Head, Operations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Ghost Robotics Corporation

Ghost Robotics builds rugged, all-weather legged robots for defense, public safety, and industrial customers around the world. As we scale production and grow our global footprint, we are looking for a Head of Operations to lead the teams that turn engineering into delivered, mission-ready systems.

This is a senior leadership role with real ownership. You will lead our Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Services teams, drive the company's worldwide growth, and manage the physical infrastructure that keeps a fast-paced, high-tech manufacturing company running. You will work shoulder-to-shoulder with executive leadership and partner closely with Engineering, Revenue, and Finance to build operations that meet what the company needs today and what it will need as we grow.

If you have scaled hardware production, you know that strategy only matters when it ships. That is the job.

What You'll Do

• Set and communicate the strategic direction for our manufacturing and supply chain operations, applying lean manufacturing principles to drive efficiency and productivity.
• Partner with executive leadership and teams across Engineering, Revenue, and Finance to set company goals and hit them, lending operations expertise and guidance on key projects and systems.
• Work with stakeholders to identify, recommend, and roll out new processes, technologies, and systems that streamline how we use resources and materials.
• Own product-related P&L and the associated reporting in partnership with Finance and Revenue.
• Make sure departmental decisions and project plans - staffing, development, org design, material efficiency, hardware purchasing, and facilities - all ladder up to the company's business plan and vision.
• Establish, communicate, and enforce operations policies, quality standards, and security measures so execution stays consistent and dependable.
• Manage cost-control reporting, cost estimates, and staffing plans across projects.
• Build and manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and track supplier performance to reduce risk and push continuous improvement.
• Forecast demand and inventory to optimize inventory management and avoid stockouts.
• Plan and deliver real-estate and infrastructure projects for our physical sites.
• Own and administer the department budget.
• Present regular performance reports and metrics to the CEO and the broader leadership team.
• Stay current on emerging tools and trends in operations management.

• 8+ years of progressive operations leadership in hardware or high-tech manufacturing, including time leading at the director or VP level.
• A track record of scaling production, ideally across multiple sites or through a period of rapid growth.
• Deep experience across both manufacturing and supply chain, with working command of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methods.
• Direct P&L ownership and comfort partnering with Finance on cost control, forecasting, and reporting.
• Strong supplier negotiation and vendor management experience.
• A cross-functional leadership style: you build trust quickly with Engineering, Finance, and Revenue, and you communicate clearly with executives and the shop floor alike.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, supply chain, business, or a related field. Advanced degree a plus.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or other regulated hardware environments is a strong plus. Familiarity with ITAR and export-control requirements is valuable.

Location

Philadelphia, PA (no remote candidates considered at this time).

Travel

25% Domestic and International Travel required.

Compensation

Competitive base ($150,000 - $185,000), full benefits and highly motivating equity incentive package. Flexible time-off policy. Focus on output and ability to work with a stellar team of interdisciplinary functions.

Background Check

Clear standard background checks, pre-hire, post-hire, and anytime during employment as required.

Residency Requirements

Permanent Residency Required.