Chief Operating Officer: Top Recruiters in Tampa, Florida
The Tampa Aerospace & Defense Market
Tampa is home to U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base, generating extraordinary demand for special operations, intelligence, and irregular warfare executive talent within a robust defense contracting community.
About This Role
The COO of an aerospace and defense company translates strategic direction into operational reality across programs, production, and functional organizations. This executive drives program execution discipline, manages enterprise cost and schedule performance, and ensures the organization delivers on its commitments to government customers and prime contract partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day operational execution across all programs, production, and shared services functions
- Drive program performance management using Earned Value Management (EVM) and integrated master schedule rigor
- Lead enterprise-wide cost reduction and operational efficiency initiatives without compromising deliverable quality
- Manage the balance between cost-reimbursable and fixed-price program portfolios to optimize enterprise financial performance
- Oversee manufacturing, quality, and supply chain organizations to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery
- Develop and execute workforce planning strategies for cleared engineers, program managers, and technical specialists
- Lead cross-functional leadership teams in program reviews, risk assessments, and corrective action plans
- Interface with government Program Offices, DCMA, and DCAA on program performance and contract compliance
- Serve as the CEO's primary deputy and act in the CEO's absence with full decision-making authority
- Champion operational excellence, continuous improvement, and safety culture across the enterprise
Leading Employers in Tampa
The Aerospace & Defense talent pool in Tampa is shaped by movement between these anchor employers and their tier-one supplier base:
Required Experience & Background
- 15+ years in A&D operations with at least 5 years in a senior VP or COO-level role
- Demonstrated experience managing a portfolio of DoD programs with combined value of +
- Active TS/SCI security clearance or eligibility
- Expertise in Earned Value Management, EVMS compliance, and DoD program financial reporting
- Experience managing through government audits, DCMA oversight, and cost-plus contract environments
- Strong operations background spanning manufacturing, supply chain, and program management
Core Leadership Competencies
- Operational Execution: Proven ability to drive on-time, on-cost performance across complex multi-program portfolios
- EVM Mastery: Deep knowledge of EVMS standards and government cost/schedule reporting requirements
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Ability to align engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and contracts organizations
- Change Management: Experience leading organizational restructuring and performance recovery efforts
- Government Customer Acumen: Skilled at managing DCMA, DCAA, and Program Office relationships
Regulatory & Compliance Context
A&D COOs operate under FAR/DFARS cost accounting standards, DCAA audit requirements, and EVMS compliance mandates (ANSI/EIA-748). Manufacturing operations must comply with AS9100 and applicable MIL-SPECs. Government property and contractor purchasing system regulations impose additional compliance obligations.
Compensation Benchmarks for Tampa, FL
Nexoval Search Partners' Approach in Tampa
Nexoval Search Partners's dedicated Aerospace & Defense practice maintains active relationships with the executive talent community across Tampa and the broader Florida market. Our consultants conduct thorough market mapping of available passive and active candidates across the region's leading employers, from established industry leaders to innovative growth companies. Every engagement includes confidential outreach, rigorous competency-based assessment, and candidate presentation within 45 to 60 days of engagement launch. Nexoval Search Partners's retained search model and one-year replacement guarantee ensure every executive we place in Tampa, Florida delivers long-term organizational value.