General Manager, Tactical Communications Solutions

Viasat, Inc.•Carlsbad, CA

About The Position

Viasat Government is seeking an accomplished and visionary General Manager (GM) to lead our Tactical Communications Solutions (TCS) business unit within the Mission Connections and Cybersecurity (MC2) business area, managing a $200M+ P&L. This executive role is pivotal in driving the strategy, growth, and execution for a diverse portfolio focused on delivering resilient connectivity and networking solutions across the tactical battlespace and into the enterprise cloud. The GM will be responsible for overseeing a rich mix of advanced products—including edge wireless devices, SATCOM terminals/systems, tactical data link gateways, software-defined edge-to-enterprise / cloud networking, and free-space optics communications. A core focus will be on accelerating product innovation while successfully expanding the business model toward integrated system solutions and service-based offerings to connect across the tactical battlespace and to the enterprise for our global government customers.

Requirements

Executive Experience: Minimum of 15+ years of progressive executive leadership experience managing a significant P&L and driving growth (preferably $150M+) within the defense, aerospace, or government technology sector.
Customer focus and capture: Proven experience with understanding the customer problem to be solved and building sustaining customer relationships across multiple stakeholder and influencer communities, resulting in successful captures and business growth.
Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of tactical communications, military networking, SATCOM, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), or related C4ISR technologies along with an understanding of the broader DoW strategy and key gaps.
Execution Oversight: Demonstrated understanding of program management and control techniques (Agile Dev-Ops, Earned Value, Risk management). Demonstrated ability to manage cross functional teams of engineering, operations and supply chain.
Innovation Mindset: Experience driving discretionary spend priorities across portfolio to enhance competitive advantages.
Government Contracting: Comprehensive knowledge of US Government and international defense contracting, procurement cycles, and regulatory compliance (e.g., FAR/DFAR, ITAR). Recent demonstrated experience capturing and managing non-FAR based contracts (OTA, CSO, PPP)
Exceptional Strategic Thinking: Ability to synthesize complex market data, competitive landscapes, and technological trends into a clear, actionable long-term strategy.
Financial Acumen: Strong capability in financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, and performance management necessary to manage a multi-million dollar P&L.
Executive Presence & Communication: Superior verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence C-suite executives, senior military leadership, and Viasat Board members.
Inspirational Leadership: Proven ability to motivate, scale, and lead a geographically dispersed, high-tech organization.
Mentorship: The ability to identify gaps, build and grow teams and individuals to achieve high performance and advance to the next level while demonstrating a high-level of emotional intelligence.
Negotiation & Influence: Demonstrated success in complex negotiations with customers, partners, and suppliers.
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Business Administration). MBA or advanced technical degree preferred.
Clearance: Has the ability to obtain a Top Secret Clearance.
Ability to travel up to 30%.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a General Manager or Business Unit Vice President within a Tier 1 or Tier 2 defense contractor.
Technical background and expertise in designing and or using TCS business relevant technologies.
Proven track record of successfully driving business model transformation, specifically transitioning from hardware/product sales to delivering complex integrated systems and/or managed services.
Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance
Familiarity with Viasat's current technology platforms and/or the competitive landscape.
Experience leading teams in a matrix environment

Responsibilities

P&L and Business Management: Full ownership and accountability for the TCS business unit's $200M+ P&L, including revenue generation, margin performance, expense management, and driving profitable growth.
Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the long-term strategic vision for TCS, aligning product development, market penetration, and go-to-market strategies with overall Viasat Government objectives and evolving customer needs.
Innovation & Portfolio Evolution: Champion innovation across the product portfolio, focusing on next-generation edge devices, advanced networking, and secure, resilient communications technologies. Successfully drive the transition from pure product sales to integrated, service-based solutions and system delivery.
Customer and Market Focus: Serve as the executive-level point of contact for key government customers and partners. Deeply understand the tactical battlespace and enterprise cloud requirements to ensure the portfolio remains market-leading and relevant.
Organizational Development: Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing executive team across program management, product management, sales and business development. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.
Operational Excellence: Oversee the execution of complex programs and ensure operational efficiency in product development and delivery to maintain high levels of quality and customer satisfaction.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Work across engineering, business development, government affairs, operations, supply chain, Security, IT, contracts, legal & HR to own and ensure successful outcomes for our customers while meeting business commitments across revenue, schedule and quality.
M&A and Partnership: Identify and evaluate potential strategic partnerships, technology acquisitions, or ventures that align with the TCS growth strategy

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