Job#: 3027842 Job Description: Chief Operating Officer
Location: Orlando, Florida (On-site)
Employment Type: Permanent
Role Overview
The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for all aspects of operational execution, including program delivery, engineering, manufacturing, and process excellence. Reporting to the President, the COO will have autonomous authority over operations with clear KPIs and accountability for results. This role is accountable for the ultimate program execution, integration processes, and the overall financial performance of all programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all operational functions: engineering, manufacturing, program management, and service delivery.
- Establish and maintain an operational cadence with weekly, monthly, and quarterly review rhythms.
- Implement metrics-driven management with clear KPIs and accountability.
- Build cross-functional integration between services, products, and manufacturing.
- Drive continuous improvement in quality, cost, and schedule performance.
- Ensure all programs are resourced and structured for success.
- Hold program managers accountable for delivery performance and intervene decisively when programs show distress signals.
- Build operational processes appropriate for a mid-market company and support CMMI certification initiatives.
- Develop program managers and functional leaders, establishing clear decision rights and a culture of accountability.
- Travel up to 25% of the time, both nationally and internationally.
Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
Experience: A minimum of 10 years of experience in progressive operations leadership roles, such as VP of Operations or COO. Experience as a Program or Project Manager within software engineering environments is required. Demonstrated leadership of software development organizations and a proven track record in a manufacturing environment are also required.
Technical Skills: Deep understanding of the software development lifecycle, DevOps practices, manufacturing operations, lean principles, and supply chain management.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the defense, simulation, training systems, or aerospace industry.
- Background in both hardware and software product development.
- An active Secret security clearance.
- PMP, Six Sigma, or Lean certification.
- A Master's degree (MBA, MS Engineering, or MS Computer Science).
Company Overview & Culture
This organization is a defense simulation and training company at a transformational inflection point. The company provides simulation training products and services supporting training programs for military and allied nations. The organization is transitioning from a project-based small business to a product-focused mid-market OEM and seeks a leader who can build the operational infrastructure to execute this transformation.
This employer is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.
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Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.
Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.
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