Operations Manager, Aerospace and Defense

Company Introduction:

Airspace is a tech-enabled freight forwarder that's redefining how the world's most critical packages are delivered. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Airspace has employees who are based around the world. Our European headquarters is in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

As a recognized leader in AI and machine learning, our team leverages data and patented technology to coordinate logistics across a global network of drivers and airlines. Our goal is to deliver those packages that are truly mission-critical in a way that is faster, more transparent, more secure, and more accountable than ever before. The items we deliver range from organs for transplant, to parts for critical machinery including grounded aircraft and highly sensitive components such as semiconductors.

Airspace has been rated one of America's best Startup Employers, listed as one of CNBC's Disruptor 50 companies, and featured as an Innovation and Disruption leader by CBS News. Airspace has the support of leading investors such as Telstra Ventures, Harbour Vest Partners, Defy Partners, DBL Partners, and Scale Ventures. To date the company has raised more than $140m.

The company is growing rapidly and serving more places around the world than ever before. We are looking for passionate, motivated individuals who want to make an IMPACT every day to help us execute on our mission of reshaping the world of time-critical logistics.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary, salary range $80,000- $100,000
• High-quality health, vision, and, dental care plan options
• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) plan with employer match (after 6 months)
• Professional training reimbursements
• Generous employee perks

Role Overview:

The Operations Manager, Aerospace and Defense plays a pivotal role in driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, and overall success within their assigned sector and Regional Operations team. This role is responsible for leading one of Airspace's largest aerospace partners, ensuring consistent performance, implementing improvement initiatives, and developing the sector into a regionally elite operations team as the company continues to scale and mature.

While part of the Operations organization, the Operations Manager collaborates closely with cross-functional teams across Airspace-as well as with customers and partners in multiple regions (EU, APAC, US, etc.). This position requires strong leadership in managing teams across time zones and the ability to effectively coach and develop team members in both on-site and remote settings.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain on-site presence at the Ohio location.
• Take full ownership of assigned key accounts and all related on-site operations.
• Serve as the primary on-site escalation point and main contact for all operational performance within your sector.
• Monitor and address daily, weekly, and monthly performance trends through team coaching, feedback, and process improvements.
• Support your team directly when needed to ensure smooth operations and maintain top-tier customer service.
• Represent Operations in key customer meetings (onboarding, QBRs, escalations, issue resolution, and expansion discussions).
• Partner with Revenue teams to develop, review, and approve standard operating procedures (SOPs) and customer-specific workflows.
• Collaborate with Network, R&D, Finance, and other departments to design and implement custom operational solutions that fall outside standard processes.
• Lead or participate in both internal and external deployment (implementation) calls to ensure operational readiness.
• Define sector-specific standards, workflows, and performance expectations to ensure consistent, high-quality service.
• Work with Network to design and optimize solutions during customer onboarding.
• Identify risks and operational challenges early, providing regional or sector-specific insights during customer RFPs.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for your sector.
• Regularly report on sector performance and improvement plans through written updates and leadership meetings.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and coach Operations team members in your sector, setting clear goals aligned with company OKRs and performance metrics.
• Maintain consistent operational coverage and workforce planning to ensure 24/7/365 service delivery.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and professional development in partnership with Operations Leadership and the People Team.
• Establish and manage a regular business rhythm for performance reviews, goal alignment, and team communication.
• Foster strong communication standards across all internal and external channels.

Skills / Qualifications:

• One-Team Mentality:
  We are One Team. We believe we all accomplish more when we are working together.
• Ownership Mindset:
  End to end ownership of your team, projects, responsibilities and their effects down the line. You are the owner of decisions you make and must take responsibility for those decisions.
• Raising the bar:
  What got us here will not…