Director of Operations

Company Description:

Safety Training Systems, Inc. (STS), established in 1979 and based in Tulsa, OK, specializes in custom engineering and manufacturing solutions for industries such as simulation, training, space, defense, and aviation. Known for producing high-quality Safety and Emergency Procedures Trainers, Cabin Service Trainers, and other training devices, STS is trusted by DOD prime contractors and airline industry leaders and committed to delivering reliable products using advanced technologies. STS is ISO 9001:2015 certified and recognized as a HUBZone-qualified organization.

Company Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Short- and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance.
• 401(k) with company match after one year.
• Paid vacation after six months, plus paid holidays.
• A supportive, collaborative work environment with opportunities to work on high-profile projects for major airlines, military branches, and government agencies.

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Director of Operations to lead and coordinate the company’s manufacturing, production, program execution, facilities, and operational support activities. This position is responsible for ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with customer and quality requirements.

The Director of Operations works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, Contracts, Business Development, and company leadership to align resources, resolve operational issues, and improve overall company performance

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead manufacturing, production planning, facilities, and other assigned operational functions.
• Establish production priorities and ensure staffing, materials, equipment, and resources support program requirements.
• Monitor schedules, budgets, labor performance, quality, and on-time delivery across active programs.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Contracts to resolve operational issues.
• Develop and enforce operational policies, procedures, performance standards, and employee accountability.
• Identify schedule, cost, quality, staffing, and resource risks and implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement in productivity, workflow, cost control, safety, and workplace organization.
• Support contract proposals, estimates, production planning, and resource requirements for new opportunities.
• Provide leadership with regular updates on operational performance, risks, staffing, and corrective actions.

Qualifications:

• Strong leadership, operational management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing manufacturing operations, personnel, schedules, budgets, and resources.
• Ability to coordinate multiple departments and balance competing program priorities.
• Strong understanding of production planning, labor management, quality systems, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to read and understand contracts, schedules, engineering drawings, and technical requirements.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, ERP systems, and project scheduling software.
• Aerospace, defense, aviation, simulation, or custom manufacturing experience is preferred.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Significant manufacturing or operations leadership experience.
• Previous responsibility for personnel, budgets, schedules, and cross-functional operations.
• Experience supporting contract proposals, estimates, and customer-facing programs.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001:2015 requirements is preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in office and active manufacturing environments.
• Ability to regularly walk production areas and review work in progress.
• Ability to read contracts, schedules, drawings, and production documents.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing, by telephone, and through virtual platforms.
• Occasional travel may be required.