Director, Business Operations

Worker Type

Regular

Job Summary

The Director, Business Operations serves as the principal operational and strategic partner to the Vice President, Directed Energy, shaping portfolio performance, financial outcomes, execution discipline, and long‑term growth strategy across all Directed Energy programs and product lines. Reporting directly to the VP, the Director partners in driving financial performance, program execution, proposal management, and enterprise alignment. The role provides portfolio‑wide visibility into performance trends, risk posture, and investment priorities while influencing both current execution and future opportunity positioning. A critical component of the role’s success is acting as the deputy supporting the overall business unit's success for diving key success indicators for program execution.

Portfolio Performance & Financial Strategy

• Partner with the VP in driving Business Unit revenue growth and financial performance.
• Provide enterprise-level analysis of EAC trends, cost performance drivers, and financial risk posture to inform executive decision‑making.
• Facilitate portfolio trade‑space discussions regarding performance, resource allocation, and investment priorities.
• Support development and oversight of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), long‑range financial planning, and financial performance updates.
• Identify structural performance improvements that strengthen predictability, scalability, and profitability.

Cross‑Functional Integration & Governance

• Own Business Unit‑level integration across Program Management, Engineering, Finance, Contracts, Supply Chain, and Growth functions to ensure cohesive portfolio execution.
• Establish and enforce operating rhythms, governance frameworks, and performance standards across the Business Unit.
• Lead and direct resolution of escalated cross‑program risks impacting cost, schedule, or technical performance.
• Hold portfolio execution accountable to Business Unit strategic priorities, financial objectives, and performance commitments.
• Drive and oversee continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen execution discipline, scalability, and organizational effectiveness.

Growth Strategy & Market Alignment

• Partner with cross‑functional teams and leadership to define and align portfolio capabilities, investment priorities, and pursuit strategies for strategic opportunities.
• Inform bid/no‑bid decisions through financial, technical, and capacity analysis.
• Lead and shape proposal strategy development, including pricing strategy, margin targets, risk positioning, execution maturity assessments, and proposal reviews.
• Support customer engagements in partnership with cross‑functional team, representing portfolio performance, operational readiness, and strategic roadmap.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Advanced degree, MBA or MS highly preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or managing P&L driven businesses.
• Strong background in long‑range planning, annual operating plans, and executive business governance.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and operate effectively as a deputy or executive officer.
• Experience engaging executive‑level customers and leading complex, cross‑functional initiatives.
• Prior experience supporting M&A activity strongly preferred.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills, with ability to speak and write persuasively.
• Demonstrated experience working with cross‑functional teams; ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships.
• Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision‑making style based on the situational circumstances.
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees.
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness, and the creation of a shared vision.
• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for assigned tasks.
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company.
• Focuses on teamwork and puts the success of the team above one's own interests.

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office environment (constant). Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent).

Clearance Level

No Clearance.

Compensation

$148,000 - $237,000.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR, or be approved for an export licence. Any offer requiring an export licence will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination of its ability to obtain a licence in a timeframe consistent with business requirements. A “U.S. person” is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. Some positions may require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown. Benefits information available at

Application Notes

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

EEO Statement

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.