Director, Business Operations

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary The Director, Business Operations serves as the principal operational and strategic partner to the Vice President, Directed Energy, shaping portfolio performance, financial outcomes, execution discipline, and long-term growth strategy across all Directed Energy programs and product lines. Reporting directly to the VP, the Director partners in driving financial performance, program execution, proposal management, and enterprise alignment. The role provides portfolio-wide visibility into performance trends, risk posture, and investment priorities while influencing both current execution and future opportunity positioning. A critical component of this roles success is in acting as the deputy supporting the overall business unit's success for diving key success indicators for program execution. Responsibilities Portfolio Performance & Financial Strategy • Partner with the VP in driving Business Unit revenue growth and financial performance. • Provide enterprise-level analysis of EAC trends, cost performance drivers, and financial risk posture to inform executive decision-making. • Facilitate portfolio trade-space discussions regarding performance, resource allocation, and investment priorities. • Support development and oversight of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), long-range financial planning, and financial performance updates. • Identify structural performance improvements that strengthen predictability, scalability, and profitability. Cross-Functional Integration & Governance • Own Business Unit-level integration across Program Management, Engineering, Finance, Contracts, Supply Chain, and Growth functions to ensure cohesive portfolio execution. • Establish and enforce operating rhythms, governance frameworks, and performance standards across the Business Unit. • Lead and direct resolution of escalated cross-program risks impacting cost, schedule, or technical performance. • Hold portfolio execution accountable to Business Unit strategic priorities, financial objectives, and performance commitments. • Drive and oversee continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen execution discipline, scalability, and organizational effectiveness. Growth Strategy & Market Alignment • Partner with cross functional teams and leadership to define and align portfolio capabilities, investment priorities, and pursuit strategies for strategic opportunities. • Inform bid/no-bid decisions through financial, technical, and capacity analysis. • Lead and shape proposal strategy development, including pricing strategy, margin targets, risk positioning, execution maturity assessments, and proposal reviews. • Support customer engagements in partnership with cross functional team, representing portfolio performance, operational readiness, and strategic roadmap. Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) • Bachelor’s degree is required in finance, engineering or in a related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. • Advanced degree, MBA or MS is highly preferred. • 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. • 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. • Prior experience supporting M&A activity strongly preferred. Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Strong analytical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills, with the ability to speak and write persuasively • Demonstrated experience working with cross-functional teams; ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships • Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances • Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees • Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness, and the creation of a shared vision • Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change • Takes ownership and responsibility for assigned tasks • 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 Physical Demands Ability to work in an office environment (Constant) Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $148,000 - $217,875 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. 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. 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. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: . We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. ITAR