sustainment projects.
- Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
- Identify and mitigate operational risks that may impact cost, schedule, or quality.
Safety & Compliance
- Champion a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental regulations, customer requirements, and company policies.
- Lead initiatives to reduce incidents and strengthen operational risk management.
- Promote continuous improvement in workplace health and safety performance.
Quality Management
- Ensure adherence to Birdon quality standards and contractual requirements.
- Partner with Quality Assurance leadership to maintain inspection, testing, and certification processes.
- Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues.
- Foster a culture focused on first-time quality and customer satisfaction.
Workforce Leadership
- Recruit, develop, and retain a highly skilled workforce.
- Lead, mentor, and evaluate operations managers, supervisors, and production leaders.
- Support workforce development, apprenticeship programs, and succession planning.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and performance-driven culture.
Financial & Business Performance
- Develop and manage operational budgets and cost-control initiatives.
- Monitor key performance indicators related to productivity, efficiency, labor utilization, and profitability.
- Support capital planning and investment decisions.
- Identify opportunities to improve margins and operational effectiveness.
Continuous Improvement
- Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Lead process optimization initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and cost reduction.
- Promote innovation and operational best practices throughout the organization.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with customers, government representatives, suppliers, and community stakeholders.
- Support business development efforts by providing operational expertise and facility capabilities assessments.
- Represent Birdon professionally in customer meetings, audits, and industry forums.
Qualifications / Skills / Experience
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or related field.
- Minimum 10–15 years of progressive operations leadership experience in shipbuilding, heavy manufacturing, marine engineering, defense, aerospace, or related industries.
- Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience managing large operational teams.
- Proven success leading complex manufacturing or shipbuilding programs.
- Strong understanding of production planning, supply chain coordination, quality systems, and operational performance management.
- Experience managing large budgets and capital improvement projects.
- Knowledge of OSHA, maritime regulations, quality standards, and government contracting requirements.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to obtain and maintain any required security clearances.
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card
Preferred
- Master's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related discipline.
- Experience with U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Defense, or federal maritime programs.
- Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification.
- Experience supporting startup, expansion, or greenfield manufacturing operations.
Key Competencies
- Strategic Leadership
- Shipbuilding & Manufacturing Operations
- Program Execution
- Financial Acumen
- Continuous Improvement
- Workforce Development
- Safety Leadership
- Customer Focus
- Change Management
- Decision Making
- Relationship Building
- Operational Excellence
Relationships
Reports To: General Manager / Vice President, Operations (or designated executive leader)
Direct Reports: Operations Managers, Production Managers, Manufacturing Supervisors, Planning & Scheduling, Continuous Improvement Leaders, and other operational support personnel.
Birdon offers a full benefits package including:
Health/Dental/Vision
EAP/Life
STD/LTD
401(k) with company match (pre- and post-tax options)
Vacation/Sick accrual and holiday pay
Tuition reimbursement program
Employee referral program
Pet Insurance
Birdon is committed to the HEALTH and SAFETY of our workforce and to the ENVIRONMENT we expect this same commitment from all employees.
Birdon America Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Know Your Rights. The Company invites any applicant and/or employee to review the Company’s written Affirmative Action Plan. This plan is available for inspection upon request by emailing [email protected]. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact [email protected] for further assistance.
