Senior Director, Business Operations

AeroVironment

. Serve as the principal operational and strategic partner to the Directed Energy Vice President .

Posted 10/26/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $148,000 - $237,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in financial performance analysis, strategic planning, and operational governance within Directed Energy programs. Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence senior leadership while managing P&L driven businesses.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Financial Performance AnalysisStrategic PlanningCross-Functional LeadershipP&L ManagementLong-Range Planning

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Portfolio Performance ManagementCost Performance AnalysisAnnual Operating Plan DevelopmentInvestment PrioritizationProposal Strategy DevelopmentRisk PositioningM&A SupportGovernance FrameworksPerformance Standards EnforcementEAC Trend Analysis

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsAnalytical SkillsCritical ThinkingInterpersonal SkillsInfluencing Senior Leaders

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Finance or EngineeringU.S. CitizenshipSecurity Clearance Eligibility

Industry Keywords

Directed EnergyBusiness Unit Revenue GrowthOperational ReadinessCross-Program RisksScalabilityProfitabilityExecutive Business GovernanceCustomer EngagementComplex InitiativesGovernment Contracts

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the principal operational and strategic partner to the Directed Energy Vice President
Shape portfolio performance, financial outcomes, discipline execution, and long-term growth strategy across Directed Energy programs and product lines
Partner with the VP to drive Business Unit revenue growth and financial performance
Provide enterprise-level analysis of EAC trends, cost performance drivers, and financial risk posture
Facilitate portfolio trade-space discussions regarding performance, resource allocation, and investment priorities
Support development and oversight of the Annual Operating Plan, long-range financial planning, and financial performance updates
Identify structural performance improvements that strengthen predictability, scalability, and profitability
Own Business Unit-level integration across Program Management, Engineering, Finance, Contracts, Supply Chain, and Growth functions
Establish and enforce operating rhythms, governance frameworks, and performance standards
Lead resolution of escalated cross-program risks impacting cost, schedule, or technical performance
Hold portfolio execution accountable to strategic priorities, financial objectives, and performance commitments
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen execution discipline, scalability, and organizational effectiveness
Define portfolio capabilities, investment priorities, and pursuit strategies for strategic opportunities
Inform bid/no-bid decisions through financial, technical, and capacity analysis
Lead proposal strategy development, including pricing strategy, margin targets, risk positioning, execution maturity assessments, and proposal reviews
Support customer engagements, representing portfolio performance, operational readiness, and strategic roadmap

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree is required in finance, engineering or related field; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience considered
Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience required
Minimum of 7 years of experience in a leadership role
Demonstrated experience supporting or managing P&L driven businesses
Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain or maintain a security clearance
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
Advanced degree, MBA or MS is highly preferred
Prior experience supporting M&A activity strongly preferred
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong analytical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams
Ability to work in an office and manufacturing environment
Ability to travel both CONUS and OCONUS as required
U.S. Citizenship required
Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401K with company matching
9/80 work schedule
Paid holiday shutdown