Chief Operating Officer

B&T USA is seeking an experienced and driven Chief Operating Officer to lead B&T USA’s new Utah manufacturing and assembly operations. This hands‑on leader will oversee all aspects of the manufacturing process for firearms, suppressors, and related components, ensuring production targets are met while maintaining strict compliance with quality standards, safety regulations, and legal requirements. This role involves managing production schedules, optimizing workflow, supervising staff, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives to achieve operational excellence.

• Lead all operational functions, including manufacturing, production planning, quality assurance, supply chain, logistics, facilities, and environmental health & safety.
• Translate strategic objectives into operational plans, performance targets, and measurable outcomes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, throughput, quality, and cost control.

• Oversee end‑to‑end manufacturing operations, ensuring consistent output, quality standards, and on‑time delivery.
• Establish scalable production processes that support growth while maintaining operational discipline and reliability.
• Champion lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to optimize performance.

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations impacting firearms manufacturing and distribution (e.g., ATF, NFA, ITAR/EAR, OSHA, EPA).
• Partner with legal, compliance, and security teams to manage inspections, audits, licenses, and certifications.
• Develop and enforce internal controls, policies, and procedures to mitigate operational and regulatory risk.

• Establish and maintain robust quality management systems to ensure products meet internal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and compliance across all operational teams.
• Oversee workplace safety programs, incident reporting, and corrective action processes.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure reliability, cost efficiency, and compliance with company standards.
• Oversee procurement, inventory management, and logistics to balance availability with working‑capital efficiency.
• Develop contingency plans to address supply disruptions or market volatility.

• Own operational budgets, capital expenditures, and cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operations, quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with finance leadership on forecasting, margin improvement, and ROI analysis.
• Build, lead, and develop high‑performing operations and manufacturing teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, and continuous learning.
• Ensure proper workforce planning, succession planning, and leadership development.

• Serve as a key strategic partner to the CEO and executive team on growth initiatives, new product introductions, and capacity planning.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, integrations, or facility expansions as needed.
• Represent operations in board discussions and executive decision‑making.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, manufacturing, engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Five or more years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or industrial operations, including senior‑level management. Executive experience within firearms, defense, aerospace, or similarly regulated manufacturing industries preferred.
• Strong knowledge of firearms manufacturing processes, materials, design, functionality and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and production planning tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem‑solving and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated experience operating in highly regulated environments.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Proven ability to scale operations, improve efficiency, and lead complex teams.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing…