Director of Operations

## Director of Operations Apply locations:
Graham, KYtime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted 30+ Days Agojob requisition :
REQ
106910

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. to learn more.
** Job Description
***
* Location:

** Graham, KY  
*
* Reports to:

** VP of Operations At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD), we bring nearly 200 years of innovation to the development of mission-critical energetic systems supporting defense and space programs. Our work operates in high-consequence environments where safety, precision, and discipline are non-negotiable.

We are seeking a
** Director of Operations
** to lead a growing energetics manufacturing site and scale operations without compromising safety, compliance, or execution. This role serves as the operational leader for a 150-person, high-risk manufacturing site, with full ownership of performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Beyond execution, this leader will play a key role in shaping the next generation of operations, talent, and manufacturing capability at EBAD - building the systems, culture, and leadership pipeline required to support long-term growth in a mission-critical environment.#
** What You’ll Own
*** Full-site leadership in a high-mix, low-volume, high-consequence manufacturing environment
* Ownership of site performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost
* Ensure strict adherence to explosive safety, process controls, and regulatory standards
* Operate within a PSM-regulated environment with full compliance to federal, DoD, and explosive safety requirements
* Build and develop teams with a safety-first, accountability-driven culture
* Drive performance through EBAD’s operating system (EBOS) and lean execution discipline
* Lead production ramp, capacity expansion, and operational readiness aligned to customer demand## #
** What We’re Looking For
**** Required Experience
*** 15+ years of operations leadership in high-hazard manufacturing environments
* Direct experience in energetics or explosives manufacturing (e.g., propellants, detonators, high explosives such as RDX or similar)
* Background in aerospace & defense or similarly regulated industries
* Experience supporting DoD programs and contracts
* Ability to obtain DoD Security Clearance
** Technical & Regulatory Depth
*** Working knowledge of energetic materials (RDX, HMX, propellants, detonators)
* Strong understanding of explosive safety, hazard analysis, and risk mitigation
* Experience with ITAR, ATF, and DoD regulatory environments
** Leadership
* ** Proven ability to lead teams in high-consequence environments where safety is critical
* Track record of driving continuous improvement without compromising safety or quality
* Experience building teams, developing leaders, and scaling operations through growth#
** Why This Role
*** Lead a critical, high-consequence manufacturing operation
* Shape and scale a site during a period of significant growth and transformation
* Build the next generation of operational capability and leadership within EBAD
* Join a long-standing, mission-driven defense company with a legacy of innovation
** 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**: $175k – $225k 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…