Director, Field Operations

AeroVironment • Centreville, VA

2d

About The Position

The Director, Field Operations will be responsible for the design and execution of the Field Operations strategy in alignment with overall Company strategies, annual operating plan and 5-year business plan by overseeing an organization capable of executing its objectives consistent with the company's strategic intent. This position will also be responsible for the management of Customer relationships (both internal and external) relating to Field Operations and will ensure and optimize customer satisfaction.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in Flight/Field Operations
• Minimum 12 years of direct experience in Flight/Field Operations; including 8 years management experience
• Experience managing contracts with DoD
• Proven ability to successfully manage high complexity, high risk, strategic programs, proposals and product lines
• Experience interfacing directly with customers and executive leadership
• Broad experience developing and managing successful technical teams
• Track record of establishing and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication, with the ability to “think on one’s feet” in high pressure situations
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects successfully
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Operating Systems, Excel, PowerPoint and Word
• Must be able to obtain a Secret and likely a Top Secret clearance
• ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15.
• Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred
• Project Management Experience; PMP Certification highly preferred
• Prior military instructor/Special Operations experience highly desirable
• Prefer Special Forces, SEAL, Special Tactics, Ranger, Force Recon / MARSOC, Scout, Forward Observer, TACP, or Aviation backgrounds
• Outstanding Leadership skills and experience in R&D environment desired
• Experience managing International (ex-US) contracts desired
• Able to project credibility and sincerity in any situation
• Able to work effectively and efficiently across functions and have a proven track record of working successfully across multiple levels of an organization
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
• 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
• Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a cross functional team for successful execution of field operations objectives.
• Facilitate discussions and debates, mediate conflict, and nurture collaborative cross-functional teaming
• Execute Field Operations established technical goals and expectations.
• Articulate technical progress, problems, and resolutions to internal and external customers
• Understand and coordinate the solutions for customer problems, needs and desires, company objectives and product line strategy
• Drive in the implementation improvement opportunities within the functional area.
• Manage Functional Area resource requirements
• Assist in meeting all Functional Area financials
• Ensure Company and customer data is protected in accordance with ITAR, security classification guides and company proprietary information procedures
• Ensure compliance to and control of all Functional Area projects and requirements
• Assess Functional Area risks, establish mitigation and contingency plans, and control
• Track and analyze key performance indicators (metrics). Take action to address issues and opportunities
• Ensure BOEs (Bases of Estimates) for project costs & schedules, product costs & performance margins are valid
• Comprehend, communicate, and manage Field Operations priorities.
• Assist in managing department overhead budgets, and rates
• Be a proactive leader and make sound, effective, data-driven decisions
• Motivate, mentor, delegate, communicate clear, timely direction, and resolve team conflicts
• Ensure adherence to Company policies and processes.
• Document and share best practices across Company
• Maintain objectivity and composure under pressure.
• Personally display and enable the personal and leadership characteristics desired by the Company
• Lead with rapid agility to deal with shifting priorities, demands, and timelines

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

What This Job Offers

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