Director of Operations
Bath Iron Works Corporation, Montgomery, AL, United States
Job Description
The Director of Operations is a key leadership role responsible for managing day-to-day shipyard operations to support the construction, testing, and delivery of Navy surface combatant vessels. Reporting to the VP of Operations, this position ensures operational performance in the areas of safety, quality, schedule, cost, and workforce leadership. Operating within the BIW Business Operating System (BOS), the Director leads major operational departments, ensuring compliance with operational standards and driving execution excellence across assigned areas of responsibility.
Key Responsibilities Safety Leadership
Promote and reinforce a strong safety culture across assigned operational areas
Ensure consistent adherence to safety policies and procedures
Support implementation of safety improvement initiatives and performance goals
Project Execution
Oversee execution of construction, testing, and production activities within assigned programs or ship sections
Monitor schedule, cost, and quality performance; implement corrective actions as needed
Support cross-functional coordination with Engineering, Planning, and Support groups
Contribute to operational planning, resource needs forecasting, and production readiness efforts
Operational Management
Lead Superintendents, Managers, and operational teams
Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation within assigned scope
Implement operational improvement initiatives aligned with enterprise strategies
Prepare and present performance updates to Senior Leadership
Support long-term operational planning and improvement programs
Training and Development
Develop frontline leadership capabilities through coaching and mentoring
Support succession planning activities within operational departments
Ensure workforce training and qualification requirements are met
Team Collaboration & Communication
Maintain strong communication and alignment across operational functions
Coordinate with Navy customers and key internal stakeholders as requiredSupport organizational change initiatives and cultural improvement efforts
Continuous Improvement
Lead targeted continuous-improvement initiatives within assigned areas
Support BOS implementation and sustainment
Identify operational inefficiencies and lead corrective action planning
Contribute to modernization and process‑improvement efforts
Required/Preferred Education/Training
Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, engineering, marine engineering, or related technical field
Advanced degree (MBA or similar) preferred
Required/Preferred Experience
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in shipbuilding, construction, industrial manufacturing, or heavy industry
Demonstrated ability to lead large operational teams and deliver results in complex environments
Experience managing production schedules, budgets, and performance metrics
Strong understanding of industrial safety standards and proven safety leadership
Experience working with unionized workforce and labor relations
Familiarity with Navy programs, government contracting, or defense manufacturing strongly preferred
Proven ability to execute process improvements and support Lean initiatives
Strong communication, leadership presence, and relationship‑building skills
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Key Responsibilities Safety Leadership
Promote and reinforce a strong safety culture across assigned operational areas
Ensure consistent adherence to safety policies and procedures
Support implementation of safety improvement initiatives and performance goals
Project Execution
Oversee execution of construction, testing, and production activities within assigned programs or ship sections
Monitor schedule, cost, and quality performance; implement corrective actions as needed
Support cross-functional coordination with Engineering, Planning, and Support groups
Contribute to operational planning, resource needs forecasting, and production readiness efforts
Operational Management
Lead Superintendents, Managers, and operational teams
Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation within assigned scope
Implement operational improvement initiatives aligned with enterprise strategies
Prepare and present performance updates to Senior Leadership
Support long-term operational planning and improvement programs
Training and Development
Develop frontline leadership capabilities through coaching and mentoring
Support succession planning activities within operational departments
Ensure workforce training and qualification requirements are met
Team Collaboration & Communication
Maintain strong communication and alignment across operational functions
Coordinate with Navy customers and key internal stakeholders as requiredSupport organizational change initiatives and cultural improvement efforts
Continuous Improvement
Lead targeted continuous-improvement initiatives within assigned areas
Support BOS implementation and sustainment
Identify operational inefficiencies and lead corrective action planning
Contribute to modernization and process‑improvement efforts
Required/Preferred Education/Training
Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, engineering, marine engineering, or related technical field
Advanced degree (MBA or similar) preferred
Required/Preferred Experience
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in shipbuilding, construction, industrial manufacturing, or heavy industry
Demonstrated ability to lead large operational teams and deliver results in complex environments
Experience managing production schedules, budgets, and performance metrics
Strong understanding of industrial safety standards and proven safety leadership
Experience working with unionized workforce and labor relations
Familiarity with Navy programs, government contracting, or defense manufacturing strongly preferred
Proven ability to execute process improvements and support Lean initiatives
Strong communication, leadership presence, and relationship‑building skills
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