The Operations Manager – Norfolk Site serves as the on-site leader responsible for integrating production, field service, and support functions to deliver safe, compliant, and on-time results for U.S. Navy and DoD programs.
This role provides site-level leadership, coordination, and accountability for operational performance, while maintaining clear functional alignment with Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Engineering, EHS, and Program Management.
As the Norfolk facility is a new manufacturing and service center, the Operations Manager plays a critical role in establishing the operational foundation for the site, partnering with functional leaders to implement company systems, develop site-level workflows, and ensure processes and procedures are effectively deployed to support site activities.
The Operations Manager partners closely with the Field Service Operations Supervisor, who leads day-to-day execution of field service, facilities, and shop operations, ensuring effective translation of site priorities into execution. Functional groups retain ownership of technical standards, compliance, and company-level policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Site Leadership & Operational Performance
- Serve as the primary leader for Norfolk site operations, accountable for schedule adherence, throughput, and overall execution performance
- Lead the operational stand-up of the Norfolk site by working with cross-functional teams to establish site-level operating rhythms, workflows, and execution practices aligned with company standards.
- Support the launch and ramp-up of initial production and service activities at the Norfolk site in coordination with Engineering, Quality, and Program Management.
- Translate program and production requirements into coordinated site execution plans
- Monitor site performance metrics (delivery, efficiency, rework, safety) and drive corrective actions in partnership with functional teams
- Establish daily and weekly operating rhythms to ensure alignment across production, field service, and support functions
- Ensure site readiness for production and field service operations, including coordination of facilities, equipment, tooling, and operational infrastructure.
Execution Oversight & Workforce Coordination
- Partner with the Field Service Operations Supervisor, who manages:
- Field Service operations and shipboard work execution
- Facilities coordination and site readiness
- Daily shop floor labor coordination
- Coordinate the effective utilization of filed service technicians to support production activies when required.
- Ensure appropriate resource allocation and staffing alignment across shop and field activities
- Support escalation and rapid resolution of execution issues impacting schedule or safety
- Ensure newly established processes and procedures are effectively implemented and understood by site personnel.
Cross-Functional Integration & Process Development
- Coordinate closely with Jered Business Unit Functional Leaders regarding:
- Manufacturing Engineering for process support and technical issue resolution
- Quality Assurance for compliance, inspections, and nonconformance resolution
- EHS for safety program implementation and compliance
- Program Management for schedule, cost, and contract alignment
- Collaborate with functional teams to translate corporate policies, technical standards, and procedures into practical site-level workflows and operating practices.
- Support the development and implementation of site processes and procedures necessary to operate the Norfolk facility effectively while maintaining alignment with functional governance.
- Facilitate timely resolution of cross-functional issues while respecting functional ownership and authority
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management to resolve technical, quality, or production issues impacting schedule and execution.
- Provide operational feedback to functional leaders to improve procedures, work instructions and systems based on execution requirements at the Norfolk facility.
Customer & Stakeholder Interface
- Serve as the primary on-site interface with customers, including DCMA, SUPSHIP, shipyards, and other government representatives
- Support audits, program reviews, and site visits in coordination with Quality and Program Management
- Ensure operational readiness and responsiveness to customer requirements
Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Reinforce adherence to NAVSEA, DoD, ISO 9001, and contract-specific requirements in coordination with Quality Assurance
- Support internal and external audits by ensuring operational readiness and timely closure of action items.
- Support CAPA, NCR, and audit response activities by ensuring operational follow-through and effectiveness
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, quality ownership, and continuous improvement across the site
- Identify opportunities to improve operational workflows and collaborate with functional leaders to implement process improvements.
EHS & Site Safety
- Ensure implementation and enforcement of EHS policies and procedures at the site level
- Partner with the Jered EHS Manager to maintain compliance with OSHA and company safety standards
- Support safety initiatives, training compliance, and incident response, with execution led by the Operations Supervisor and oversight from EHS
Program & Bid Support
- Participate in bid reviews and contract kickoff meetings to ensure operational requirements are understood and executable at the Norfolk site.
- Provide input on site capabilities, risks, and resource planning
- Support planning for future workload growth and capacity expansion at the Norfolk site.
You’ve learned about what you’ll be doing, here’s what benefits you’ll be getting when you join PAR Systems:
- Global team recognized for their passion of inventing
- First-of-a-kind product culture and project exposure
- Training and development from industry-leading experts
- Cutting edge benefit programs that include: 401(k) & matching; Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance; Disability & Life Insurance; PTO, Paid Holidays, & Parental Leave for both Parents; Tuition & Relocation Reimbursement
PAR Systems is an equal opportunity employer and we value inclusion and diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If selected for an interview, please advise our Human Resources department if you require accommodation during the interview or assessment process and we will support your accessibility needs.
Preferred QualificationsQualifications
- 8–10+ years of experience supporting U.S. Navy or DoD ship repair, fabrication, or maritime manufacturing programs
- Demonstrated experience in operations leadership within a production, shipyard, or field service environment
- Experience supporting startup or expansion of manufacturing, service, or shipyard operations preferred.
- Strong understanding of NAVSEA standards, military specifications, and shipyard operations
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment
- Experience managing site-level performance metrics and driving operational improvements
- Working knowledge of fabrication, welding, machining, mechanical assembly, and shipboard installation practices
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and standards
- Strong communication skills with experience interfacing with government and customer representatives
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP/QMS systems preferred
- Ability to obtain and maintain access to military installations, shipyards, and controlled industrial areas
- Willingness to travel domestically; occasional international travel possible
- Valid, unrestricted U.S. Driver’s License
- US Person
Top Skills
What We Do
PAR Systems is a world leader in providing full-life-cycle automation solutions for critical material handling and robotic applications that drive customer quality, safety, and productivity. Since 1961, PAR has created fully integrated systems, which are often first-of-a-kind manufacturing solutions, for a broad range of industries including aerospace, hazardous material/nuclear, life science and process automation, marine, defense, heavy material handling, CO2 lasers, non-destructive testing systems and industrial. PAR Systems is headquartered in Shoreview, Minnesota, where its Automation Solutions and Material Handling groups are located. OakRiver Technology, a PAR Systems company designs and manufactures automation equipment for the medical device and specialized high tech industries, located in Oakdale, Minnesota. Jered and Marine Systems Technology, PAR Systems companies, manufacturer mission-critical systems, such as aircraft elevators, steering gear, anchor windlass systems, advanced fireproof technologies and door systems for marine and naval applications. #PARSystems #PARMarine #Jered #MarineSystemsTechnology #Robotics #Automation #Manufacturing #PARCareers #JoinThePARTeam









