Operations Manager, Aerospace and Defense

Operations Manager, Aerospace and Defense

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Airspace is a tech-enabled freight forwarder that’s redefining how the world’s most critical packages are delivered. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, with a global presence that includes a European headquarters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. As a recognized leader in AI and machine learning, Airspace leverages data and patented technology to coordinate logistics across a global network of drivers and airlines, delivering everything from life‑saving organs for transplant to highly sensitive components such as semiconductors.

• 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

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.

The Operations Manager collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams across Airspace and with customers and partners in multiple regions (EU, APAC, US, etc.) and leads teams across time zones, coaching and developing both on‑site and remote staff.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• Raising the bar:
  Constantly heightening the quality, speed and impact of our efforts in all facets of work.
• Grace under pressure:
  Ability to navigate and execute difficult situations as needed.

• We are One Team.
• We make an…