Executive Vice President of Operations and Program Management
Ispace Technologies
Operations
Englewood, CO, USA
Posted on Feb 1, 2025
At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.
With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.
Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space.
Reporting to the ispace US CEO, this role will design, build, and scale a U.S.-based Program Management organization while leading business operations The EVP of Operations and Program Management will collaborate with U.S. and global executive leaders to drive vision, strategy, and priorities, ensuring alignment with iSpace’s global mission.
The EVP will oversee Program Management, Business Operations, and Corporate Communication, collaborating with Engineering, Finance, Legal, Manufacturing, HR, Quality, and Mission Operations. A key responsibility is establishing a centralized Program Management Office (PMO) to develop the processes and training needed for successful program execution and business growth.
Role Responsibilities:
- Drive operational strategy and establish business rhythms to support the CEO’s 1-, 2- and 5-year vision, with measurable outcomes such as achieving growth milestones, meeting project timelines, and ensuring resource optimization.
- Lead the development and execution of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and reporting processes, targeting specific metrics like budget adherence, productivity improvements, and strategic initiative success rates.
- Collaborate with the senior leadership team to implement strategies, operational playbooks, and procedures, ensuring alignment with key performance indicators (KPIs) such as revenue growth, operational efficiency, and team satisfaction scores.
- Interface with the iSpace Holdings company leadership to drive global efficiencies, foster collaboration, and coordinate the creation of U.S. materials for Board of Directors meetings, ensuring clarity and alignment on priorities.
- Program Management:
- Establish a centralized Program Management Office (PMO) and develop processes to drive program success and business scalability.
- Oversee daily operations and ensure effective execution of New Product Introduction programs, including budget approvals and variance reporting.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration to build and maintain dashboards, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and reporting systems to track performance.
- Business Operations & Communications:
- Own and drive the strategic Objectives and Key Results process to align teams and measure progress (We call it our Business Performance Review).
- Manage executive team operations, including facilitating strategic initiatives and organizational priorities.
- Oversee external communications, ensuring consistent and effective messaging that aligns with company goals, challenges, and progress. Lead the communications team, fostering collaboration and alignment with organizational priorities while representing the company’s vision externally.
- Coordinate and create U.S. materials for global Board of Directors meetings, ensuring clarity and alignment on key priorities and challenges.
- Organizational Development:
- Provide leadership to develop talent, address gaps, and ensure robust succession plans for critical functions.
- Analyze internal operations and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability while promoting iSpace’s values and vision.
Strategic Leadership:
Key Compentencies:
- Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and influence at all levels.
- Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity and establish order in rapidly evolving environments.
- Adept at aligning operational processes with strategic priorities to foster innovation and growth.
- Strong communication skills, with experience presenting to Boards of Directors and senior leadership.
- Experience with FAR/DFAR’s and US Government contracting.
Minimum Requirements:
- 15+ years of professional experience with demonstrated leadership in complex, engineering-driven environments.
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical or management field (e.g., Engineering, Business, or related disciplines).
- 5+ years of executive leadership experience in high-growth or highly regulated industries.
- Proven track record of managing and scaling operations within complex enterprises, delivering results in highly technical or aerospace environments.
- U.S. citizenship is required (must be eligible to obtain security clearance).
Preferred Attributes:
- Advanced degree (MBA or technical master’s/PhD) is a plus.
- Experience in space, aerospace, defense, or related high-complexity industries preferred.
- Expertise in building centralized PMOs or similar frameworks in scaling organizations.
- Ability to lead with vision and inspire cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious goals.
- Strong skills in data analysis, strategic planning, and performance management.
Compensation & Benefits
- Health Coverage: Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company-paid options available for employees.
- Hybrid Work: Flexibility to work remotely and in-office, depending on your role and the stage of our program.
- Commuter Perks: Company-paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail.
- Lunch Perks: Monthly stipend to enjoy meals from our café.
- Paid Time Off: 18 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 14 paid holidays.
- Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching.
- Travel: Opportunities for domestic and international travel.
- Stock Options: Participation in our stock option program.
- Learning & Development: Ample opportunities to grow, including lunch-and-learns, skills training, and stipends for professional development.
- Team Culture: A fun and casual environment with regular team gatherings, including monthly TGIF events to connect and unwind.
We welcome candidates with diverse experience levels and evaluate the best fit on an individual basis. Your final job level and salary will be determined based on your skills, experience, and the impact you can bring to the role.
#LI-LH1
At ispace, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, even if you don’t meet every listed requirement. If you’re passionate about our mission and think you can contribute, we encourage you to apply. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to grow and succeed together.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR .here.
ispace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with ispace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
All applicants who are offered employment with ispace US will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation conducted in accordance with Company policies and all applicable laws.
ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.
ispace Technologies, US, Inc. participates in the E-Verify program.
