Executive Vice President of Operations and Program Management

ispace, inc. is a global lunar resource development company with the vision, “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” specializing in designing and building lunar landers and rovers. ispace aims to extend the sphere of human life into space and create a sustainable world by providing high-frequency, low-cost transportation services to the Moon. The company has offices in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States and is growing rapidly.  ispace Technologies U.S., based in Englewood, Colorado, focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers.

With locations in the U.S., Japan, and Europe, ispace is positioned to be a global leader in the exploration and development of the moon. Let's go to the moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively looking for great people to join the ispace mission.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be 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.