Senior Manager, Manufacturing Operations

We are seeking a Sr. Manager of Manufacturing Operations to join our manufacturing team at Anduril. You will work on cutting-edge technology aimed at advancing the state-of-the-possible. The Sr. Production Manager will manage a team of highly talented leaders to produce multiple platforms of hardware for strategic military and commercial customers.

This is a highly dynamic role that requires both frontline technical and people management skills. The Sr. Manager of Manufacturing Operations is at the forefront of delivering exceptional customer experiences, fostering team culture, and overseeing day-to-day delivery operations. Success in this role demands consistent achievement across customer satisfaction, team management, operations, and financial goals.

The ideal candidate will have new product introduction (NPI) and production scaling experience. The ideal candidate combines technical acumen for effective communication both upwards and downwards, strong time-management skills, and a passion for leading transformative change. The ideal candidate should be energetic, highly organized, and deeply committed to building up American defence capabilities.

While individual strength is valued, teamwork is crucial for achieving the highest level of success.

Key responsibilities include:

• Drive Tier 3 production reporting structures and set safety, quality, cost, and delivery goals across multiple production teams and workcenters
• Set monthly and quarterly production targets and maintain accountability for performance across broader manufacturing operations spanning several workcenters
• Lead and develop the organisational structure of your leadership team, including succession planning for supervisors and managers
• Define operational direction by establishing goals, policies, and processes, then delegating execution to other leaders on your team
• Shape and adjust manufacturing policies that guide how your team and broader organisation operates, with decisions that significantly influence business outcomes across the department
• Tackle complex, often undefined operational challenges that require conceptual thinking and strong understanding of organisational goals, while steering supervisors and managers toward more tactical problem-solving
• Apply sound judgment to select approaches and define success measures that determine how work gets done across multiple production areas
• Lead strategic projects that impact multiple parts of the business and span up to a year in duration, directly affecting monthly to quarterly production plan attainment
• Execute near to long-term business outcomes while driving strategic initiatives that enable production operations and support cross-functional peers
• Set team culture across multiple production leaders and drive both tactical execution and strategic direction for manufacturing operations
• Collaborate frequently with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to align on priorities that span departments and customer needs
• Navigate complex or sensitive conversations with stakeholders, focusing on influencing outcomes while maintaining strong working relationships
• Oversee cross-functional projects that impact all work centers under your responsibility, ensuring alignment with broader organisational objectives
• Be able to perform C-suite level reporting on production performance and strategic vision
• Show up every day with a high level of urgency and extreme ownership to get the job done

Required qualifications include:

• 7+ years experience in production oriented fields with at least 3+ years in a Manager or production operations Sr. Manager role in a high volume production environment
• Experience working with ERP and MES systems and implementing new systems
• A full understanding of the product life cycle (NPI to scaled production), LEAN manufacturing principals, and change management (ECOs)
• Can interpret technical documentation (mechanical drawings, work instructions, building plans, equipment specs, electrical schematics, etc.)
• Extremely reliable, organised and detail-oriented with excellent verbal & written communication skills
• A passion for employee development and enjoy the process of training and developing both new leaders and veteran production leadership
• Have proven skills in both process and equipment troubleshooting, allowing you to easily adapt to constantly changing production environments
• Experience supporting process development
• Knowledge of 5S, lean manufacturing or 6-Sigma principles
• Proficient with MS office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project)
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities

Preferred qualifications include:

• Has led Operations Managers directly and a team size of over 100 individuals
• Regularly performs C-suite level executive reporting
• New product introduction (NPI) experience and ability to operate in all levels of production maturity
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (engineering, business, or applied science)
• Lean six sigma green or black belt certified
• Working knowledge of AS9100 standards and OSHA laws
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance
• Experience in a cutting edge manufacturing environment supporting vehicles, aircraft, or complex systems a plus
• Ability to develop cross functional relationships as a well-respected, trusted partner