Senior Director Operations Transformation

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc offers advanced solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements. Celebrating over 50 years in the US, we remain a trusted government partner, leveraging world-class satellite, laser communication, rotor and fixed wing solutions to help our national security, defense and space focused customers meet their missions.

Airbus U.S. looks to employ a commitment driven team, dedicated to enabling our customer's mission success. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and a welcoming and engaging staff. With competitive compensation and superior employee benefits, as well as a commitment to fostering individual career growth, Airbus U.S. is the place where top talent wants to work.

Position Summary

The Senior Director Operations Transformation will oversee the strategic planning, development, and execution of large-scale transformation initiatives across AUS Operations. Driving the alignment of transformation efforts with the company's overall strategic objectives, ensuring sustainable, long-term business value. This executive-level position is responsible for the execution organization-wide transformations & will lead multiple project teams to achieve strategic objectives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and agility. This leader is expected to manage performance, drive engagement and foster development. In this role, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to identify areas for improvement and implement changes that optimize efficiency and productivity in support of achieving AUS's long term goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the overall transformation strategy, aligned with organizational goals
• Deliver multiple high impact, cross functional transformation programs and projects, meeting or exceeding all defined KPIs
• Leverage change management strategies and tactics to ensure success
• Clearly identify and understand risks and supporting mitigation strategies to deliver expected outcomes
• Manage relationship with key stakeholders to ensure buy-in and support for transformation efforts
• Establish governance frameworks and methodologies for transformation initiatives
• Partner with Operational X team to develop and track KPIs to measure the success and ROI of transformation initiatives
• Lead and develop a high-performing, highly engaged team, providing guidance, support, and mentorship
• Continuously generate new ideas and programs to build a strong funnel of transformation program
• Lead end-to-end process improvement initiatives, analyzing current operations, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing solutions to streamline processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Development of a strategic systems & tools roadmap in support of a data driven culture
• Develop and implement change management strategies to facilitate the adoption of new processes and systems
• Conduct data analysis to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Drive continuous improvement culture by promoting best practices and driving employee engagement in process improvement initiatives across AUS network.
• Monitor and track the progress of transformation projects, providing regular updates to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT).
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology and automation to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burdens
• Provide training and support to employees on new processes and systems.
• Responsible for the development of:

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  • Centers of excellence (CoEs).
  • Communities of practice (CoPs).
  • Transformation guidance team.
  • Transformation monitoring team.
  
  
  
  

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead transformational projects that align with AUS goals, particularly in areas such as operational efficiency, quality, data management, system tools and growth.
• Partner with senior leaders to identify and assess areas for improvement, building compelling business cases to support change initiatives.
• Translate high-level strategies into actionable operational plans with clear goals, metrics, and deliverables.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of transformation projects, ensuring alignment with trust-wide objectives

Change Management

• Create and implement change management frameworks to ensure stakeholder readiness and adoption of new processes or systems.
• Lead initiatives to embed changes in practice and behavior, ensuring they align with AUS culture and values.
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver projects in a timely manner and to a high standard including the creation and maintenance of key project documentation such as project plans, risk registers and highlight reports.
• Manage stakeholder engagement across diverse groups, translating technical concepts into accessible, impactful messaging.
• Prepare training materials and communication strategies to ensure seamless implementation and adoption.

Collaboration and Engagement

• Build strong relationships across AUS Business Units, ensuring alignment of priorities and effective project delivery.
• Work with senior colleagues to assess areas for improvements, feasibility, impact, and benefits of potential changes, and contribute to business cases as required.
• Support the development of a culture of data literacy and evidence-based decision-making across the organization.
• Drive efficiencies across AUS platforms and systems; ensure management solutions are cost-effective and represent value for money for AUS.
• Lead and deliver training across the trust as appropriate.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in business. MBA or equivalent experience preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of ten (10) years experience in Operations
• Expertise in leading large-scale transformation initiatives
• Exceptional executive-level stakeholder management
• Expert change management and program management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities with a sense of urgency
• Aerospace experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

• Ability to leverage data insights to drive continuous improvement
• Ability to simplify complex information, streamline data into compelling presentations, and make meaningful recommendations
• Advanced financial management and budgeting skills
• Ability to direct the resolution of highly complex or unusual business problems applying advanced critical thinking
• Advanced presentation skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence at all levels of the organization
• Strong understanding of BPO, trust, and safety or AI environment

Technical Systems Proficiency:

• Data MGMT Systems
• SAP / ERP Systems
• Quality Systems
• MS Office 365

Travel Required:

• Up to 40 % travel required

Eligibility:

• US Citizenship required

Clearance:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Government security clearance
• Active DoD security clearance at Top Secret/ SCI desirable

Physical Requirements:

• Carrying: able to carry documents and/or electronic equipment up to 20lbs/9kg.
• Lifting: able to lift documents and/or electronic equipment up to 20lbs/9kg.
• Pushing/Pulling: able to push/pull items in office areas.
• Sitting: able to sit for extended periods of time at computer and in meetings.
• Squatting/Kneeling: able to occasionally squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items shelved on bottom shelves.
• Standing: able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Travel: able to travel independently and at short notice.
• Walking: able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces.

Equal Opportunity:

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status.

As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

By submitting your resume or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to HR@airbusus.com.

Company Website: www.airbusus.com