Chief Operating Officer

We are a defense tech company looking for an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to translate business strategy into effective operational processes, scale the company's infrastructure, and ensure coordination between engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and field operations.

This role combines strategic operational leadership with hands-on execution. We are looking for someone who can build scalable processes, take ownership of complex operational challenges, and ensure business continuity in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Strategy & Management

• Translate the CEO's strategic priorities into operational plans and measurable results.
• Develop and optimize operational processes, SOPs, budgets (OPEX/CAPEX), and resource allocation.
• Identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks, improve cross-functional coordination, and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.

Infrastructure & Business Continuity

• Lead the selection, setup, and launch of new facilities, including offices, engineering laboratories, workshops, and warehouses.
• Oversee the operations of existing locations, ensuring physical security, energy resilience, and business continuity.
• Manage relationships with contractors, service providers, and landlords.

Supply Chain, Logistics & Inventory

• Oversee procurement, supply chains, warehouse operations, and inventory management across multiple locations.
• Ensure timely availability of components, equipment, and materials to minimize operational downtime.
• Establish transparent inventory tracking and location-based accounting within the ERP system.
• Coordinate logistics between Kyiv, regional facilities, and testing grounds, including product preparation, packaging, and delivery.

Manufacturing & R&D Support

• Ensure effective coordination between engineering, manufacturing, and operational teams.
• Organize logistical and resource support for testing activities, equipment, tools, and field technical teams.
• Support production readiness and timely execution of operational requirements.

Team Leadership & Compliance

• Lead and develop cross-functional operational teams, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, and mentoring.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety requirements and relevant industry regulations.

• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation and contingency plans.

   

What We're Looking For

• 8–10 years of experience in operations management and manufacturing, including 5–7 years in senior leadership roles such as COO, Plant Director, or similar.
• Proven experience launching new facilities from scratch (greenfield projects), managing relocations, and coordinating geographically distributed teams.
• Background in hardware manufacturing, mechanical engineering, or contract electronics. Experience in defense tech is a strong advantage.
• Strong understanding of operational excellence methodologies, including Lean, Kaizen, and Scrum.
• Practical experience implementing, administering, or optimizing ERP systems.
• Experience managing operational budgets, infrastructure projects, procurement, and supply chain processes.
• Strong leadership skills, ability to align cross-functional teams, and confidence in making independent decisions under pressure.

• English — B2/C1, sufficient for business communication and working with documentation.

   

What We Offer

• Strategic impact: Opportunity to shape and scale the company's operational infrastructure and directly influence business performance.
• High level of autonomy: Ownership of operational decisions, processes, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Flexible working format: On-site or hybrid work in Kyiv, with regular business trips to regional facilities and testing grounds.
• Official employment with paid annual leave and sick leave in accordance with Ukrainian labor legislation.
• Private medical insurance.
• Corporate English classes.
• A professional environment that values expertise, accountability, initiative, and practical results.

• An inclusive workplace that supports equal opportunities regardless of age or gender and welcomes candidates with military experience.

   

Key Performance Indicators

• Infrastructure scaling: New facilities launched within approved timelines and budgets.
• Operational continuity: Elimination of downtime caused by shortages of materials, components, or equipment.
• Logistics performance: 100% fulfillment of agreed internal logistics and product delivery schedules.
• Inventory accuracy: Less than 1% discrepancy between physical inventory and ERP records.
• Budget control: Operating budget variance within ±5% of approved targets.

• Team performance: High operational productivity and retention of key employees.