VP Operations
This position is located On-site in our Pensacola, FL office
Position Overview:
The Vice President of Operations is responsible for providing executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for Birdon’s Pensacola shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing operations. This role is accountable for the successful execution of all production, manufacturing, shipbuilding, program delivery, supply chain, quality, safety, workforce development, and continuous improvement initiatives across the Pensacola campus.
As a key member of Birdon’s senior leadership team, the Vice President of Operations will establish and execute operational strategies that support the company’s growth objectives, customer commitments, and financial targets. The position will lead the development of a world-class shipbuilding organization capable of delivering complex maritime and defense programs while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
The Vice President of Operations will be instrumental in scaling operations, developing organizational capability, and ensuring operational excellence as Birdon expands its presence in Pensacola and supports U.S. Government and commercial maritime customers.
Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute the long-term operational strategy for Birdon’s Pensacola operations.
- Translate corporate objectives into actionable operational plans and performance goals.
- Provide executive leadership for manufacturing, shipbuilding, production, facilities, supply chain, planning, logistics, and quality functions.
- Establish a culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership regarding operational performance, investment priorities, and organizational growth.
Operations & Production Management
- Direct all shipbuilding, fabrication, assembly, manufacturing, testing, delivery, and support operations.
- Ensure programs are executed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget.
- Monitor performance metrics and drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, throughput, and quality.
- Lead cross-functional efforts to improve operational effectiveness and customer satisfaction.
- Ensure operational resources are aligned with current and future business requirements.
Program Execution
- Partner closely with Program Management and Engineering leaders to ensure successful execution of all customer contracts.
- Provide executive oversight for schedule adherence, risk management, cost performance, and delivery commitments.
- Identify and resolve operational challenges that may impact program performance.
- Support contract execution strategies and customer engagement activities.
Financial Performance
- Assume full accountability for operational profit and loss performance.
- Develop annual operating budgets, capital plans, and strategic investment priorities.
- Monitor and improve labor productivity, asset utilization, overhead absorption, and operational margins.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, process optimization, and revenue growth.
- Ensure responsible management of company resources and capital investments.
Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Champion a culture where safety is the highest organizational priority.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, customer, and corporate regulations.
- Lead efforts to achieve best-in-class safety, quality, and environmental performance.
- Ensure effective quality management systems are implemented and continuously improved.
- Promote proactive risk management throughout all operational functions.
Supply Chain & Resource Management
- Oversee procurement, material planning, warehousing, logistics, and supplier performance.
- Ensure material availability aligns with production schedules and customer commitments.
- Build strategic relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors.
- Support long-term capacity planning and resource optimization initiatives.
Organizational Development
- Build and lead a high-performing operational leadership team.
- Develop succession planning and workforce development strategies.
- Promote leadership development, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
- Ensure organizational structures support current production demands and future growth objectives.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence.
Facility Growth & Expansion
- Partner with Facilities, Engineering, and Executive Leadership to support facility development and expansion initiatives.
- Guide infrastructure investments necessary to support future shipbuilding programs and manufacturing growth.
- Ensure operational readiness for new production lines, technologies, and customer requirements.
- Support major capital projects from planning through implementation.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as a senior operational representative to customers, government agencies, suppliers, and community partners.
- Support business development efforts by demonstrating operational capabilities and growth strategies.
- Participate in executive reviews, customer meetings, audits, and strategic planning sessions.
- Strengthen Birdon’s reputation as a premier maritime and defense manufacturing organization.
Qualifications / Skills / Experience
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Management, or related field.
- Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in shipbuilding, maritime, defense, aerospace, heavy manufacturing, or industrial operations.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in senior operational leadership roles with multi-functional responsibilities.
- Demonstrated success managing large-scale manufacturing, shipbuilding, or industrial operations with significant workforce and revenue responsibility.
- Strong background in production management, program execution, supply chain, quality systems, and financial management.
- Proven experience leading organizational growth, operational transformation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong financial and business acumen, including budget management and P&L accountability.
- Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
Preferred
- Master’s degree in business administration (MBA), Engineering, Operations Management, or related discipline.
- Experience supporting U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Defense, or other federal maritime programs.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or equivalent operational excellence certification.
- Experience leading large-scale facility startups, expansions, or shipyard modernization initiatives.
- Knowledge of government contracting and defense industry compliance requirements.
Key Competencies
- Executive Leadership
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Operational Excellence
- Shipbuilding & Manufacturing Expertise
- Program Execution
- Financial Management & P&L Accountability
- Organizational Development
- Change Management
- Supply Chain Leadership
- Risk Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- Safety Leadership
- Quality Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
Relationships
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, or President (as designated)
Direct Reports May Include:
- Director of Operations
- Director of Facilities
- Director of Supply Chain
- Director of Quality
- Production Managers
- Planning & Scheduling Leaders
- Continuous Improvement Manager
- Safety & Environmental Leadership
- Other Operations and Manufacturing Leaders
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.
