Strategic Operations Manager (Expansion Strategy)

The role

The Strategic Operations Manager will lead facility expansion and site development initiatives. This role involves planning, delivering, and operationalizing new facilities, manufacturing expansions, and strategic infrastructure projects.

What you will do

• Lead planning and execution of facility expansion projects
• Manage site selection activities including location analysis and due diligence
• Lead land acquisition, lease negotiations, and property transactions
• Coordinate permitting, zoning, environmental reviews, and regulatory approvals
• Manage facility design, construction, renovation, and occupancy projects
• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules
• Coordinate with architects, engineering firms, contractors, and government agencies
• Lead AI-enabled initiatives for site analysis and project tracking
• Manage cross-functional readiness activities
• Develop and manage facility budgets and capital expenditure plans

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field
• Minimum 7 years of experience in facilities planning, real estate development, construction management, strategic operations, or capital projects
• Experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously from planning through completion
• Experience supporting facility expansion, operational readiness, infrastructure development, or construction programs
• Experience managing external vendors, contractors, consultants, and development partners
• Hands-on experience utilizing AI tools, automation platforms, or advanced analytics solutions within project management or operational environments
• Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods
• Ability to review construction drawings, facility plans, contracts, budgets, and project documentation
• Frequent travel of approximately 30–40% to operational sites, construction projects, and partner locations
• Ability to walk construction sites, undeveloped property, industrial facilities, and uneven outdoor terrain
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Nice to have

• PMP, CAPM, or similar project management certification
• Aerospace, defense, manufacturing, energy, telecommunications, or other industrial facility development experience
• Experience supporting test facilities, manufacturing campuses, mission-critical infrastructure, or specialized operational environments
• Experience working with government agencies, economic development organizations, or public-private partnerships
• Experience with site selection, land acquisition, lease negotiations, and facility transactions
• Experience leveraging AI-driven solutions for project management, operational planning, scheduling, or reporting
• Experience securing economic development incentives, grants, tax abatements, or similar programs
• Knowledge of zoning, permitting, environmental compliance, and construction regulations
• Experience managing capital projects with budgets exceeding $10 million
• Experience supporting rapidly growing organizations undergoing expansion and scaling initiatives

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Company-Paid Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Company-Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays
• Career Growth and Development Opportunities

About the company

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. The network is designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet.