Role Overview for Chief Global Operations Officer with an Aerospace & Defense Contractor – Orlando, FL
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained by a premier, Tier-1 Aerospace & Defense (A&D) contractor to identify a visionary and results-driven Chief Global Operations Officer (CGOO). Our client is a globally recognized leader in designing, manufacturing, and supporting cutting-edge systems and components for military and commercial applications. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to national security, they are poised for significant growth and transformation. This pivotal executive role, based in their strategic Orlando, FL hub, will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serve as a key member of the executive leadership team.
The Chief Global Operations Officer will be the principal architect of the company’s operational future, responsible for translating a bold strategic vision into flawless, scalable, and efficient execution across a complex global footprint. This individual will have comprehensive oversight of all operational functions, including multi-site manufacturing, global supply chain and logistics, procurement, quality assurance, program execution, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate is a seasoned A&D operations executive with a proven track record of driving operational excellence, fostering a culture of accountability, and delivering superior results in a highly regulated and dynamic environment. You will be tasked with building a world-class operations organization that is agile, resilient, and capable of meeting the demanding requirements of customers while driving profitability and long-term shareholder value.
This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the operational backbone of a multi-billion dollar enterprise at the forefront of the aerospace and defense industry. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s ability to deliver mission-critical technologies and maintain its competitive advantage on a global scale.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Global Operations Officer with an Aerospace & Defense Contractor – Orlando, FL
The CGOO will be responsible for a wide range of strategic and tactical duties, ensuring operational alignment with the company’s overarching goals. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic & Executive Leadership
- Serve as a key member of the C-suite, providing operational insights and expertise to shape the company’s long-term strategic plan, annual operating plans, and investment priorities.
- Lead the development and execution of a global operations strategy that supports aggressive growth targets, enhances profitability, and strengthens the company’s market position.
- Direct operational due diligence for potential mergers and acquisitions, and spearhead the seamless integration of acquired assets and teams into the existing operational framework.
- Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the global operations function, presenting regular updates to the CEO and Board of Directors.
Global Operations & Manufacturing Management
- Provide direct oversight for all company-owned and partner manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, on-time delivery, and cost-efficiency are met and exceeded across all production sites.
- Drive capacity planning, capital investment, and footprint optimization strategies to ensure the manufacturing infrastructure can support future growth and technological advancements.
- Implement standardized best practices, manufacturing processes, and operational systems to create a cohesive and efficient global network.
Supply Chain & Procurement Excellence
- Architect and lead a resilient, agile, and cost-effective global supply chain and procurement organization.
- Develop and manage strategic relationships with key suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring supply chain continuity for critical components.
- Implement advanced supply chain risk mitigation strategies to address geopolitical instability, logistical challenges, and single-source dependencies.
- Oversee inventory management, logistics, and distribution to optimize working capital and ensure timely delivery to customers.
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
- Champion a ‘quality-first’ culture throughout the organization, ensuring all products meet or exceed rigorous customer and industry standards (e.g., AS9100).
- Guarantee strict adherence to all relevant government and international regulations, including ITAR, EAR, and environmental compliance.
- Maintain a deep understanding of government contracting regulations such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and DFARS, ensuring all operational activities are fully compliant.
- Act as the primary operational liaison for regulatory bodies, government agencies, and customer audits.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Lead the enterprise-wide deployment of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
- Foster a data-driven decision-making culture, leveraging analytics to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction.
- Benchmark operational performance against industry best-in-class and implement initiatives to close any identified gaps.
Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global operations leadership team, fostering a pipeline of future leaders.
- Cultivate a culture of accountability, collaboration, transparency, and innovation across a diverse, multicultural workforce.
- Implement effective talent management strategies, including performance management, succession planning, and professional development programs for the operations organization.
Requirements for the Chief Global Operations Officer with an Aerospace & Defense Contractor – Orlando, FL
Candidates must possess a unique blend of strategic vision, hands-on operational expertise, and exceptional leadership skills gained within the complex A&D sector.
Education & Certifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace), Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related technical field is required.
- An MBA or other advanced degree (e.g., Master’s in Engineering Management) is strongly preferred.
- Certifications in Lean Six Sigma (Master Black Belt), Supply Chain Management (CSCP), or Program Management (PMP) are highly desirable.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in operations, manufacturing, and supply chain management.
- At least 10 years of experience in a senior executive leadership role (e.g., COO, SVP/VP of Operations) within the Aerospace & Defense industry or a similarly complex, highly regulated manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrable experience managing a global operational footprint with multiple manufacturing sites and a complex international supply chain.
- Proven track record of full P&L responsibility for a significant business unit or division, with a budget exceeding $500 million.
- Experience managing operations that serve both defense/government and commercial customers is essential.
- A strong background in program management and executing large, multi-year production contracts is required.
Skills & Qualifications
Strategic Vision
Ability to think strategically and translate corporate goals into actionable operational plans.
Leadership Acumen
An inspirational and decisive leader with the ability to build, motivate, and lead high-performing global teams.
Financial Acumen
Deep understanding of financial statements, budgeting, and cost control. Proven ability to drive profitability through operational efficiency.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to a wide range of audiences, from the shop floor to the Boardroom.
Regulatory Knowledge
Expert-level knowledge of the A&D regulatory landscape, including ITAR, EAR, FAR, and DFARS.
Security Clearance
Must be a U.S. Citizen. The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance is a mandatory condition of employment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a comprehensive and highly competitive executive compensation package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. The package includes:
- Highly competitive base salary.
- Significant annual performance-based bonus plan.
- Meaningful Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) with equity components.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- Robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Executive wellness programs and an executive physical.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), holidays, and sick leave.
- Full executive relocation assistance package to the Orlando, FL area.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and executive education.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative operations leader with the experience and drive to excel in this critical role, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your qualifications and accomplishments.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for the industrial and defense sectors. For more information on similar executive roles, we invite you to explore JRG Partners’ Industrial & Manufacturing executive search practice.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
