Manager Operations

Company Information Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., Twenty-Six Defense supports those who contribute to the national security of the United States. Twenty-Six Defense is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.

Fueled by more than 800 talented employees and a proud 65-year legacy of night vision production excellence, Twenty-Six Defense’s Warfighter Systems business is rooted in the heart of Virginia’s Roanoke Valley. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find a unique blend of southern hospitality, outdoor adventure, and the energy of a thriving city – all alongside a purpose you can be proud of coming to work each day.

As a world leader in low-light sensor technology, the Warfighter Systems team is engineering the future of image intensifiers and night vision goggle systems as we enter a new era of the networked battlespace. Trusted by the U.S. and nearly 100 allied countries, our technology supports those in harm’s way during the most critical moments, with one goal in mind: bring them home safely.

The work our employees perform each day plays a direct role in national security, and our shared purpose is what truly makes Warfighter Systems so extraordinary. Join our collaborative team, where each voice is valued, and you can thrive, develop, and make a real impact!

Job Summary The Manager Operations provides mid-tier operational leadership within Warfighter Systems, serving as the critical bridge between Production Supervisors and the Director of Operations. This role ensures consistent execution across production areas, drives daily operational performance, and supports strategic factory initiatives. The Manager Operations oversees multiple production zones, promotes standardized processes, and helps maintain flow, quality, and safety. They will also ensure positive communication and employee relations and the consistent application of company policies.

Key Responsibilities Production Leadership & Oversight

• Lead and support Production Supervisors across assigned production areas.
• Ensure daily production plans, staffing, and workflow execution meet operational requirements.
• Monitor performance metrics (schedule adherence, throughput, labor efficiency, defects, scrap, rework) and drive corrective actions.
• Partner with Quality, Planning, Supply Chain, and Engineering to remove systemic barriers to production success.

Operational Excellence

• Champion process consistency, standard work, and Lean/continuous improvement practices.
• Proactively identify risks related to material readiness, labor gaps, equipment downtime, and workflow constraints.
• Implement and sustain visual management tools and tiered accountability systems.

People Leadership

• Directly supervise Production Supervisors or designated hourly staff.
• Provide coaching, behavioral support, and development opportunities to improve leadership maturity and technical capability.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning for production areas.
• Responsible for performance reviews and check in conversations
• Regularly provide constructive performance feedback (including outside of performance reviews). Proactively correct performance deficiencies using coaching tools, corrective actions, potentially Performance Improvement Plans (PIP).

Communication & Coordination

• Serve as the operational focal point for the Director of Operations.
• Communicate priorities, changes, and expectations clearly across shifts and departments.
• Participate in daily/weekly operations reviews and escalate issues requiring leadership intervention.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all safety, regulatory, and quality requirements across assigned areas.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, configuration-control expectations, and factory specific procedures.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum 3–7 years of experience in production, manufacturing, or operations roles.
• Prior experience leading teams or supervising production staff.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows, build plans, labor planning, and quality expectations.
• Ability to coordinate cross functionally in fast-paced production environments.

Preferred

• Aerospace/defense manufacturing experience.
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated success influencing people, process and business direction
• Experience as a leader in a Union shop

Here Are Some Of The Great Benefits We Offer

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
• Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
• Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
• Flexible Vacation & PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous Employee Referral Program
• Voluntary Benefits Available: Longer Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
• Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees

Why Roanoke, Virginia?

• Lower cost of living
• Family-friendly area
• Career and economic growth
• Scenic beauty
• Outdoor enthusiast’s dream

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Twenty-Six Defense is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

• For Virginia-based positions only* In accordance with Virginia DOL requirements, the listed salary range reflects the anticipated base pay range for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, experience, education, certifications, business needs, internal equity, and geographic location. Compensation may vary in different locations based on market conditions and cost-of-labor considerations.

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