Director of Operations (Electronic Security Systems)

Description

About Us:

Active Security designs, develops, implements, and sustains advanced C5ISR and security solutions to enhance defense and mission capabilities, addressing threats across physical, electronic, cyber, and communications security for commercial and U.S. Government clients. Our Electronics Technicians are essential in installing, programming, maintaining, and repairing these complex systems in high-security environments, ensuring compliance with codes, client specifications, and internal standards. With a structured career path, technicians have continuous opportunities for skills development, advancing from foundational technical expertise to leadership roles.

Job Summary:

The successful Director of Operations leads Active Security’s operations organization and is responsible for the overall delivery of the company’s security integration projects and service programs. This position sets operational strategy, builds and leads the operations team, and ensures projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to a standard that earns long-term customer trust.

The Director of Operations works closely with executive leadership, Business Development, and Finance to translate company goals into operational plans, capacity, and performance targets. This position has accountability for operational financial performance, including project margins, labor utilization, cash flow, and backlog execution, as well as for quality, safety, and contract compliance. Further, the Director of Operations partners with Business Development on capture and proposal strategy, approves delivery approaches and pricing assumptions, and represents operations in executive-level customer, OEM, and partner engagements.

The Director of Operations drives the long-term scalability of the business by establishing operational policies, systems, and performance metrics; developing managers and future leaders; overseeing facilities and logistics; and fostering a culture of accountability, mission focus, and operational excellence in all aspects.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Sets operational strategy, goals, and annual plans aligned with company growth objectives, and leads execution across project delivery, service, and field operations.
• Leads, mentors, and develops operations managers, project/program managers, and coordinators; designs the organizational structure and builds a strong bench of future leaders.
• Owns operational financial performance, including budgets, forecasting, project margins, labor utilization, and cash-flow objectives.
• Establishes and reports operational KPIs and dashboards to executive leadership, driving accountability and corrective action across the project portfolio.
• Plans workforce capacity and hiring to match backlog and pipeline, including the balance of in-house staff and subcontracted labor.
• Partners with Business Development on capture strategy, bid/no-bid decisions, solution approach, and pricing review to produce winning, executable proposals.
• Develops strategic relationships with key customers, OEM partners, distributors, and subcontractors; negotiates agreements and resolves high-level escalations.
• Defines and enforces operational policies, standards, and quality programs, ensuring compliance with safety, security, government contracting, and clearance requirements.
• Leads the selection, implementation, and optimization of operational systems and tools, including ConnectWise Manage, to support scalability and data-driven decisions.
• Oversees facilities, inventory, and logistics operations in support of field execution.
• Utilizes professional experience to drive a collaborative team environment dedicated to mission focus, respect, and adherence to Active Security’s mission, vision, and principles.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field required; Master’s degree or MBA preferred. Equivalent Industrial or Military leadership experience considered.
• 10+ years of experience in operations, project delivery, or field services, including 5+ years in management with responsibility for multiple managers or departments.
• Extensive experience in the security or technology integration industry, with a broad understanding of electronic security, communications, surveillance, and IT infrastructure and equipment.
• Proven track record of scaling operations, improving profitability, and delivering complex projects for commercial and/or federal customers.

Required Skills:

• Executive-level oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present to and influence leadership, customers, and partners.
• Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and retain high-performing teams and to develop managers.
• Demonstrated financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, P&L management, and project financial controls.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute operational strategy, policies, and process improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Microsoft TEAMS and Excel, and with Professional Service Management and Customer Relations Management platforms, particularly ConnectWise Manage.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions under pressure, manage risk, and resolve complex escalations.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate contracts and agreements with customers, vendors, and subcontractors.

Preferred Skills:

• PMP, PgMP, or comparable certification; Lean or Six Sigma experience.
• Experience in federal government contracting, including DoD customers, FAR/DFARS familiarity, and SCIF/ICD 705 projects.
• Experience participating in capture management, pricing strategy, and bid/no-bid decisions.
• Experience leading through organizational growth, including integration of new teams, service lines, or acquisitions.
• Possess or able to obtain a Secret Security Clearance and be suitable for positions of public trust.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships across all levels in the organization and within the customer / supplier environment, including familiarity with AEC industry workflows and RFP/RFQ processes.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position directly supervises operations managers and project/program managers and has overall leadership responsibility for the operations organization, including coordinators, field technicians, and subcontracted labor. Responsibilities include organizational design, hiring, budgeting, performance management, and leadership development.

Work Environment:

Our workplace is more than just a desk and a computer. It's a hub of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. We encourage a positive atmosphere where challenges are welcomed, and problem-solving is celebrated.

Physical Demands: Employee may occasionally be required to lift 20-50 lbs during site visits.  

Expected Travel: Occasional travel to customer sites, project locations, partner and vendor facilities, and industry events.

Remote or On-site: Hybrid position, with a combination of on-site work at Active Security's Northern Virginia facility in Sterling, VA, and remote work. 

Career Growth: As Director of Operations, you'll play a key role in shaping the company's growth, with opportunities to expand into senior executive leadership.

General Requirements for All Levels:

• Communication: Strong oral and written skills to interact with peers, supervisors, and clients.
• Analytical Skills: Detail-oriented, capable of diagnosing and solving problems.
• Screening Requirements: Candidates must pass a background check, have a valid driver’s license, and be eligible for U.S. Government Security Clearance.