Executive Job Description | Our client is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic candidate to fill the position of Vice President & General Manager for their National Defense Business Unit.
Background
Our client is a leader in design, development, and manufacture of innovative aerospace systems. They produce spacecraft, instruments, and sensors, RF and microwave technologies, data exploitation solutions, and a variety of advanced aerospace technologies and products that enable exciting missions. The company is well known for its contributions in support of space and Earth science, exploration, national security, and intelligence programs. They were also a pioneer in the development of the commercial remote sensing market, producing imaging systems and spacecraft that helped spawn a new market-driven demand for imagery.
Position Summary
The VP/GM will be accountable for obtaining the performance objectives of the National Defense Business Unit including revenue growth, profitability, cash generation, customer satisfaction, technology development, operational improvements, and talent development through his/her direct reports.
This leader will be an integral member of the management team guiding strategy development and organization execution. He/she will report to the CEO / President of the company and will have the ability to be his backup for the succession plan. He/she will have full P&L responsibility for National Defense.
Key Accountabilities
This position will be responsible for the overall business planning and strategic leadership for the National Defense Business Unit. This individual will be a strategic visionary leader with well-developed operating skills and leadership attributes to orchestrate the growth of the organization by leading a committed team and providing the proper, robust business processes, managerial tools, and financial controls to transition this business to profitable growth.
Specifically, the Vice President & General Manager will:
> Be responsible for all aspects of the National Defense strategic business unit (one of four), serving prime contractors and direct government customers
> Have full management responsibility for all business operations (P&L and program performance). Immediate task will be to assume control of the business; familiarize him/herself with the company, its activities, customers, current strategy, plans and policies
> Direct successful conduct of direct programs, IR&D projects, and winning business capture processes
> Direct the National Defense organization to ensure attainment of bookings, sales, profit, and customer satisfaction goals
> Participate in formulating current and long range plans, objectives, and policies
> Review current value proposition, strategies, and operating plans and agree on the immediate and longer-term courses of action to be pursued. Take the lead in developing strategies to produce growth
> Ensure tight control is maintained over business performance and that operating management responds quickly and effectively to any problems or adverse trends
> Take a lead role in identifying and developing new business opportunities and core areas for growth, to include global sales and manufacturing capability development
> Be responsible for supporting R&D
> Represent the corporation as the division authority
> Have accountability for establishing and meeting commitments for on-time, on-budget product line delivery for new & existing National Defense products, including quality and documentation
>Provide input to process improvement initiatives - leads and participates in corrective action teams
> Proactively resolve technical, people, and production issues to ensure success of the team and consistent production of products
> Develop and maintain relationships with customers, outside agencies, third party providers, etc.
> Provide leadership across the organization for problem resolution to facilitate faster improvements and improved working relationships
> Develop the talent in the organization that includes a strong succession plan
Selection Criteria
The qualified candidate must have a four-year degree in Engineering or Business (or equivalent). He/she must have detailed knowledge of the military/aerospace and IC community and possess 15 or more years of progressively responsible managerial experience with prime contractors and direct government customers. Electro-Optical, Satellite Systems, and Sensor Systems experience and participation in the IC, is a must. Experience with DARPA, NRO, and/or the U.S. Air Force/AFRL is an imperative.
U.S. citizenship is required for this position and the qualified candidate must have a current EBI/SBI/SSBI clearance.
Additionally, the candidate will possess the following characteristics:
> Significant experience with industry and government contracts
> Strong senior level relationships within the IC
> Decisive and deliberate decision maker
> Excellent customer relations, especially with Washington DC based Executive and Legislative branch communities
> Successful track record in developing and winning proposals and generating new business
> Organizationally astute and able to balance the company's culture with customer community requirements
> Track record of producing results, meeting financial targets, and leading product development
> Entrepreneurial and innovative spirit and sense of urgency
> Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to build and develop effective working relationships
> Strong collaboration and partnership skills with experience working across business groups, with the ability to listen, solve complex problems, and deal with ambiguity
> Able to articulate a vision
> Complete buy-in and commitment to the company's values, business strategy, and directions
> Proven ability to develop and implement new strategies in a competitive business environment and a track record in successfully managing a business through change
> Accepts accountability for the need to consistently achieve targeted goals
> Ability to develop talent, both as individuals and teams. Strong coaching ability. Commitment to hiring and retaining the best and acting on marginal performance
> Ability to provide strong leadership to the management team and build confidence
> Should be a clear, strategic thinker with a willingness to take a more hands-on, operational approach where appropriate
> Energetic, open, and direct manner. Must have the stature and confidence to make difficult decisions
Compensation and Benefits
This is an outstanding career opportunity for an individual interested in a genuine professional challenge. With this position comes a very competitive compensation and benefits program.
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