Head of Operations

Role overview

Ghost Robotics creates durable, all-weather legged robots for customers in defense, public safety, and industry across the globe. As the company expands manufacturing and extends its international reach, it is hiring a Head of Operations to guide the teams responsible for turning engineering work into delivered, mission-ready products.

This is a senior leadership position with broad ownership. The role leads Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Services, supports worldwide growth, and oversees the physical infrastructure that keeps a fast-moving advanced manufacturing business operating. The successful candidate will work closely with executive leadership and collaborate with Engineering, Revenue, and Finance to build an operating model that supports both current needs and future scale.

The company is looking for someone who understands that hardware strategy only matters when product ships.

Key responsibilities

• Define and communicate the long-term direction for manufacturing and supply chain operations, using lean methods to improve efficiency and output.
• Partner with executive leaders and cross-functional teams in Engineering, Revenue, and Finance to set company objectives and help deliver them through operations guidance on major programs and systems.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement new processes, tools, and systems that improve how materials and resources are used.
• Own product-level P&L responsibility and related reporting in coordination with Finance and Revenue.
• Ensure staffing, capability building, organizational structure, material efficiency, equipment purchases, and facilities planning align with the overall business plan.
• Set, communicate, and uphold operations policies, quality expectations, and security requirements so execution remains reliable and consistent.
• Oversee cost-control reporting, cost estimates, and workforce plans across projects.
• Develop supplier partnerships, negotiate agreements, and monitor vendor performance to reduce risk and support continuous improvement.
• Forecast demand and inventory levels to improve inventory management and prevent shortages.
• Lead planning and execution for real estate and infrastructure projects across company sites.
• Manage and administer the department budget.
• Deliver recurring performance updates and metrics to the CEO and wider leadership group.
• Keep up with new tools, methods, and trends in operations management.

Requirements

• At least 8 years of progressive leadership experience in operations within hardware or high-tech manufacturing, including time at director or VP level.
• Proven success scaling production, preferably across multiple locations or during rapid growth.
• Strong background spanning manufacturing and supply chain, with practical experience in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Hands-on ownership of P&L, plus comfort working with Finance on forecasting, reporting, and cost control.
• Extensive experience negotiating with suppliers and managing vendors.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to earn trust quickly across Engineering, Finance, and Revenue, while communicating effectively with both senior executives and shop-floor teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, supply chain, business, or a closely related area; an advanced degree is a plus.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or similar regulated hardware settings is strongly preferred, along with familiarity with ITAR and export-control requirements.

Location and travel

This role is based in Philadelphia, PA, and remote candidates are not being considered. The position requires 25% domestic and international travel.

Compensation and benefits

The compensation package includes a competitive base salary of $150,000 to $185,000, full benefits, and a strong equity incentive package. The company also offers flexible time off and values output, ownership, and collaboration across interdisciplinary teams.

Background and residency requirements

Applicants must be able to pass standard pre-hire, post-hire, and any employment-time background checks as required. Permanent residency is required.