Beehive Industries is dedicated to Powering American Defense by revolutionizing the design, development, and delivery of jet propulsion systems to support the warfighter. Through the integration of additive manufacturing, the company aims to meet the growing and urgent needs for unmanned aerial defense by dramatically improving a jet engine’s speed to market, fuel efficiency, and cost.  

Founded in 2020, the company is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, with additional facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee, Loveland Ohio, and Mount Vernon, Ohio. Beehive is committed to grow and advance the defense industrial base while manufacturing exclusively in the USA. This role will be located at our Knoxville, Tennessee facility.

Role Overview:

The VP, Operations is a critical leadership role responsible for driving comprehensive operational performance across all aspects of manufacturing, facility management, and related functions at Beehive Industries, specifically within the context of gas turbine engine production and additive manufacturing. This individual will lead the critical transition from development manufacturing to scalable rate production, focusing on establishing and driving consistent operational cadences and throughput. This role will be instrumental in operationalizing our production system, building a robust rate manufacturing framework, and growing and developing a manufacturing team through effective training and mentorship. The VP, Operations will ensure safety, quality, efficiency, and optimal facility utilization are prioritized as integral components of the overall operational strategy. This role will oversee enterprise-wide operations, requiring strong strategic vision, hands-on leadership, and the ability to build and develop high-performing teams. The VP, Operations will be a key member of the leadership team, contributing to the overall strategic direction of the company.

Responsibilities:

Safety and Quality:

• Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all applicable safety regulations and standards across all operational areas.
• Implement and maintain a robust quality management system to ensure consistent product quality and facility compliance, with specific attention to the unique quality requirements of additively manufactured components and gas turbine engines.
• Lead the investigation and resolution of quality and safety issues and implement corrective and preventive actions that are effective and sustainable.

Strategic Operational Leadership

• Develop and execute a holistic operations strategy to support the company's growth objectives, particularly the transition to rate production, focusing on the specific challenges and opportunities presented by gas turbine engine manufacturing and additive manufacturing.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality across all operational areas, specifically within the context of additive manufacturing and the unique requirements of gas turbine engines.
• Collaborate with the senior leadership team to align operational strategies with overall business goals.

Integrated Manufacturing and Facility Operations:

• Oversee all operations management, ensuring adherence to production schedules, quality standards, and optimal facility utilization, with a deep understanding of the intricacies of gas turbine engine production and additive manufacturing.
• Establish and maintain robust manufacturing processes, including production planning, inventory management, supply chain coordination, and facility maintenance, tailored to the specific needs of additive manufacturing and gas turbine engine assembly.
• Implement and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor operational performance and facility effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement across all operational functions.
• Drive the implementation of lean manufacturing principles and best practices, adapted for the unique challenges of additive manufacturing and high-precision gas turbine engine assembly, while ensuring optimal utilization of facility resources.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing operations team, including team members with expertise in additive manufacturing, gas turbine engines, and facility management.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across all operational functions.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to team members to enhance their skills and performance, especially in the areas of additive manufacturing, gas turbine engine technology, and integrated operational excellence.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in integrated manufacturing and facility operations, with a focus on scaling production in a high-growth environment.
• Proven experience leading and managing large-scale manufacturing and facility operations.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and best practices.
• Demonstrated experience in capital expenditure planning and execution.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience with safety and quality management systems.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in the defense or aerospace industry, especially related to gas turbine engines.
• Direct experience with gas turbine engine manufacturing and/or metal additive manufacturing of complex components.
• Experience scaling a startup manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with government contracts and regulations.
• Six Sigma or Lean certification.

 If this sounds like you, please submit an application with your resume. This could be the opportunity you are looking for to expand your skills, contribute to a winning team, and work with talented people who love what they do and take pride in our mission. 

Beehive Industries offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes group Medical, Dental, Life, and Short and Long-Term disability coverage from day one. We also offer a generous 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a Company match. Every role at Beehive Industries is bonus eligible, and will also receive equity in the company.

Beehive Industries is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.