Role Overview for SVP, Operational Excellence with a Defense Contractor – Washington, DC
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a transformative Senior Vice President (SVP) of Operational Excellence for a premier, mission-focused defense contractor located in the strategic heart of the nation, Washington, DC. This is a paramount executive leadership role, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, designed for a visionary leader who will architect and execute a world-class operational excellence strategy across the entire enterprise.
The successful candidate will be the driving force behind a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that every facet of the organization—from program execution and supply chain management to quality assurance and manufacturing—operates at the highest levels of efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance. In the high-stakes environment of national defense, this role is critical to delivering unparalleled value to our government clients, ensuring mission success, and solidifying our client’s position as an industry leader.
You will be responsible for championing innovative methodologies, leveraging data-driven insights, and leading large-scale change initiatives that yield measurable improvements in performance, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. This position demands a unique blend of strategic foresight, tactical execution, and inspirational leadership to navigate the complexities of the defense industry and drive sustainable, long-term growth and operational superiority.
The SVP of Operational Excellence will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing critical counsel on all operational matters and shaping the strategic direction of the company. You will be tasked with building and mentoring a high-performance team dedicated to embedding continuous improvement principles, such as Lean Six Sigma, into the company’s DNA. Your influence will extend across all business units and functional areas, fostering a collaborative environment where best practices are shared, and process optimization is a shared responsibility.
This role requires a leader who is not only an expert in operational methodologies but also possesses deep business acumen and a thorough understanding of the government contracting landscape, including the stringent quality and security requirements inherent in the field. Your leadership will directly impact the organization’s ability to win new business, execute flawlessly on existing contracts, and maintain the trust and confidence of its Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on national security and to lead a pivotal transformation within a dynamic and growing organization.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Operational Excellence with a Defense Contractor – Washington, DC
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive, enterprise-wide operational excellence strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives. Serve as the primary advocate and champion for a culture of continuous improvement and zero-defect quality.
Process Improvement & Optimization
Lead the deployment of Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement methodologies across all functions. Identify, prioritize, and execute high-impact projects that drive significant improvements in quality, delivery, and cost.
Performance Management & Metrics
Establish and govern a robust set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to monitor performance, identify trends, and drive accountability. Develop sophisticated dashboards and reporting mechanisms for the executive team and Board of Directors.
Program Execution Excellence
Partner with Program Management leadership to ensure that all programs are executed on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Implement best-in-class program controls, risk management processes, and performance reporting.
Supply Chain & Manufacturing Optimization
Oversee the continuous improvement of supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing operations. Drive initiatives to enhance supplier performance, reduce cycle times, optimize inventory, and ensure the resilience and security of the supply base.
Quality & Mission Assurance
Champion the organization’s commitment to quality and mission assurance. Ensure rigorous adherence to all quality management systems (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001) and compliance with all customer and regulatory requirements.
Change Management
Lead complex, cross-functional change management initiatives with skill and diplomacy. Build consensus and secure buy-in from stakeholders at all levels of the organization, from the shop floor to the C-suite.
Talent Development
Build and lead a world-class Operational Excellence team. Mentor and develop talent within the organization, creating a pipeline of future leaders skilled in continuous improvement and operational leadership.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensure all operations adhere to the strict Department of Defense acquisition regulations (DFARS/FAR) and other government compliance standards, including cybersecurity (CMMC) and export controls (ITAR).
Stakeholder Collaboration
Foster strong, collaborative relationships with leaders in Engineering, Finance, Business Development, and other functions to ensure that operational capabilities are aligned with market demands and strategic growth initiatives.
Requirements for the SVP, Operational Excellence with a Defense Contractor – Washington, DC
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related technical field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA or MS) is strongly preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role within the Aerospace & Defense, government contracting, or a related high-technology manufacturing industry.
Security Clearance
Must be a U.S. Citizen. An active Top Secret (TS) security clearance is highly desirable. The ability to obtain and maintain a high-level security clearance is a mandatory condition of employment.
Methodology Expertise
Demonstrated mastery of continuous improvement methodologies. Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt or Black Belt certification is highly preferred. Proven track record of successfully implementing large-scale Lean transformations.
Leadership Acumen
Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to lead, influence, and motivate large, diverse teams in a matrixed organization. Experience managing a significant P&L or budget is essential.
Strategic Thinking
Strong strategic and analytical skills with the ability to translate business goals into actionable operational strategies. Must be able to think critically and solve complex, multifaceted problems.
Communication Skills
Outstanding executive-level communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate a clear vision and effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including government customers, executive peers, and employees.
Industry Knowledge
Deep understanding of the defense contracting ecosystem, including program management, government procurement processes, quality standards (AS9100), and the regulatory environment.
Location
Ability to work on-site at the company’s headquarters in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units) designed to reward strategic contributions and long-term value creation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents, along with Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan featuring a generous company match and a range of investment options to help you secure your financial future.
Paid Time Off
An executive-level paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and a generous number of paid federal holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your continued growth, with support for executive education, industry conferences, and relevant certifications.
Additional Perks
Access to other benefits such as life insurance, disability coverage, and employee assistance programs.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience. We encourage all interested and qualified candidates to apply directly through our portal. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Defense & Aerospace executive search practice page. JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
