Operations Leader

Position Overview (Summary/Objective):

As the head of Operations for Danbury Mission Technologies, an ARKA Group company, you will oversee all manufacturing and facilities functions for a 600,000 square foot plant which produces one-of-a-kind products for the United States government using highly advanced technology in support of the safety of our country.  Position operates in a fast-paced aerospace environment which operates 24 hours/day, 365 days/year.  

 

Responsibilities:

The operations leader provides vision, organizational structure, business processes and work instructions to support compliance and customer satisfaction through program execution 

• Effectively directs the day-to-day operations of a high-tech manufacturing facility with a total span of control of ~150 employees and a product mix that includes one-of-a-kind never before developed and low volume products with a focus on electro-optical systems.  
• Develops a high performing leadership team which will drive organizational performance to meet and exceed all internal and external customer requirements.  
• Fosters a culture of teamwork, accountability, empowerment and engagement. 
• Manages capital equipment and expense budgets. 
• Ensures effective workforce planning to meet current and future resource needs.
• Directs the establishment, implementation, and maintenance of production standards.
• Ensures all product lines meet capacity and performance standards; develop and implement appropriate improvement plans as needed.
• Collaborates and communicates effectively with all internal customers and partners.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment of similar size and scope to Danbury Mission Technologies.
• 5+ years of proven experience in a people leadership role with a track record of effectively managing teams and driving performance in the manufacturing arena.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement operational strategies that align with business goals.
• Strategic thinking combined with daily operations execution (ability to think beyond the present in support of the company’s growth and evolving business requirements while also maintaining hands on involvement and leadership of the daily operations of the organization).
• Excellent ability to build partnerships across the organization.
• Ability to identify and implement innovative solutions and changes in support of evolving business requirements and customer needs.
• Solid understanding of business processes, quality management, and continuous improvement methodologies within the manufacturing context.
• Strong business acumen, with a solid understanding of financial management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of industry regulations and compliance requirements relative to government contracts.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new circumstances; comfort and ability to effectively order the unknown; intellectual agility.
• Ability and desire to grow and take on more responsibility in support of the growth of the business.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in high reliability electro-optical manufacturing.
• Current US government DoD or Top-Secret security clearance.

 

Location:

The position is located onsite at our facility in Danbury, CT. Located in beautiful Fairfield County, Danbury offers a diverse economy, wonderful parks, cultural attractions, an impressive mix of private and public educational institutions and a vibrant arts scene. Our facility is nestled among a remarkable selection of communities to call home all with varying price points to fit many different budgets. We’re close to New York City, Boston, and other major cities – great for day trips and weekend getaways. Our lovely seasons along with award-winning institutions, colleges, cultural events, and a genuine sense of community brings a diverse population to the beautiful state of Connecticut!

 

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages
• Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts
• 401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions
• 3 weeks of vacation accrual per year plus time off for sick leave and unscheduled life events
• 13 paid holidays
• Continuing education benefit up to $25k/year for approved programs
• Annual bonus program based on company and employee performance
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance
• 4 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

 

EHS/Environmental Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions, occasionally operate tools and/or machinery with hands and arms and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. The employee will use protective equipment when working with chemicals, move between workstations, reach, and replace equipment, and move items weighing up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Applicants are invited to apply for a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job. To apply, send a request to staffing@arka.org or contact 203-797-5000 and press 2 for Human Resources.

 

ITC & Security Clearance Requirements:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance. The form contained in this link will provide insight into the information the government requests as part of the clearance process. https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf86.pdf.

Due to contract requirements, US citizenship is required. Additionally, if you are a dual citizen (a citizen of the US and another country), the Company must obtain approval for you to have access to the information required for this position. You will not be able to begin employment until such approval is obtained and this may take several months.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

 

Employment with any of the ARKA Group companies in the US is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check and drug screen.

ARKA Group L.P. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.