Vice President, Operations

Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc.•Simsbury, CT

About The Position

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.Click here to learn more. Job Description Location: Simsbury, CT Reports to: Business Unit President Industry: Aerospace & Defense Experience Level: Vice President (15+ years) Shape the Future of EBAD. Drive Transformation Through People. For almost 200 years, we’ve been at the forefront of aerospace and defense innovation; designing, building, and supporting technologies that protect nations, connect people, and explore new frontiers. As we enter our next century, we are transforming our workforce, culture, and capabilities to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape. EBAD is positioned to double in size in the next 3-5 years, and we are seeking a visionary Vice President of Operations to lead this transformation and shape the future of our organization. You will lead the operations responsible for manufacturing products to support our Launch Vehicle, Missiles, Satellite's and Warfighter markets. The Opportunity: EBAD is a leader in energetic and electronic system solutions offered to aerospace and defense customers for a wide array of applications. EBAD’s products & capabilities set the U.S. standard and are highly sought after in the international community. This business has experienced unprecedented growth in support of our customer’s missions and is seeking an accomplished individual to fill the position of Vice President of Operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a senior leader to become a part of a growing aerospace and defense company. You will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact by providing critical leadership to our operations organization. A Defining Leadership Opportunity: Legacy: Join a privately held, 188-year-old business that takes a long-term approach, free from the short-term pressures of quarterly-driven reporting. Impact: Own and execute critical initiatives for a fast-growing company with a bold vision for the future. Partnership: Work directly with the BU President, senior leadership, and enterprise HR leaders in a highly influential role at the intersection of people and business strategy. Culture of Excellence: Help shape a culture that values people, integrity, and mission-driven excellence, driven by a Kaizen mindset and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement. Ready To Shape The Future? If you're a bold Operations leader ready to shape the future of a highly respected aerospace and defense organization, this is your opportunity to lead a transformative manufacturing strategy that will define our next century of excellence. Compensation and Rewards We recognize that world-class leaders deliver world-class impact, and we reward accordingly. This role offers a competitive executive package that includes: Base Salary: $225k – $275k plus annual bonus Executive Relocation: Comprehensive support for a seamless transition Additional Enhancements: Potential sign-on incentives and tailored rewards based on experience We offer a competitive compensation package aligned with skills & experience, with flexibility to reward top talent and extraordinary qualifications. Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status. Ensign-Bickford Industries, (EBI), founded in 1836, is a privately-owned high technology conglomerate that participates in businesses that are relevant to the future of the world and have multigenerational growth prospects. As One EBI, we innovate in science and technology for the safety, health, and well-being of society, creating exceptional long-term value. Watch the video above to learn more about some of the incredible challenges we take on every day to deliver the best product for our customers, and ultimately the world. Ensign-Bickford Industries (EBI) is a global science and technology organization with unparalleled leadership positions in attractive industries and markets. We are EBI, positioned to take on some of the world's most complex technological and scientific challenges in diagnostics, pet food science, and aerospace and defense. Click here to learn about our Core Values We conduct business in a manner that reflects the highest human and ethical standards. With that commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships and a belief in the efficacy of genuine economic and social service, this cornerstone is the foundation of who we are as a company and our winning vision. AFB International AFB is the leader in pet food flavor enhancers. Ensuring product performance for pet food manufacturers—and their customers—is our business. ⠀ Cawood Cawood is the UK’s leading scientific group, recognized for its technical capability and value-added service to customers in land-based industries. ⠀ Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company EBAD is a global leader in precision energetic systems and other innovative explosives, non-explosive and electromechanical solutions for the defense and aerospace markets. ⠀ EnviroLogix EnviroLogix is an industry leader in the development and manufacturing of tests for the rapid detection of GMOs and mycotoxins throughout the worldwide food production chain.

Requirements

BS in Business Administration, Logistics, Engineering or another industry-related field required; MBA preferred
Minimum of 15+ years of industry related experience including 3 years in upper management required
Experience in managing, training, mentoring and coaching leaders
Proven ability to lead through change and influence cross-functional teams
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills
Passion for people, innovation, and continuous improvement
Demonstrated problem solving, root cause analytical skills to lead and influence others to drive change
Fundamental knowledge of financial concepts such as sales, gross margin, operating income, balance sheets, and working capital
Lean & Continuous Improvement Expertise: Demonstrates success leading Kaizen events that deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Builds team capability in structured problem-solving and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Inspirational Leadership & Talent Development: Embodies the core value: Our People Matter. Proven Ability to engage, coach, and empower.
Culture & Engagement: Champion a culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Drive initiatives that enhance employee experience and engagement.
Organizational Effectiveness: Support organizational design, change management, and workforce planning to enable agility and scalability.
Strategic Business Alignment: Strong project management skills with the ability to plan, execute, and deliver complex initiatives on time and within budget. Proven track record in factory readiness and production launch.
Technical & Industry Expertise: Brings extensive experience high-mix, low-volume operations and manufacturing environments. Understands the unique demands of aerospace and defense product lifecycles.

Nice To Haves

Experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or technology industries preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the operations responsible for manufacturing products to support our Launch Vehicle, Missiles, Satellite's and Warfighter markets.
Lead Kaizen events that deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Build team capability in structured problem-solving and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Engage, coach, and empower
Champion a culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Drive initiatives that enhance employee experience and engagement.
Support organizational design, change management, and workforce planning to enable agility and scalability.
Plan, execute, and deliver complex initiatives on time and within budget.
Factory readiness and production launch.