Head of Manufacturing, (SVP-Defense Manufacturing Resources)
Butterfly Staffing is supporting a rapidly scaling defense organization in the build-out of its Defense Manufacturing Resources (DMR) Business Unit. This is a transformational executive leadership role for a manufacturing leader who has built and scaled global operations — not simply maintained them. The selected executive will enter at the Senior Vice President level, reporting directly to the CEO, with a defined path to Executive Vice President upon demonstrated performance.
Executive Scope
Build and structure a global manufacturing organization from the ground up
Hold full P&L responsibility across multiple international facilities
Drive cost competitiveness versus external suppliers
Lead capital deployment strategy for facility expansion and acquisitions
Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team
Operational Responsibilities
Multi-site oversight (initial facilities in the Philippines and Bosnia/Herzegovina)
Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
Optimize production performance and cost analytics
Maintain quality systems (ISO, AS9100, or equivalent)
Ensure ITAR, EAR, and international regulatory compliance
Oversee global supply chain integration
Organizational Leadership
Recruit and develop regional manufacturing directors and plant leaders
Implement scalable production monitoring and cost tracking systems
Establish in-country operational leadership presence
Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Business Development, and Programs
Required Experience
15+ years manufacturing leadership experience
5+ years executive-level P&L ownership
Multi-site manufacturing oversight
Experience within defense, aerospace, or similarly regulated industry
Demonstrated scale-up or greenfield facility build experience
Strong understanding of manufacturing economics and capital investment
Lean / Six Sigma / operational excellence expertise
Preferred
Munitions or energetics manufacturing experience
International manufacturing startup experience
M&A integration of manufacturing facilities
Engineering degree; MBA preferred
Ideal Profile
Strategic and operationally grounded
Comfortable in both executive and production environments
Decisive and action-oriented
High integrity and compliance-driven
Motivated by building and scaling new capability