S&OM Department Head

About This Role

Who We Are:

• CAE Vision: Our vision is to be the worldwide partner of choice in defense and security, civil aviation, and healthcare by revolutionizing our customers’ training and critical operations with digitally immersive solutions to elevate safety, efficiency and readiness.
• CAE Defense & Security Mission: CAE's Defense and Security business unit focuses on helping prepare military customers to develop and maintain the highest levels of mission readiness.
• CAE Values: Empowerment, Innovation, Excellence, Integrity and OneCAE make us who we are and we strive to make a difference in the world while helping each other succeed.

What We Have to Offer:

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package and flexibility that promotes work-life balance
• A work environment where all employees are valued, respected and safe
• Freedom to succeed by enabling team members to deliver, take initiatives and make decisions
• Recognition, professional development, advancement and having fun!

Summary

The Senior Leader, Subcontracts & Operations Program Management (S&OM) oversees integrated operational planning and execution to ensure timely, high-quality, and cost-effective product delivery. This role leads multiple functional areas, including Operations Program Management, Subcontracts, Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, Planning, Shipping/Receiving, and Kitting.

The leader serves as the operational liaison across Program Management and Engineering to align strategic plans, drive program execution, and ensure readiness for product realization. The position requires strong strategic acumen, operational excellence, and a collaborative leadership approach.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the S&OM organization, ensuring operational alignment with business objectives.
• Develop, communicate, and execute comprehensive plans to meet delivery, cost, and quality goals.
• Coach, mentor, and develop departmental leaders to foster high performance and accountability.
• Partner with Program and Engineering leadership to ensure seamless program execution and product delivery.
• Oversee staffing, budgets, and operational metrics to maintain efficiency and cost control.
• Implement systems and performance dashboards to monitor progress, identify risks, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Drive continuous improvement and standardization in processes, performance, and reporting.
• Support the development of long- and short-range plans, policies, and objectives in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, OSHA, and other applicable industry and government standards.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 8 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, manufacturing, or program management within defense, aerospace, or simulation industries.
• Strong understanding of MRP systems, MIL Standards, and quality systems (AS9100, ISO 9001).
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver results in complex environments.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• U.S. citizenship required due to government contract requirements.
• Eligibility for a DoD Security Clearance.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as Business Administration, Operations Management, or Engineering.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with FAR/DFARS and U.S. government procurement regulations.
• Experience in aircraft simulation or defense systems manufacturing.
• Proficiency in project management, ERP/MRP systems, and data analytics tools.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and resource plans.
• Experience developing and implementing operational strategies aligned with business goals.

Security Responsibilities

Must comply with all company security and data protection / usage policies and procedures. Personally responsible for proper marking and handling of all information and materials, in any form. Shall not divulge any information, or afford access, to other employees not having a need-to-know. Shall not divulge information outside company without management approval. All government and proprietary information will be accessed and stored electronically on company provided resources.

• Incumbent must be eligible for DoD Personal Security Clearance.

Due to U.S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role.

Work Environment

• Duties performed in an office environment and manufacturing facility.
• Must be able to work overtime on and off-shifts as required.
• The employee is on call 24x7 for the resolution of problems and issues.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

CAE USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including disability and protected veteran status, as defined under federal, state, or local laws.

Applicants needing reasonable accommodations should contact their recruiter at any point in the recruitment process. If you need assistance to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hrops@caemilusa.com

Position Type

Regular

CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.