Senior Director of Operations, Optical Systems (US)
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Tampa, FL
- Work setup
- Onsite
- Seniority
- Senior
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Not specified
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related discipline required; MBA or advanced technical degree preferred.
- 15+ years progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including significant responsibility for multisite operations within complex, highly engineered manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated success leading operations within aerospace, defense, photonics, precision optics, or similarly sophisticated manufacturing industries.
- Proven ability to develop and execute operational strategies that deliver measurable improvements in profitability, productivity, quality, delivery, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Strong expertise in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, operational excellence, and continuous improvement methodologies, with a track record of leading transformational initiatives.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, including experience managing manufacturing budgets, capital investments, cost structures, and operational performance against financial targets.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing operational KPIs, performance dashboards, and structured accountability frameworks across multiple manufacturing locations.
- Comprehensive understanding of production planning, capacity management, supply chain integration, manufacturing systems, and quality management requirements.
- Proven ability to lead, develop, and influence high-performing teams across geographically dispersed operations, including through organizational change and business growth.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, problem-solving, and executive-level influencing skills, with the ability to balance long-term operational priorities with hands-on execution.
Full description
ABOUT US Join a Global Photonics Leader Engineering Solutions from the Deep Ocean to Outer Space!
G&H is a world leader in photonics technology, delivering advanced optical systems, components, and solutions that support mission-critical applications across aerospace, defense, life sciences, industrial manufacturing, medical technology, and research markets.
Through a commitment to technical excellence, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction, G&H provides employees with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies while collaborating with highly skilled engineering and manufacturing professionals in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We are seeking an accomplished Senior Director of Operations, Optical Systems (US) to provide strategic and operational leadership across our Tampa, Florida, and Keene, New Hampshire manufacturing facilities within the Optical Systems US Business Unit. This leader will be responsible for driving operational excellence, strengthening manufacturing capabilities, and delivering consistent performance across both locations in support of our business growth objectives.
As a senior member of the operations leadership team, this individual will have accountability for manufacturing execution, operational performance, resource optimization, and continuous improvement. Working closely with Business Unit leadership and cross-functional partners, the Senior Director will establish disciplined operating processes, strengthen performance management, and ensure alignment between manufacturing capabilities, customer requirements, and financial objectives. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience leading complex, highly engineered manufacturing operations, strong financial and commercial acumen, and a demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams, lead operational transformation, and deliver sustainable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
This role will require extensive travel to our Keene, New Hampshire and Tampa, FL locations. This is a fully onsite position in our Tampa, FL location.WHAT YOU'LL BE DOINGStrategic Operations Leadership & Execution
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across the Tampa and Keene manufacturing facilities, ensuring alignment with Business Unit priorities, customer commitments, and long-term growth objectives.
- Develop and execute operational strategies that strengthen manufacturing capabilities, optimize capacity and resources, and improve efficiency, scalability, and overall business performance.
- Establish clear operating priorities, performance expectations, and accountability across both sites, ensuring consistent execution against safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.