Site Operations Manager

Company Overview

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Now, we're expanding into Colorado and are looking for a Site Operations Manager to lead day-to-day business operations of the new location. This person will work closely with the Senior Director, Corporate Operations & Peoples to align local practices with PDW's standards, support onsite HR and IT needs, and maintain a consistent workplace experience across sites. They will be responsible for executing decisions and priorities set at the company level.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the primary on-site business operations authority; responsible for overall site readiness, operational continuity, and daily decision making.
• Develop, implement, and refine site-wide operational processes, standards, and procedures, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Provide functional supervision and daily direction for on-site HR and IT support staff, including assigning priorities, guiding performance, and overseeing workflow execution; in partnership with Huntsville, AL leadership.
• Own the site administrative operating budget, including vendor contract evaluation, purchase approval, and cost-optimization.
• Manage relationships with building management and service vendors, negotiating service levels, resolving escalations, and ensuring high-quality facility operations.
• Direct workspace planning, including space utilization strategy, office layout changes, conference room standards, and facility access controls.
• Interpret and implement safety and compliance requirements, establishing local standards that comply with OSHA regulations and PDW safety standards.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with remote HR, IT, and Operations leaders to adapt company-wide policies to local needs and ensure consistent site operations.
• Support local employee relations matters by participating in investigations, assisting with onboarding/offboarding, and ensuring issues are handled properly in partnership with HR leadership.
• Plan and coordinate local team events, recognition moments, on-site celebrations, and guest visits.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in business operations, office management, or similar operational support role.
• Confident communicator with strong coordination and follow-through
• Experience leading or directing staff and managing cross-functional workflows (HR, IT, Facilities, or Operations).
• Working familiarity with HR and IT workflows (onboarding steps, laptop provisioning, access permissions).
• Comfortable using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Excel, OneDrive).
• Strong time management skills and ability to work in-person full-time at the Denver, Colorado office.
• Ability to travel occasionally (