Director, Operations Factory Leader

Job Description
You don't see it, but it's there. Our employees work on the world's most advanced electronics -from saving emissions in the City of Lights to powering the Mars Rover to protecting the F-35 fighter jet. At Electronic Systems, you'll be among the brightest minds, working on the aerospace and defense industry's most difficult problems. Drawing strength from our differences, we're innovating for the future. And you can, too. Our flexible work environment provides you a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first, exemplified by our missions: "We Protect Those Who Protect Us®" and "We Innovate For Those Who Move The World TM." Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with BAE Systems.

The Fort Wayne Site Operations Director will serve as the senior manufacturing leader for BAE Systems in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This highly-visible role is accountable for leading a large, complex electronics manufacturing operation of advanced controls, avionics, and military communication systems for commercial aerospace and defense customers. This leader will drive operational excellence, develop a high-performing workforce, and ensure the site's continued delivery of safety, quality, cost, and delivery commitments in support of business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of site operations including production, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, facilities, and support functions through a matrixed organizational model
• Establish a culture of performance, accountability, and continued improvement grounded in safety, quality, and employee engagement
• Own factory roadmaps, collaborating with operations and business strategy peers to develop long-term plans for the future of the site
• Drive operational excellence and Lean transformation across manufacturing processes, emphasizing flow, efficiency, and defect reduction
• Manage operations cost performance, capital expenditures, and discretionary budgets aligned to business area goals
• Partner closely with Supply Chain, Quality, Program Management, and Engineering to ensure seamless program execution, product introduction, and customer delivery
• Develop and execute a comprehensive training and capability development roadmap to strengthen site bench strength and readiness
• Serve as key representative for the Fort Wayne site in audits, customer visits, and operations initiatives

Core Capabilities and Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to lead large, complex manufacturing operations with a focus on disciplined execution and cultural transformation
• Strong operational acumen and experience with Lead, Six Sigma, and data-driven decision making
• Skilled at balancing strategic thinking with hands-on leadership in a fast-paced production environment
• Exceptional communication, influence, and change leadership skills
• Demonstrated success in developing leaders and building organizational capability through training, mentoring, and workforce development
• Financial acumen sufficient to manage cost structures, budgets, and capital investments effectively
• Commitment to employee safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, or related technical field
• Minimum 10-15 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in manufacturing or operations within defense, aerospace, or high-reliability electronics environment
• Experience implementing and sustaining Lean and continuous improvement systems
• Active or eligible for US DoD security clearance

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Master's degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related discipline
• Working understanding regarding the transition of complex electronic assemblies to production
• Prior leadership in a matrixed environment managing cross-functional performance
• Management experience with employees under a collective bargaining agreement
• Recognized success in workforce development or cultural transformation initiatives

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $169630 - $288370

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.