Stackrock Talent

Head of Operations
Fort Worth, TX · On-site · Full-time
Build the operation. Then run it.
Stackrock Talent is leading a retained search for a Head of Operations on behalf of a growing defense and advanced manufacturing business in Fort Worth, TX. Our client is scaling a US manufacturing operation from the ground up: standing up machining, welding, fabrication, and assembly capability to support significant growth ahead. This is a build-and-scale environment, not a steady-state seat. We're looking for the operations leader who will help design how this business runs and then drive it.
You'll be backed by an established global engineering and manufacturing group with the resources and credibility of a mature business, with the autonomy and pace of a build phase.
What you'll own

• End-to-end operational performance: safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people
• Manufacturing (machining, welding, fabrication), assembly, and sustainment
• Building the systems, structure, and team that let this operation scale
• Supply chain strategy — supplier selection, performance, cost, inventory, and risk
• Manufacturing engineering — process design, tooling, work instructions, NPI, and continuous improvement
• Capacity and workforce planning, facility layout and flow, and make-vs-buy decisions

Who we're looking for
You've stood up or scaled a manufacturing operation before, you know how to build structure where none exists and then run it with discipline. You're comfortable when the work isn't standardized, the data isn't complete, and the path has to be created rather than followed. You think in value streams, simplify complexity for your team, and favor pragmatism over perfection. You lead directly, set clear accountability, and bring people with you.
You're not looking for a large, highly structured environment to maintain. You want to build one.
What you bring

• Experienced manufacturing operations leadership
• Track record standing up or scaling operations or new facilities
• Hands-on grounding in machining, welding, fabrication, or assembly environments
• Strong procurement and supplier management capability
• Lean / continuous improvement and ERP/MRP experience
• Background in a regulated or high-spec industry — aerospace, defense, automotive, or industrial OEM
• Must be a U.S. Person (per ITAR requirements)

Why this role
Our client is hiring someone who can grow into broader enterprise and GM-level leadership as the US business expands. You'll have a direct line to the General Manager and real influence over how this company is built.
Base $175,000-$200,000 + incentive + health benefits.
Ready to build? Apply through Stackrock Talent with your resume — we'd like to hear what you've stood up or scaled and how you did it.