TIMOTHY WHITEHEAD
St. Louis,MO
Summary
Accomplished Operations Director with over 20 years of experience optimizing large-scale aerospace, defense, and manufacturing operations. Expertise in MIL-spec production, Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, welding engineering, and leading multi-site teams has consistently driven improvements in throughput, eliminated bottlenecks, reduced defects, and enhanced production efficiency. U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a proven ability to thrive in high-pressure, mission-critical environments while cultivating exceptional teams that meet and exceed demanding targets. Prepared to leverage strong leadership and strategic planning abilities to contribute effectively in a [Type] setting, with a deep understanding of [Industry] standards and market trends.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Director
Arnold Defense & Electronics
01.2024 - Current
- Lead all operations for rocket launcher manufacturing including production, welding engineering, machining, assembly, quality, paint, and facility operations. Developed aluminum weld schedules (.032–.090). Ensured full MIL-spec compliance and implemented major Lean improvements.
- Achieved team goals through formalized training plans, coaching, and performance management.
- Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
- Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
- Worked collaboratively with functional leaders to implement new procedures and corrective actions to improve quality.
- Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop and execute long-term corporate goals and objectives.
- Mentored and coached team members to foster productive and engaging work environment.
- Established and monitored quality assurance standards to achieve operational excellence.
- Analyzed business operations and implemented strategies to improve operational cohesiveness.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
Project Manager
West Star Aviation
01.2023 - 01.2023
- Managed maintenance, modification, and refurbishment programs for Dassault Falcon aircraft. Ensured FAA compliance, customer satisfaction, and on-time project execution.
Operations Supervisor
Keurig Dr Pepper
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Directed high-speed beverage production operations, increasing OEE and reducing downtime. Managed multi-shift teams and drove safety, quality, and process improvements using Lean methodology.
Operations Manager
Boeing
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Led production teams across F-15, F/A-18, CH-47, and 777X programs. Implemented standardization, Lean initiatives, and ensured compliance with engineering, quality, and safety standards.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Increased profit by streamlining operations.
- Directed initiatives to improve work environment, company culture or overall business strategy.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
Assembly Mechanic / Inspector
Boeing
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Performed precision installation and inspection of hydraulic, electrical, and structural components. Supported international customer acceptance inspections and quality tracking for complex aircraft builds.
Sheet Metal Fabricator
Jet Aviation
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Fabricated, repaired, and installed structural components on Bombardier, Gulfstream, and Falcon aircraft to FAA standards.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
McKendree University
Lebanon, IL05.2016
BBA -
McKendree University
Lebanon, IL05.2014
A.S. - Aviation Technology
SWIC
Granite City, IL05.2008
No Degree - Six Sigma Lean Certification
Villanova University
Villanova, PA06-2015
No Degree - Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
Villanova University
Villanova, PA01-2015
Skills
- Operational management
- Military specification manufacturing
- Lean and Six Sigma proficiency
- Welding quality assurance
- Quality management systems expertise
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification
- Operational streamlining
- Advanced welding technology knowledge
- Operational planning
- Effective strategy implementation
- Strategic planning and execution
- Leadership training
- Retail build outs
- Schedule oversight
Certification
- FAA Airframe & Powerplant License
- Six Sigma Lean – Villanova University
- Six Sigma Green Belt – Villanova University
MILITARY SERVICE
United States Marine Corps, Infantry Sergeant, 2004, 2012, Led teams of up to 40 Marines during two combat deployments. Awarded Presidential Unit Citation and Naval Unit Citation. Delivered combat tactics and marksmanship instruction while ensuring mission readiness and safety.
Timeline
Operations Director
Arnold Defense & Electronics
01.2024 - Current
Project Manager
West Star Aviation
01.2023 - 01.2023
Operations Supervisor
Keurig Dr Pepper
01.2022 - 01.2023
Operations Manager
Boeing
01.2016 - 01.2022
Assembly Mechanic / Inspector
Boeing
01.2011 - 01.2016
Sheet Metal Fabricator
Jet Aviation
01.2008 - 01.2011
MBA - Business Administration And Management
McKendree University
BBA -
McKendree University
A.S. - Aviation Technology
SWIC
No Degree - Six Sigma Lean Certification
Villanova University
No Degree - Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
Villanova University