Director of Operations

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

• Bachelor's 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