Operations Project Manager

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Operations Project Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating strategic internal projects across Technical Directions Inc. (TDI). Unlike customer-facing Program Managers, this position focuses on initiatives that improve operational performance, organizational effectiveness, business processes, facility readiness, and overall execution capability.

The Operations Project Manager serves as the central coordinator for cross-functional initiatives spanning Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Facilities, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Program Management. The role ensures projects are planned, executed, tracked, and completed in alignment with company objectives, operational priorities, and executive expectations.

Reporting directly to the Director of Operations, this position supports strategic business initiatives, operational readiness activities, process improvements, system implementations, facility projects, organizational development efforts, and continuous business improvement initiatives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Strategic Project Leadership

• Lead internal operational and business projects from concept through implementation and closure.
• Develop project schedules, milestones, budgets, resource plans, and implementation strategies.
• Drive execution of strategic initiatives identified by executive leadership.
• Monitor project performance and proactively address schedule, cost, and resource constraints.
• Facilitate executive decision-making through clear reporting, issue escalation, and risk management.

Cross-Functional Integration

• Coordinate activities across Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Facilities, HR, and IT.
• Establish project ownership, accountability, and due dates.
• Facilitate project meetings, action-item tracking, and follow-up activities.
• Remove barriers impacting project execution and organizational objectives.
• Promote collaboration and communication across functional teams.

Operational Improvement & Business Process Development

• Coordinate process improvement initiatives supporting safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.
• Assist functional leaders with process standardization and workflow improvements.
• Support development and maintenance of standard operating procedures, work instructions, and business processes.
• Facilitate project teams focused on improving operational performance and organizational effectiveness.
• Develop project metrics, dashboards, and status reporting tools.

Business Systems & Organizational Readiness

• Support implementation of business systems, operational tools, reporting platforms, and process improvements.
• Coordinate system deployment projects, training activities, and process changes.
• Partner with functional leaders to improve system utilization and organizational adoption.
• Support operational readiness initiatives associated with growth, facility improvements, and business expansion.

Quality, Compliance & Documentation Support

• Support quality, compliance, documentation, and process improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate corrective action, audit preparation, and organizational improvement projects.
• Ensure project deliverables are documented, communicated, and integrated into business processes.
• Support documentation control and continuous improvement efforts across the organization.

Project Governance & Reporting

• Develop and maintain Integrated Master Project Plans.
• Manage project risks, issues, action items, and decision logs.
• Prepare executive-level project updates, dashboards, and status reports.
• Support Monthly Operating Reviews, Strategic Planning Reviews, and Executive Staff Meetings.
• Maintain visibility and transparency of project performance across the organization.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• No direct reports initially.
• Leads cross-functional teams through influence, coordination, and accountability.
• May provide oversight to project coordinators, analysts, or administrative support personnel as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required

• Strong project management experience in manufacturing, construction, industrial, engineering, fabrication, or operational environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple concurrent projects in fast-paced environments.
• Strong organizational, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to coordinate activities across multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to drive accountability without direct authority.

Preferred

• Experience with project scheduling, budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning.
• Experience supporting process improvement and operational initiatives.
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations and project execution methodologies.
• PMP, CAPM, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent project management certification.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or industrial environments.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required

• Associate's Degree in Business, Operations, Project Management, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing, or related discipline; Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• 5+ years of project management, operations, manufacturing, construction, engineering, supply chain, or related experience.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple cross-functional projects simultaneously.

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field.
• PMP, CAPM, or equivalent project management certification.
• Experience supporting organizational growth, operational improvement, or business transformation initiatives.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.

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Job Benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Kratos Defense 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, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

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From: Kratos Defense