Business Operations Group Leader

ARA•Albuquerque, NM

About The Position

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Defense Technology Solutions (DTS) Division, is seeking an experienced Business Operations Group Leader in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This senior management role provides strategic oversight of business administration, financial stewardship, operational infrastructure, and support functions across a geographically distributed division. The role partners closely with the Division Manager to manage approximately $65M in annual revenue, four operational sites, and a portfolio of roughly 40 active programs. The Group Leader ensures operational excellence, compliance, and scalable processes that support continued growth and mission success.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to manage operational priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
Demonstrated leadership across multiple operational domains, including program management, business administration, security, and information technology.
Proven success leading dispersed teams and operations across multiple geographic locations.
Strong understanding of federal contracting, including cost-reimbursable, T&M, and fixed-price contract structures.
Proficiency with financial management tools, data analysis, or enterprise systems.
Experience overseeing project portfolios of diverse scope and scale, including multi-million-dollar programs.
Excellent communication, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with technical, program, and executive leadership.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in business, management, finance, or a related field.
Prior experience in a research, engineering, defense, or government contracting organization.
Experience leading security programs aligned with DoD or IC requirements.
Experience implementing or overseeing cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST 800-171 or CMMC.
PMP, CISM, CISSP, or similar certifications related to operations, program management, security, or IT.

Responsibilities

Lead financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, cost management, and long-range Division financial strategy.
Oversee Division financial performance across a portfolio of projects ranging from $50K to $30M annually.
Provide executive-level analysis, dashboards, and recommendations to support decision-making.
Lead business operations supporting a $65M geographically dispersed Division.
Oversee business administration functions and ensure alignment with corporate policies, customer expectations, and regulatory requirements.
Drive process improvements that enhance efficiency, cost control, and operational effectiveness.
Lead Division security operations, including personnel security, clearances, facility accreditations, and compliance with government security requirements.
Oversee Division information technology services, ensuring cybersecurity, system reliability, and alignment with business needs.
Supervise and mentor staff across business administration, IT, and security functions.
Build a high-performing, collaborative operations team supporting mission and program execution.
Partner with technical and program managers to align program execution with financial, contractual, and operational objectives.
Support business growth initiatives, proposal development, and strategic planning activities.
Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Develop and maintain scalable operational frameworks and SOPs across the Division.
Champion a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and customer focus.
Represent the Division in corporate operational, security, and IT governance forums.