Senior Manager, Operations Platform Lead (Onsite)

RTX•Windsor Locks, CT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Manager, Operations Platform Lead, you will play a critical leadership role at the center of Collins Aerospace’s ISR & Space Systems mission, supporting high-visibility NASA and DoD programs from early requirements planning through manufacturing, test, and final delivery. This role serves as the operational backbone of assigned programs—ensuring procurement, manufacturing execution, acceptance testing, and shipment activities are flawlessly aligned to customer commitments for safety, quality, cost, and schedule. You’ll operate as a trusted partner to Program Managers and customers alike, providing clear visibility into delivery status while leading cross-functional teams through complex, fast-moving program demands. In this highly collaborative, onsite role in Windsor Locks, CT or Rockford, IL, you will lead and mentor a team of Program Operations Managers (POMs) while driving execution through a matrixed organization spanning manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and finance. You’ll own material and manpower planning, cost account management, earned value performance, and proposal estimates—using data-driven insights and leading/lagging metrics to proactively identify risks and implement corrective actions. Success in this role requires strong operational judgment, the ability to influence across disciplines, and a leadership style that balances strategic planning with hands-on execution. If you thrive in a dynamic manufacturing environment and are energized by delivering mission-critical hardware to some of the world’s most demanding customers, this role offers both impact and visibility at the highest levels of the organization. This is an ONSITE position that is in Windsor Locks, CT, or Rockford, IL.

Requirements

Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience
Previous experience leading and developing teams
Previous aerospace manufacturing exposure or experience

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in an operations organization or in interfacing with operations organization on a recurring basis
Experience in aerospace industry
Experience in financial, manufacturing, material planning, Earned Value Management (cost account management)
Strong analytical skills required for accurate material and manufacturing planning Systems (EVMS) and government programs are key traits
Familiar with SAP/ Solumina or other MRP systems
Experience driving Continuous Improvement projects - CORE, 6 Sigma and other Lean Manufacturing processes
Experience in Microsoft Project/Scheduling
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, or Technology

Responsibilities

Lead a team of operations POMs to drive program deliverables that ensure safety, quality, cost, and schedule are met upon delivery to the customer
Accountable for and oversees all program operations activities and execution of the program within the platform through a matrix structure
Responsible for effective utilization of assigned manpower resources to ensure adequate and prompt support of program needs
Accountable for material procurements and end item on time completion to meet contracted dates
In charge of on time completion and accuracy of proposal labor and material Basis of Estimates for Operations related work
Effective and accurate Cost Account Management of assigned program budget
Ensure effective communication (written and oral) via status reports to program, customer and functional management in accordance with program communication plan and processes methodologies
Drive use of leading/lagging metrics in the monitoring of progress against plan and evaluation of root cause and implementation of corrective actions in support of a continuous improvement culture
Strategic planning of manpower and material to support factory level loading and tactical planning daily to maximize labor and equipment utilization
Facilitates and directs scheduling activities to ensure smooth operations and optimal use of facilities as required
Will require frequent interface with various customers and will be the Operations point of contact for assigned programs in program status meetings with executives and customers
Entails a candidate with strong leadership skills and the ability to convey effective direction using strong written and verbal skills
Mentors and coaches team members while performing professional and management work regularly across multiple manufacturing disciplines

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
Tuition reimbursement program
Student Loan Repayment Program
Life insurance and disability coverage
Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
Adoption Assistance
Autism Benefit
Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
And more!