Director of Operations

Responsibilities for this Position

The Director of Operations is a key leadership role responsible for managing day-to-day shipyard operations to support the construction, testing, and delivery of Navy surface combatant vessels. Reporting to the VP of Operations, this position ensures operational performance in the areas of safety, quality, schedule, cost, and workforce leadership. Operating within the BIW Business Operating System (BOS), the Director leads major operational departments, ensuring compliance with operational standards and driving execution excellence across assigned areas of responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Safety Leadership

Promote and reinforce a strong safety culture across assigned operational areas

Ensure consistent adherence to safety policies and procedures

Support implementation of safety improvement initiatives and performance goals

Project Execution

Oversee execution of construction, testing, and production activities within assigned programs or ship sections

Monitor schedule, cost, and quality performance; implement corrective actions as needed

Support cross-functional coordination with Engineering, Planning, and Support groups Contribute to operational planning, resource needs forecasting, and production readiness efforts

Operational Management

Lead Superintendents, Managers, and operational teams

Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation within assigned scope

Implement operational improvement initiatives aligned with enterprise strategies

Prepare and present performance updates to Senior Leadership

Support long-term operational planning and improvement programs

Training and Development

Develop frontline leadership capabilities through coaching and mentoring

Support succession planning activities within operational departments

Ensure workforce training and qualification requirements are met

Team Collaboration & Communication

Maintain strong communication and alignment across operational functions

Coordinate with Navy customers and key internal stakeholders as required

Support organizational change initiatives and cultural improvement efforts

Continuous Improvement

Lead targeted continuous-improvement initiatives within assigned areas

Support BOS implementation and sustainment

Identify operational inefficiencies and lead corrective action planning

Contribute to modernization and process-improvement efforts

• Bachelors degree in manufacturing, engineering, marine engineering, or related technical field
• Advanced degree (MBA or similar) preferred

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in shipbuilding, construction, industrial manufacturing, or heavy industry
• Demonstrated ability to lead large operational teams and deliver results in complex environments
• Experience managing production schedules, budgets, and performance metrics
• Strong understanding of industrial safety standards and proven safety leadership
• Experience working with unionized workforce and labor relations
• Familiarity with Navy programs, government contracting, or defense manufacturing strongly preferred
• Proven ability to execute process improvements and support Lean initiatives
• Strong communication, leadership presence, and relationship-building skills

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