Chief operating officer

Defense tech sector, where speed and precision save lives.We are an innovative defense technology company. We are looking for a Chief Operating Officer who will translate the CEO’s strategic vision into operational reality, scale the company, and ensure seamless synergy between developers, manufacturing, field technical teams, and clients.

Location: Kyiv (with regular business trips to regional production and warehouse sites, as well as testing grounds).

Format: Full-time, high autonomy in decision-making.

Goal and Key Objectives

• Sole leadership of internal operations and the establishment of a productive work culture free of bureaucratic barriers.
• Infrastructure scaling: Selection, technical equipment setup, and launch of workspaces (offices, engineering laboratories, workshops, warehouses) within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Zero Downtime: Ensuring 100% availability of components and equipment; eliminating supply-related downtime entirely.
• Logistics and accounting: End-to-end logistics (Kyiv — Regions — Testing Grounds) and implementation of transparent bin/location inventory accounting within the ERP system.
• Operational execution: Timely kitting, packaging, dispatch of products to customers, and logistical support for trials.Areas of Responsibility
• Strategic planning: Development of SOPs, elimination of bureaucratic delays, strategic allocation of budgets (OPEX/CAPEX) and team workloads.
• Infrastructure and security: Management of all locations. Organization of physical and energy security. Back-office leadership.
• Procurement and warehouses: Building supply chains (electronics, composites, power equipment). Managing regional warehouses, controlling inventory movement, and conducting stock audits.
• R&D and manufacturing support: Synchronizing developers with manufacturing. Logistical support for test benches, devices, and tools. Coordinating resource support for field technical teams.
• Team: Hiring, onboarding, performance evaluation, and development of mentorship within the operations block.
• Compliance and risks: Threat assessment, business continuity planning, compliance with occupational health and safety rules and industry requirements. Relations with contractors and landlords.

What We Offer

• Full social benefits package in accordance with the Labor Code of Ukraine (KZPP).
• Medical insurance.Candidate Requirements
• Experience: 8−10 years in operations management and manufacturing. Of which 5−7 years at the C-level (COO, Plant Director).
• Launches: Proven track record of greenfield site launches, enterprise relocations, and management of distributed teams.
• Industry: Hardware, mechanical engineering, contract electronics. Experience in MilTech / Defense is a strong advantage.
• Skills: Fluent business English (B2/C1). Deep proficiency in optimization tools (Lean / Kaizen / Scrum) and ERP system administration.
• Leadership: Ability to unite cross-functional teams and make independent decisions in crisis situations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Facility Launch & Scale: Adherence to timelines and budgets when launching new locations.
• Operational Continuity: 0% downtime for engineers, production, and field technical teams due to supply chain disruptions.
• Logistics SLA: 100% fulfillment of internal logistics and product transfer schedules.
• Inventory Accuracy: Discrepancy based on physical inventory audits of less than 1%.
• Budget Adherence: Variance from the approved operating budget of no more than ±5%.
• Team Health: High productivity levels and retention of key personnel.

We expect resumes in both Ukrainian and English (mandatory) along with a cover letter detailing how your experience matches the tasks and requirements outlined in this vacancy!