Senior Project Manager of Operational Strategy

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Senior Project Manager of Operational Strategy
Company: Heven AeroTech
Location: Winchester, Virginia
FLSA: Exempt

About Our Company:
At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we build our success on people. As a leader in hydrogen-powered drones, we foster a workplace where innovation thrives, collaboration is expected, and employees are empowered to contribute meaningfully. Our culture is grounded in trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence. We value individuals who are humble, hungry, and smart—those who prioritize team success, take initiative, and navigate relationships with strong interpersonal awareness. At Heven, your contributions have visible impact, and you'll grow through hands-on experience and cross-functional collaboration.

Role Summary:
The Senior Project Manager of Operational Strategy serves as a strategic partner to both the Head of Manufacturing & Operational Strategy and the President of U.S. Operations, driving execution of high-priority initiatives and ensuring alignment across business functions.

Operating at the intersection of strategy and execution, this role translates executive priorities into actionable plans, coordinates cross-functional efforts, and removes barriers to progress. It requires strong initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to influence without authority in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment. Success in this role is defined by a "hungry, humble, and smart" mindset—demonstrating ownership, low ego, and the ability to effectively navigate complex stakeholder dynamics while advancing organizational priorities.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage critical cross-functional projects on behalf of the Head of Manufacturing & Operational Strategy and the President of U.S. Operations.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, timelines, and deliverables.
• Track and report progress against key initiatives, ensuring accountability across stakeholders.
• Identify risks, dependencies, and bottlenecks; proactively implement mitigation strategies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by providing structured analysis, insights, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Prepare executive briefings, dashboards, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support annual operating plans, long-range planning, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Manage sensitive and confidential projects with professionalism and discretion.
• Assist in preparing leadership communications and executive readiness materials.
• Act as a central point of coordination across departments (e.g., operations, finance, engineering, business development).
• Facilitate communication and alignment between leadership teams and functional groups.
• Ensure clarity of priorities and alignment with organizational goals.
• Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency, scalability, and execution quality.
• Establish and maintain project management frameworks, tools, and best practices.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to support decision-making.
• Improve visibility across initiatives through dashboards, scorecards, and structured reporting.
• Recommend systems and governance improvements that strengthen execution discipline.
• Lead ad hoc, high-impact initiatives as directed by the President.
• Conduct research, benchmarking, and analysis to support strategic decisions.
• Manage sensitive or confidential projects with discretion and professionalism.
• As necessary, engage with senior stakeholders and industry partners on behalf of the President.
• Assist as the President and senior leadership on M&A efforts to include but not limited to operational and business development due diligence.

Qualifications & Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of experience in project management, strategy, operations, or consulting.
• 7+ years in GovCon directly supporting USG programs and initiatives.
• Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives at a senior level.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and align stakeholders.
• Experience working closely with executive leadership.

Preferred:

• MBA or advanced degree.
• Experience in aerospace, technology, manufacturing, or related industries.
• Familiarity with program management tools and methodologies (e.g., Agile, PMP).

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and operating office equipment.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders.
• Regular standing and walking, including within manufacturing, warehouse, and production floor environments.
• Ability to move throughout production facilities to observe operations, conduct project reviews, and engage with cross-functional teams.
• Occasional bending, reaching, and stooping.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., documents, sample components, small equipment).
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering manufacturing or regulated production areas.
• Visual acuity sufficient to review detailed reports, engineering drawings, schedules, dashboards, and operational metrics.
• Ability to travel domestically (and internationally, if applicable) for site visits, supplier meetings, and strategic planning sessions.

Benefits Overview:
Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.