About Cliff Schaffer

Cliff Schaffer is an operations executive with a strong record of transforming multisite industrial businesses, expanding profitability, and leading complex P&L organizations across aerospace, defense, energy, and engineered products. As Director of Operations for Element’s U.S. Space & Defense division, he oversees a $160 million portfolio and more than 500 employees, driving EBITDA from 3 percent to 42 percent in ten months while improving on-time delivery, lead times, and top-line growth through systems standardization and equipment reliability enhancements. Previously, he led regional P&Ls within Element and held multiple operational leadership roles across Union Park Capital’s industrial portfolio, where he executed lean transformations, accelerated revenue growth, and improved working capital across several global businesses. Cliff began his private-sector career at Thermo Fisher Scientific and Pentair, delivering sustained productivity gains and cost reductions. Earlier, he served as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, leading teams of up to 100 sailors and managing mission-critical operations.