Administrative Operations Manager

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

Job Summary

The Manager of Administrative Operations will lead the establishment, implementation, and continuous management of the Center of Excellence (CoE) for Administrative Operations. The role is responsible for directly managing Administrative Team Supervisors as well as ensuring all administrative support services, including the Centralized Administrative Team and Administrative Partner Team, align with the Company’s strategic vision and business goals. This manager is the primary liaison for all key administrative support matters, representing and advocating on behalf of the administrative community.  

Work Model 

This is a full-time position offering a hybrid work model with up to 1 day per week remote flexibility, on average, and/or as the business needs allow. This position is located in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Direct Manager to all Admin Supervisors (approximately 7 – 8)
  • Responsible for hiring, supervising, developing, training, approving time off, determining objectives, and completing annual performance reviews; plans, assigns, and reviews the work of the Centralized Administrative Team
• Leads team of Admin Partners through an indirect (dotted line) reporting function
  • Partners with managers in interviewing and hiring for Admin Partner positions, conducts training for executive and senior level admins to enable their participation in admin hiring panels
  • Provides supplemental performance feedback to Admin Partner leaders for continued admin development
• Manages the implementation and ongoing evolution of the new admin framework and job family within the CoE
• Manages and assesses budget and resource allocation to ensure effective utilization and cost-control of administrative personnel and tools through the use of data to identify trends as a basis for recommendations
• Participates with senior management in company-wide strategic impact initiatives by representing and/or contributing to decision-making processes to identify specific administrative needs and support solutions
• Evaluates, coordinates, and leads technology development, implementation and enhancements, best practices, to improve overall effectiveness and efficiency of administrative operations throughout the Company
• Leads and develops a high-performing corporate administrative team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement through some of the following methods:
  • Mentorship programs, networking events, quarterly meetings, yearly admin day events, regular training opportunities
  • Leads administrative training development program in coordination with Aerospace University and external resources
  • Collaborates with senior leaders to optimize, develop, and retain our top administrative talent by overseeing career path options and establishing succession planning pipelines

What You Need to be Successful - Admin Operations Manager

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 10 or more years Senior/C-Suite level administrative experience at a large corporation
• Management and budget experience
• Experience with industry best practices related to the administration job family
• Effective interpersonal and organizational skills to coordinate efforts, handle confidential matters, and work with internal and external organizations
• Ability to inspire and influence others through change
• Ability to navigate ambiguity successfully and support multiple priorities/projects
• Excellent communication skills (written, oral, presentation)
• Experience in Microsoft Office applications including Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams and Excel

How You Can Stand Out  

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• 15 or more years Senior/C-Suite level administrative experience at a large corporation
• Experience and/or certification in change management
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret data and apply/implement as appropriate
• Familiarity with Aerospace corporate organizational structures, policies, processes, and practices 
• Familiarity with enterprise software packages such as Concur, Workday, JIRA, Tableau, MS Power Automate  
• Prior experience leading large teams

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$95,800 - $143,700

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.