Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technological innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems, and we prioritize partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions... that work.
SARA's Director of Operations plays a critical role in ensuring that our organization runs smoothly and efficiently. This role requires a combination of strategic thinking, strong leadership, and operational expertise to drive the company towards its goals.
Our Director of Operations will work out of our Colorado Springs facility to provide strategic and hands-on leadership across multiple departments, including Supply Chain, Procurement, Facilities, Safety, Shipping and Receiving, Materials and Inventory, and Security. This individual will play a key role in maintaining compliance with DoD requirements, ensuring operational excellence, and supporting mission-critical program execution.
Key skills required to be successful in the position:
Strategic Planning: Develop and implement operational policies and strategic plans to enhance efficiency and drive growthManagement Oversight: Supervise and coordinate activities across various departments, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectivesBudget Management: Develop, implement, and monitor operational budgets, managing expenses effectively to promote profitabilityPerformance Evaluation: Analyze and interpret data and metrics to evaluate overall department performance and implement improvementsCompliance and Regulations: Ensure compliance with legal and industry regulations, maintaining high standards of operational integrityTeam Leadership: Recruit, train, and manage staff, providing guidance and support to enhance team performance and productivityProcess Improvement: Identify areas for operational improvements and implement strategies to enhance efficiency and reduce costsCollaboration: Work closely with senior management and other senior leaders to develop long-term operational strategies and ensure effective communication across the organization
Core Responsibilities:
Operations Leadership
Proactively oversee day-to-day operations across the listed functional areas to ensure best practices, efficiency, safety, and mission readinessDevelop, implement, and maintain processes that improve performance, cost control, and throughput in a secure, regulated environmentPartner with senior leadership to align operational goals with company strategy and government contract requirements
Supply Chain Management
Direct the end-to-end flow of materials, parts, and components to meet production schedules and customer commitmentsOptimize planning, logistics, and supplier performance while maintaining ITAR, DFARS, and cybersecurity complianceCoordinate with engineering, program management, and production teams to ensure materials availability supports contract deliverables and mission timelinesOversee and optimize the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system to ensure accurate forecasting, inventory control, and alignment between procurement, production, and delivery schedules
Procurement and Subcontracts
Provide strategic oversight of all purchasing and subcontracting activities, from sourcing and market analysis to final receipt and acceptance of goods and servicesDevelop and implement procurement strategies that align with company objectives, cost targets, and program schedulesEnsure full compliance with FAR/DFARS requirements and obtain and maintain a CPSR-approved purchasing system, emphasizing traceability and documentationNegotiate terms and conditions to achieve best value, mitigate risk, and protect company interests in accordance with DoD contracting standardsBuild and sustain strategic supplier relationships that enhance performance, accountability, and long-term reliabilityMonitor supplier performance, resolve contractual or delivery issues, and ensure adherence to quality and schedule commitmentsReview and approve larger purchases based on internal compliance proceduresSecurity ManagementProvide leadership and oversight for all security operations, ensuring full compliance with federal regulations and the National Industrial Security Program (NISPOM)Lead and support experienced Facility Security Officer (FSO) in developing, implementing, and auditing security policies, procedures, and training programs that protect classified and sensitive informationOversee all aspects of program security, including personnel clearance management, safeguarding of classified material, document control, visitor authorization, and incident reporting in coordination with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)Manage physical security operations for the cleared facility, including access control systems, perimeter protection, CCTV monitoring, alarm systems, visitor escorting and emergency response protocolsEnsure the secure construction, maintenance, and accreditation of classified areas (e.g., SCIFs, closed areas, and storage vaults) in accordance with DoD standardsPartner with corporate security, IT, and program management teams to maintain the integrity of classified programs and the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and export-controlled dataPromote a culture of security awareness and vigilance throughout the organization, ensuring all employees understand and uphold their responsibilities in safeguarding national defense informationFacilities ManagementOversee the planning, maintenance, and operation of the company's buildings, grounds, and infrastructure to support secure, continuous operationsManage facility repairs, preventive maintenance programs, utilities, and contractor services to ensure reliability, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory complianceLead vendor management activities, including sourcing, negotiating, and overseeing performance of cleaning, maintenance, and facility service providersDevelop and manage facility budgets, including forecasting operational needs and monitoring expendituresDirect space management and planning, optimizing facility layouts to support productivity, production growth, security requirements, and future expansionCoordinate office moves, renovations, and facility upgrades in alignment with operational and program needsEnsure proper maintenance, security integration, and accreditation of classified and controlled areas (e.g., SCIFs, closed areas, restricted-access zones)Partner with Security and IT to ensure physical infrastructure supports access control, surveillance, and secure storage systems compliant with NISPOM and DCSA requirementsManage landlord relationships and oversee lease review, tracking, and negotiation as required
Safety (Environmental Health & Safety -- EHS)
Lead all environmental, health, and safety programs to ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, local regulations, and DoD-specific requirementsDevelop, implement, and maintain policies, training, and procedures that promote a safe working environment across businessConduct regular audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations to drive corrective actions and continuous improvementOversee hazardous materials management, waste disposal, and emergency response planning to protect personnel and maintain regulatory complianceFoster a proactive safety culture that emphasizes accountability, hazard awareness, and adherence to established protocols
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory
Direct the accurate and secure movement, storage, and control of materials, equipment, and finished productsMaintain accountability and documentation to support DCMA, DCAA, and audit requirementsEnsure timely and compliant shipments under DoD and export control regulationsManage proper closeout of Purchas
