Director of Production, Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RFAAP)

STS Technical Services is hiring a Director of Production in Radford, Virginia. This senior operations leadership role is responsible for propellant and energetics manufacturing at RFAAP, overseeing approximately 700 employees across nitrocellulose, nitroglycerin, single, double, multi and solvent-based propellants, rocket grains and related production units.
Operating within a government-owned, contractor-operated plant, the Director of Production will lead safe, reliable and efficient execution of the Army's production mission while meeting quantity, schedule, cost and quality requirements in support of U.S. national security.
Position Overview
The Director of Production provides day-to-day leadership for production operations and production engineering. This role drives continuous improvement, strengthens safety and quality performance and ensures process controls are fully implemented on the shop floor.
The Director reports to and works closely with the President and partners with leaders across Plant Support, Compliance, Growth and Modernization and Business Operations to support mission success.
Operations and Production Leadership Lead all plant production operations for propellants and energetics across multiple product lines and value streams
Ensure safe, on-time and in-spec delivery to Army requirements
Provide day-to-day leadership for approximately 700 employees across multiple departments, shifts and a union workforce
Lead through a team of production and operations managers
Own production execution against the Integrated Master Schedule and production plans
Ensure capacity, staffing and equipment readiness to meet baseline and surge requirements
Direct Production Engineering to maintain and optimize manufacturing processes, line layouts, operating procedures and process controls
Improve throughput, yield and reliability across production operations Safety, ESH&Q and Quality Implement and enforce all ESH&Q requirements within production areas
Translate policies and standards into effective shop-floor practices and behaviors
Ensure strict adherence to explosives safety, process safety management and high-hazard operating procedures
Maintain robust in-process quality controls and line-side inspection and testing
Ensure adherence to Army technical data packages, specifications and acceptance criteria
Lead a strong safety culture across production organizations
Support hazard recognition, near-miss reporting, corrective actions and visible management engagement on the floor Financial, Cost and Performance Management Partner with the Business Director to develop and manage production budgets
Support labor, materials, overtime, rework, scrap and productivity targets
Track and manage key performance indicators including throughput, OEE, yield, scrap, rework, labor and material efficiency and on-time delivery
Implement corrective actions as needed
Drive continuous improvement using lean, Six Sigma and other operational excellence tools
Reduce waste, improve flow and enhance quality and cost performance
Provide production input for cost estimating, pricing and business case analyses Cross-Functional Integration Work closely with the Director of Plant Support to coordinate utilities, maintenance, outage planning and equipment reliability programs
Collaborate with the Director of Compliance / CCO to translate audit findings, incident investigations and risk assessments into actionable improvements
Partner with the Director of Growth & Modernization to support tie-ins, cutovers and phased implementation of new lines, technologies and facilities
Engage with the Business Director to align production strategies and continuous improvement initiatives with affordability and rate objectives Risk Management and Operational Readiness Identify and manage operational risks related to safety, environmental performance, product quality, asset availability and workforce capability
Develop and maintain contingency plans for critical production assets, supply disruptions and surge requirements
Support readiness for evolving Army demand
Support internal and external audits and inspections in production areas
Ensure timely closure of production-related findings People Leadership and Culture Build, develop and retain a high-performing production leadership team
Lead production managers, supervisors and production engineers
Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, teamwork and respect across all shifts and departments
Engage the union workforce and frontline employees
Communicate priorities, performance and changes clearly and effectively
Serve as a visible leader on the shop floor
Champion training and qualification programs for operators and supervisors Minimum Qualifications
Education Bachelor's degree in Engineering, including Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial or Manufacturing, or a closely related technical discipline Experience Minimum of 15 years of total experience in manufacturing or industrial operations
At least 8 years leading large-scale manufacturing operations, including multi-line, multi-shift or multi-site operations
Preferred experience within the defense supply chain, munitions, energetics or other high-hazard industrial environments
At least 5 years with direct responsibility for munitions or comparable hazardous chemical production processes
Experience with safety protocols and quality controls in high-hazard operations
Proven track record leading large organizations, typically more than 500 employees and more than 5 distinct products or product families
Experience managing cross-functional teams
Experience leading a union workforce Technical and Operational Competence Comprehensive understanding of propellant or energetics production processes, or similar high-hazard manufacturing
Knowledge of unit operations, process controls and equipment
Demonstrated capability in operational excellence, including lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, standard work, visual management and problem-solving methods
Experience integrating safety, quality and production requirements into daily operations, procedures and supervision Business, Safety and Regulatory Experience Strong background in budgeting, cost control and financial performance management
Ability to align operational decisions with business objectives
Understanding of relevant federal, DoD/Army, OSHA, EPA and explosives safety requirements applicable to munitions or comparable facilities Leadership and Communication Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop large teams of managers and frontline leaders
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to brief senior leaders
Ability to engage credibly with Government representatives and auditors
U.S. Citizenship required
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance required
Active clearance preferred Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree in Engineering, Operations Management or Business
MBA preferred
Direct experience in a GOCO, arsenal, depot or large defense manufacturing facility
Experience involving propellants, explosives or energetics
Formal certifications in Lean, Six Sigma Green Belt, Six Sigma Black Belt or similar operational excellence programs
Experience leading major capacity expansion, modernization or technology integration projects in an operating plant environment
Demonstrated success building collaborative relationships with unions, regulators, local community leaders and Government customers Authorization
Candidates must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. Active clearance is preferred.
About STS Technical Services
STS Technical Services is a Top 100 Staffing Firm that partners with some of the largest names in the aerospace, manufacturing, defense and industrial industries. Our professional recruitment teams connect experienced professionals with high-impact career opportunities at client locations throughout the United States and around the world.
If you want to speak with a Recruiting Professional directly, call 1-800-359-4787.
STS Technical Services is an equal opportunity employer.
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