Location: Kapolei, HI
Category: Professional
Employment Type: Contract to Perm
Date Added: 07/01/2026
Looking for a Contract Temp to Permanent Operations Manager
The Director of Operations provides executive-level leadership and strategic oversight for all operational activities across ship repair/maritime services and commercial contracting services. You will drive operational excellence, ensure compliance with stringent government and industry regulations, optimize performance across multiple projects and sites, and support profitable growth.
This senior role demands a visionary leader who can integrate maritime-specific expertise with commercial service capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and regulatory adherence in a dynamic small-to-mid-sized business.
Compensation: Up to $150,000 annually, depending on experience
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Operations Leadership: Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company goals, DoD priorities, and 8(a) business development objectives. Oversee all ship repair (hull, mechanical, electrical, drydock), maritime support, and commercial services including but not limited to industrial painting/coatings, insulation, HVAC systems, and demolition/abatement.
- P&L & Performance Management: Own operational profit and loss responsibility. Manage budgets, control costs, improve margins, and drive efficiency across all service lines. Monitor KPIs and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Project Portfolio Oversight: Provide high-level direction to Project Managers and Operations teams for concurrent government and commercial projects. Ensure on-time, on-budget delivery with exceptional quality and client satisfaction.
- Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure full compliance with DoD, FAR/DFARS, NAVSEA, USCG, OSHA, EPA, ABS and other regulatory requirements. Oversee security protocols (e.g., CMMC), quality management systems (e.g., ISO, CMMI), and risk mitigation for government contracts.
- Team & Talent Development: Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing operations team, including Project Managers, supervisors, administration support and craft personnel. Foster cross-training between maritime and commercial disciplines to maximize flexibility.
- Resource & Supply Chain Optimization: Direct procurement, inventory management, equipment readiness, and subcontractor partnerships to support scalable operations
- Business Development Support: Collaborate with the executive team on proposal development, estimating, and capturing strategies for DoD and commercial opportunities. Identify new service expansions or market opportunities.
- Safety, Quality & Culture: Champion a proactive safety culture and zero-incident environment. Lead quality assurance programs and continuous improvement efforts (Lean, Six Sigma principles where applicable).
- Stakeholder Engagement: Interface with DoD contracting officers, ship owners, port authorities, regulatory bodies, and commercial clients at the executive level.
- Facility & Infrastructure: Oversee shipyard/facility maintenance, modernization, and operational readiness.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience: 8–12+ years of progressive leadership in operations, with significant experience in ship repair/maritime services and/or industrial/commercial contracting. Proven track record as a Director or Senior Operations Manager for a DoD contractor or shipyard.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field required. Master’s degree or PMP certification strongly preferred.
- Government Contracting Expertise: Deep knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, 8(a) program requirements, FAR/DFARS, and government ship repair standards (e.g., NAVSEA).
- Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of vessel repair processes, industrial coatings/insulation standards, HVAC systems, demolition practices, and maritime regulations.