Director of Operations

Director of Operations - 1527

Full Time

Colorado Springs, CO, US

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technological innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

SARA's Director of Operations plays a critical role in ensuring that our organization runs smoothly and efficiently. This role requires a combination of strategic thinking, strong leadership, and operational expertise to drive the company towards its goals.

Our Director of Operations will work out of our Colorado Springs facility to provide strategic and hands-on leadership across multiple departments, including Supply Chain, Procurement, Facilities, Safety, Shipping and Receiving, Materials and Inventory, and Security. This individual will play a key role in maintaining compliance with DoD requirements, ensuring operational excellence, and supporting mission-critical program execution.

Key skills required to be successful in the position:

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement operational policies and strategic plans to enhance efficiency and drive growth
• Management Oversight: Supervise and coordinate activities across various departments, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives
• Budget Management: Develop, implement, and monitor operational budgets, managing expenses effectively to promote profitability
• Performance Evaluation: Analyze and interpret data and metrics to evaluate overall department performance and implement improvements
• Compliance and Regulations: Ensure compliance with legal and industry regulations, maintaining high standards of operational integrity
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and manage staff, providing guidance and support to enhance team performance and productivity
• Process Improvement: Identify areas for operational improvements and implement strategies to enhance efficiency and reduce costs
• Collaboration: Work closely with senior management and other senior leaders to develop long-term operational strategies and ensure effective communication across the organization

Core Responsibilities:

Operations Leadership

• Proactively oversee day-to-day operations across the listed functional areas to ensure best practices, efficiency, safety, and mission readiness
• Develop, implement, and maintain processes that improve performance, cost control, and throughput in a secure, regulated environment
• Partner with senior leadership to align operational goals with company strategy and government contract requirements

Supply Chain Management

• Direct the end-to-end flow of materials, parts, and components to meet production schedules and customer commitments
• Optimize planning, logistics, and supplier performance while maintaining ITAR, DFARS, and cybersecurity compliance
• Coordinate with engineering, program management, and production teams to ensure materials availability supports contract deliverables and mission timelines
• Oversee and optimize the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system to ensure accurate forecasting, inventory control, and alignment between procurement, production, and delivery schedules

Procurement and Subcontracts

• Provide strategic oversight of all purchasing and subcontracting activities, from sourcing and market analysis to final receipt and acceptance of goods and services
• Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with company objectives, cost targets, and program schedules
• Ensure full compliance with FAR/DFARS requirements and obtain and maintain a CPSR-approved purchasing system, emphasizing traceability and documentation
• Negotiate terms and conditions to achieve best value, mitigate risk, and protect company interests in accordance with DoD contracting standards
• Build and sustain strategic supplier relationships that enhance performance, accountability, and long-term reliability
• Monitor supplier performance, resolve contractual or delivery issues, and ensure adherence to quality and schedule commitments
• Review and approve larger purchases based on internal compliance procedures

Security Management

• Provide leadership and oversight for all security operations, ensuring full compliance with federal regulations and the National Industrial Security Program (NISPOM)
• Lead and support experienced Facility Security Officer (FSO) in developing, implementing, and auditing security policies, procedures, and training programs that protect classified and sensitive information
• Oversee all aspects of program security, including personnel clearance management, safeguarding of classified material, document control, visitor authorization, and incident reporting in coordination with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)
• Manage physical security operations for the cleared facility, including access control systems, perimeter protection, CCTV monitoring, alarm systems, visitor escorting and emergency response protocols
• Ensure the secure construction, maintenance, and accreditation of classified areas (e.g., SCIFs, closed areas, and storage vaults) in accordance with DoD standards
• Partner with corporate security, IT, and program management teams to maintain the integrity of classified programs and the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and export-controlled data
• Promote a culture of security awareness and vigilance throughout the organization, ensuring all employees understand and uphold their responsibilities in safeguarding national defense information

Facilities Management

• Oversee the planning, maintenance, and operation of the company's buildings, grounds, and infrastructure to support secure, continuous operations
• Manage facility repairs, preventive maintenance programs, utilities, and contractor services to ensure reliability, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance
• Lead vendor management activities, including sourcing, negotiating, and overseeing performance of cleaning, maintenance, and facility service providers
• Develop and manage facility budgets, including forecasting operational needs and monitoring expenditures
• Direct space management and planning, optimizing facility layouts to support productivity, production growth, security requirements, and future expansion
• Coordinate office moves, renovations, and facility upgrades in alignment with operational and program needs
• Ensure proper maintenance, security integration, and accreditation of classified and controlled areas (e.g., SCIFs, closed areas, restricted-access zones)
• Partner with Security and IT to ensure physical infrastructure supports access control, surveillance, and secure storage systems compliant with NISPOM and DCSA requirements
• Manage landlord relationships and oversee lease review, tracking, and negotiation as required

Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory

• Direct the accurate and secure movement, storage, and control of materials, equipment, and finished products
• Maintain accountability and documentation to support DCMA, DCAA, and audit requirements
• Ensure timely and compliant shipments under DoD and export control regulations
• Manage proper closeout of Purchase Orders, RMAs, and associated system updates
• Properly package and document hazardous shipments
• Closely manage and optimize inventory and stock levels
• Drive annual physical inventory counts and ongoing cycle counts
• Approve new inventory purchases per company goals

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 15 years' of progressively responsible operations leadership experience in a DoD or aerospace manufacturing environment, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in management or technical leadership capacity
• Experience in MRP, purchasing, and inventory management in a technology or electronics manufacturing setting
• Strong understanding of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and ISO 9001/AS9100 standards
• Proven success managing cross-functional teams in secure or classified facilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders
• Proficient with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio); working knowledge of MS Project; experience supporting DoD projects
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
• May require Moderate physical effort, including standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification
• Experience with Deltek CostPoint financial systems
• Background in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $160,000 - $170,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA's total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: December 17, 2025

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.