Director of Business Operations

SummaryThe Director of Business Operations provides strategic leadership for the division’s business operations, exercising delegated authority over Contracts, Government Compliance, Export Compliance, Security, and Financial Analysis in alignment with corporate services policies and processes. The Director analyzes where corporate processes may not fully support division needs and proposes modifications or parallel processes as necessary. Reporting to the division general manager, this role is a key member of the division leadership team and supports the execution of strategic and operational objectives.

Essential Functions

Strategic Business Leadership

• Serve as a member of the division leadership team, supporting the general manager in achieving division goals and objectives.
• Provide strategic leadership for Contracts, Government Compliance, Export Compliance, Security, and Financial Analysis, exercising daily delegated authority in coordination with Corporate Services.
• Recommend and create new or modified policies, processes, and functions as needed.
• Provide executive guidance on contractual, financial, and regulatory matters affecting the division.
• Identify operational risks and business opportunities and recommend strategies to improve performance and profitability.
• Partner with Engineering, Program Management, Operations, Business Development, and Product teams to ensure successful execution of customer programs and internal priorities.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen business processes, internal controls, and operational efficiency.

Contracts & Government Compliance

• Direct all phases of commercial and U.S. Government contract administration within delegated authority.
• Provide executive oversight of contractual rights, obligations, and compliance with FAR, DFARS, and other applicable regulations.
• Participate in negotiations for complex customer contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, and other contractual instruments.
• Serve as a point of contact for DCAA, DCMA, ACOs, and other government agencies as delegated from Corporate Services.
• Support proposal development by providing strategic guidance on contractual requirements, pricing considerations, and business risk.
• Establish and maintain effective contract administration policies and procedures.

Export Compliance (ITAR/EAR)

• Understand Corporate Services’ recommended classifications for division products and services and participate in discussions supporting Corporate Export team determinations.
• Oversee daily administration and tracking of division exports, monitoring new export cases and, when required, filing government notifications.
• Maintain general knowledge of export control regulations, including ITAR and EAR.
• Review and approve exports, technical data releases, authorizations, and related documentation following jurisdiction and classification determinations.

Business Performance

• Analyze, propose, and monitor division financial structures, including rates, pools, and performance metrics.
• Provide leadership and oversight of team members supporting business performance functions.
• Partner with Corporate Finance on annual budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range planning.
• Review business forecasts, financial trends, operational metrics, and key performance indicators to support executive decision‑making.
• Monitor division performance against established goals and recommend corrective actions when appropriate.

Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop team members, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish departmental goals and performance expectations aligned with organizational objectives.
• Conduct performance evaluations, succession planning, and talent development activities.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration across the division and corporate functions.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support business success.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Law, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or professional certification (CPA, CPCM, MBA, CCEP) preferred.
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in government contracting, business operations, finance, or compliance.
• Extensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, U.S. Government contracting, and contract administration.
• Experience working with DCAA, DCMA, and other regulatory agencies.
• Experience overseeing Financial Planning & Analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and business planning functions preferred.
• Experience overseeing export compliance programs, including ITAR and EAR.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, federal acquisition regulations, and government contract administration.
• Knowledge of ITAR, EAR, and U.S. export control regulations.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and business planning.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership and strong business acumen.
• Ability to identify and mitigate contractual, financial, operational, and regulatory risks.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and executive presentation skills.
• Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, and business processes.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence executive decision‑making.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound business judgment.