Operations Senior Program Manager

Position Summary

The Operations Sr. Program Manager is responsible for leading high-impact operational improvement initiatives across manufacturing, quality, supply chain, facilities, and production support functions within a military unmanned aerial systems (UAS) environment.

This role drives cross-functional execution of strategic initiatives that improve throughput, quality performance, cost control, compliance, and scalability. The Operations Sr. Program Manager ensures alignment between program objectives and operational capability while establishing standardized processes, performance metrics, and sustainable execution frameworks.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Strategic Operations Leadership

• Lead cross-functional operational improvement programs aligned with company growth and production scale objectives.
• Translate executive strategy into executable operational roadmaps with defined milestones, KPIs, and risk mitigation plans.
• Drive alignment between Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, Engineering, and Flight Operations.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) efforts to ensure operational readiness and production scalability.
  
  

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving initiatives to eliminate waste, reduce variability, and improve process capability.
• Develop and implement Visual Management systems and performance dashboards across operations.
• Standardize workflows, documentation, and cross-functional handoffs to reduce rework and improve efficiency.
• Identify and eliminate manufacturing workarounds caused by process or design gaps in partnership with Engineering and Quality.
• Establish and maintain risk mitigation logs and corrective action tracking systems.
  
  

Program & Project Execution

• Own project plans including scope, budget alignment, timelines, resource planning, and deliverable tracking.
• Facilitate recurring cross-functional program reviews and executive-level reporting.
• Identify program risks early and implement corrective mitigation strategies.
• Ensure initiatives remain compliant with AS9100, ITAR/EAR, and DoD program requirements.
  
  

Data & Performance Management

• Develop and maintain KPI tracking systems for throughput, yield, cost, OTD (On-Time Delivery), inventory turns, and labor efficiency.
• Analyze operational performance data to identify trends and recommend corrective actions.
• Support capacity planning and production scaling strategies.
• Drive accountability through metric transparency and structured performance reviews.
  
  

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure operational programs comply with AS9100, OSHA, ITAR, EAR, and applicable DoD requirements.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure corrective actions and root cause analyses are effectively implemented.
• Support audit readiness initiatives and operational documentation control.
  
  

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as the operational integrator between technical, manufacturing, and program teams.
• Facilitate structured decision-making and issue resolution forums.
• Influence without authority to drive accountability and execution.
• Support leadership in building scalable operational systems and team capability.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related technical field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5 years of experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional operational improvement initiatives.
• Experience in program management within manufacturing or production environments.
• Proven track record implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing systems, production planning, and quality systems.
• Advanced analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent executive communication and reporting capability.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and performance dashboards.
• Certifications (Preferred)
• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
  

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or defense platforms.
• Familiarity with production scaling from low-rate initial production (LRIP) to full-rate production.
• Experience working within DoD contracts or government-funded programs.
• Experience implementing visual management and structured tiered accountability systems.
  
  

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with frequent time spent in manufacturing and production environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, and observe manufacturing processes for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• May require occasional travel to suppliers, test sites, or customer locations.
  
  

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: $132k – $183k, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.