Director of Operations

About the Company

Safety Training Systems, Inc. (STS), founded in 1979 and headquartered in Tulsa, OK, is a leader in creating custom engineering and manufacturing solutions for sectors including simulation, training, space, defense, and aviation. STS is renowned for its high-quality Safety and Emergency Procedures Trainers, Cabin Service Trainers, and other specialized training equipment. The company supplies top-tier clients such as Department of Defense prime contractors and major airlines, emphasizing reliable product delivery through advanced technologies. STS holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and is recognized as a HUBZone-qualified organization.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Short- and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance coverage.
• 401(k) plan with a company match after one year of employment.
• Paid vacation beginning after six months of employment in addition to paid holidays.
• A supportive and collaborative workplace offering the chance to engage in high-profile projects for prominent airlines, military branches, and government agencies.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations will oversee manufacturing, production, program management, facilities, and operational support areas. This leadership role ensures projects are completed safely, efficiently, on time, within budget, and meet customer and quality standards. Collaboration with various departments, including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, Contracts, Business Development, and company leadership, is essential to optimize resource allocation, address operational challenges, and elevate overall organizational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee manufacturing, production scheduling, facilities, and designated operational divisions.
• Set production priorities ensuring adequate staffing, materials, equipment, and resources to meet project demands.
• Track schedules, budgets, workforce performance, quality control, and on-time delivery for ongoing programs.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and Contracts teams to resolve operational challenges.
• Create and implement operational policies, procedures, performance benchmarks, and promote employee accountability.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to schedules, costs, quality, staffing, and resources, implementing corrective measures as needed.
• Lead initiatives to enhance productivity, workflow, cost efficiency, safety, and workplace organization continuously.
• Support contract proposals, cost estimates, production planning, and resource allocation for new opportunities.
• Provide frequent reports to leadership on operational performance, risks, staffing, and corrective action status.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Proven leadership and operational management skills with effective communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience managing manufacturing operations, personnel, scheduling, budgeting, and resources.
• Competency in coordinating cross-departmental priorities and managing multiple programs simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, labor management, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret contracts, schedules, engineering drawings, and technical documents.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, ERP systems, and project scheduling software.
• Preferred experience in aerospace, defense, aviation, simulation, or custom manufacturing domains.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field is preferred.
• Substantial experience in manufacturing or operations leadership, including responsibility for personnel, budgets, schedules, and cross-functional operations.
• Experience supporting contract proposals, cost estimates, and customer program management.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001:2015 standards is advantageous.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work occurs in office settings and active manufacturing environments.
• Frequent walking through production areas to oversee work progress is necessary.
• Ability to read and interpret contracts, schedules, drawings, and production documentation.
• Capable of lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Strong communication skills across various mediums including in-person, written, phone, and virtual platforms.
• Some travel may be required.