Plant & Build Operations Manager

About the Organization Mettle Ops is a woman-owned business experienced in defense program management, federal acquisitions, business development, engineering, analysis, reporting, and risk management with the mission of helping soldiers survive on the battlefield. Through transparency and grit, Mettle Ops delivers multidisciplinary, comprehensive Department of Defense engineering solutions to government and industry partners on a national scale with a mission to build business based on a philosophy of hard work and dedication.

Mettle Ops believes they have a high obligation to the warfighter, their home state of Michigan, their customers, their employees, their faith, and their place on this earth. Mettle Ops is inspired by courage and tenacity and so-named Mettle Ops.

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Plant & Build Operations Manager owns the full path from raw material to fielded product: plant and warehouse operations, build management across Mettle Ops and its subcontractors, and hands-on build engineering for prototype and first-article units. This is a combined role spanning three disciplines — plant/warehouse operations management, build/program management (BOM tracking, subcontractor and OEM coordination, delivery rate-and-flow planning), and prototype build engineering (build plan development, build readiness, and vehicle/kit delivery).

The person in this role ensures product moves through manufacture, kitting, quality inspection, and delivery on schedule, on cost, and in full compliance with contract and safety requirements.

• Manage daily plant and warehouse operations to ensure production and distribution goals are achieved.
• Develop and implement operational plans that improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure optimal utilization of labor, equipment, and warehouse space.
• Coordinate production schedules with sales, procurement, and logistics teams.
• Oversee receiving, storage, inventory control, order fulfillment, and shipping activities.
• Maintain accurate inventory records through regular cycle counts and physical inventories.
• Ensure proper inventory rotation and storage practices, and minimize discrepancies, waste, and product damage.
• Optimize warehouse layout and material flow for maximum efficiency.

• Progress, track, and report status of product Bills of Materials (BOM).
• Track and progress open issues to closure across the company, OEM/customer, and suppliers.
• Create and update build processes as needed and maintain precise documentation.
• Work closely with engineering and hardware teams on order and delivery commitments; develop rate-and-flow plans as required.
• Progress, track, and report status of product builds against the master build/delivery schedule.
• Communicate build and delivery status to the customer, suppliers, and internal teams.

• Own all prototype and first-article build activities from build creation and design through delivery.
• Develop feasible build plans based on work scope, product specifications, test plans, and program timing.
• Lead build-team readiness activities, ensuring all program deliverables are met.
• Resolve issues affecting build quality, engineering design, build-shop readiness, part delivery, and timing.
• Support development of documentation for product/vehicle…