Business Unit Manager - Flares

Armtec Defense Technologies • Camden, AR

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Business Unit Manager leads Program Managers responsible for multiple production programs for defense and related applications, serving U.S. government, international military, and prime contractor customers. The role oversees program execution and coordinates operational activities across Armtec to align program goals with company objectives and achieve financial and operational results. The position is based at Armtec’s flare facility in Camden, Arkansas, where annual flare sales exceed $65 million.

The manager leads integrated teams spanning program management, manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and support functions. The role works closely with facility leadership, finance, business development, engineering, research and development, production teams, and customers. It has responsibility for program performance, pricing and proposals, business planning, budgeting, growth opportunities, production priorities, customer relations, and regular reporting to senior and corporate leadership. The manager also supports site operations, capital and productivity plans, and a safety-first culture.

The position requires domestic and international travel of up to 20%. The work week is 4×10, with occasional Friday or weekend overtime as needed to meet program objectives. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and eligible for any government authorization required to access export-controlled information. A pre-employment background check and initial and periodic urinalysis testing are required. The ability to obtain a U.S. Government SECRET clearance is preferred but not mandatory.

Requirements

• Four-year degree from an accredited college or university.
• Extensive working knowledge and experience managing defense-related programs.
• Dependable, responsible, and accurate, with the ability to deal effectively with people.
• Strong oral and written presentation skills and computer skills.
• Good financial aptitude.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must be eligible for any U.S. Government authorization required for access to export-control information.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check and undergo initial and periodic substance-abuse testing (urinalysis).
• Occasional overtime on Fridays or weekends may be required to meet program objectives.
• Up to 20% domestic and international travel is required.

Nice To Haves

• A degree in Science, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or Business is considered most competitive.
• An MBA or degree in Engineering is preferred.
• A relevant certification, such as PMP from PMI, Defense Acquisition University (DAU) certification, CQE from ASQC, or similar, is a differentiator; if not already completed, the successful candidate is expected to pursue formal certification within 24 months of starting.
• Ten years of Defense or Aerospace industry experience is preferred.
• Five years of defense energetics experience in ammunition and/or pyrotechnic products is strongly preferred.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government SECRET security clearance is preferred but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, mentor, and develop site Program Managers, ensuring they meet expectations related to safety, sales, EBITDA, bookings, and customer interactions.
• Lead integrated teams across program management, manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and support functions to execute production programs safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with customer, technical, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with facility leaders to establish the annual business plan and fiscal-year budget, prepare and manage capital expense requests, and identify and manage productivity projects.
• Work with Finance to update monthly financial outlooks, forecast EBITDA through year-end, maintain current accounts receivable, and provide monthly financial reporting and forecasts.
• Coordinate with Business Development on monthly bookings, customer visits, new growth opportunities, and the development of a Sales Outlook that meets or exceeds plan.
• Develop annual and five-year Sales and EBITDA plans and ensure bookings support the Sales Outlook and business plan.
• Drive value-based pricing for sales contracts; oversee and summarize proposals and pricing recommendations for leadership review and approval.
• Review and approve contractual terms and conditions, contracts, and CDRLs with key stakeholders before signing.
• Coordinate Armtec functional groups and internal and external resources to deliver qualified products on time and within approved cost and schedule.
• Develop program metrics and plans using project management tools, identify program risks, and create mitigation strategies; apply appropriate project-management tools to track delivery, technical status, and financial status and initiate corrective actions when needed.
• Work with customers and partners to create efficient program plans and statements of work that meet Armtec’s financial requirements.
• Interpret technical data packages, including product drawings, military and commercial specifications, and customer statements of work, as they apply to manufacturing.
• Direct production priorities and schedules, and evaluate workforce requirements to meet quality and delivery commitments.
• Provide accurate routine written and verbal reports on program status, cost, schedule, and risks; present monthly and quarterly business summaries to site and corporate leadership.
• Maintain strong customer relationships, assess competitive forces, and develop timely strategic approaches; interface with senior management and military personnel at the O-3 through O-6 levels.
• Support Finance with quarterly Business Unit Manager presentations and forward bid-rate packages, and support site and corporate reporting activities, including the President’s Letter inputs.
• Support the pursuit of profitable growth, quality-team cost-of-poor-quality reduction efforts, and supply-chain materials cost improvements.
• Establish and maintain a safety-first culture, comply with laws and ethical standards, and uphold Armtec’s ethics and business conduct policies.
• Manage external site communications and support community involvement projects.
• Travel domestically and internationally to support new and existing business opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior