Vice President, Operational Programs

WORK LOCATION: San Luis Obispo, CA or Huntsville, AL
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SALARY RANGE: The anticipated salary range for this role is $170,000 - $250,000. This range reflects a good faith estimate based on the targeted level for the role and typical compensation benchmarks across U.S. locations. Actual compensation may vary depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal alignment.
SUMMARY
The Vice President, Operational Programs is responsible for driving coordination, alignment, and execution of all operational program activities across U.S. Redwire Defense Tech sites. This role serves as a strategic integrator who identifies cross-site operational gaps, removes barriers, and ensures programs receive the support, resources, and cross-functional collaboration needed for successful delivery. The VP of Operational Programs enhances execution efficiency, strengthens communication pathways, and ensures seamless operational performance across facilities.
This leader drives operational cohesion, leads cross-functional problem solving, and ensures programs have the operational support, resources, and coordination needed for success. The VP of Operational Programs ensures the right people, processes, and priorities are aligned across sites to support major production programs, new product introductions, and critical customer commitments.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The following job functions are a basic requirement but are not limited to and may be assigned other duties.
Coordinate all operational aspects of programs across U.S. facilities, ensuring unified execution and cross-site alignment by working closely with the Programs office and the site VP/GMs.
Serve as the connective tissue between General Managers, Program Directors, supply chain, manufacturing engineering, and executive leadership.
Align site readiness, capacity planning, production schedules, and resource allocation for major programs.
Act as the primary problem solver for cross-site operational issues impacting program execution.
Quickly identify bottlenecks, systemic issues, risks, or misalignments — and implement actionable solutions.
Lead cross-functional task forces to resolve urgent operational challenges around quality, production delays, supply chain constraints, and program integration.
Track operational performance of key programs, ensuring schedule adherence, quality standards, and delivery commitments are met.
Develop enterprise-level dashboards, KPIs, and reports for SVP and executive leadership.
Support major customer reviews and internal executive reporting regarding operational readiness and risk mitigation.
Identify inconsistencies in operational workflows across sites and drive standardization, alignment, and documentation.
Create and maintain cross-site operational program processes, escalation paths, and communication mechanisms.
Facilitate continuous improvement efforts that remove friction between operations and program execution.
Work closely with engineering, flight systems, quality, supply chain, and program management te