Business Unit Manager, Armtec Defense Technologies Armtec Defense Technologies (Armtec) is an operating unit of the Transdigm Group (NYSE: TDG), an industry leader in aerospace and defense products and services. Armtec is comprised of three business units producing subcomponents for ordnance in Coachella, CA; decoy countermeasure Flares in Camden AR; and radar countermeasure chaff in Lillington NC. At Armtec, we welcome skilled and enthusiastic people who share our determination and high standards to join us in our mission-critical work supporting the US and allied war-fighters who serve us all by defending democracy and protecting freedom. This position is staffed in Camden, AR., at Armtec’s world-class facility for decoy countermeasure Flares. Company Profile Company: Armtec Defense Technologies is an operating unit of the TransDigm Group (NYSE: TDG). Industry: Manufacturing Combustible Ordnance and Countermeasures Job Overview Title: Business Unit Manager - Flares Job Family: Manufacturing Management Reports to: Vice President - Sales Works with: Mid-level operations managers, engineers, supervisors, planners and employees; as well as significant direct interface with customers from the U.S. Dept. of Defense and major prime contractors. Location: Camden, Arkansas USA Type: Full-Time Job Summary The Business Unit Manager leads a team of Program Managers responsible for multiple production programs for defense and related applications with USG, international military and prime contractor customers. The Business Unit Manager supervises and organizes operational activities and ensures that the program goals align with the company’s objectives, then plans internal and external operations across the Armtec enterprise to achieve expected financial and operational results. Annual sales of pyrotechnic infra-red countermeasure flares at Armtec exceeds $50 million, so this BUM must be a seasoned, intelligent and strategic leader with a demonstrated track record of delivering flawless-quality highly-engineered products to customers, on time and within budget.
The Business Unit Manager through the Program Managers is responsible for leading integrated product teams (IPT) of Program Management, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality and support staff (Safety, Purchasing, Storage & Transportation, etc.) for managing multiple production programs for defense and related applications with both USG and prime contractor customers. The Business Unit Manager works with the site leader to coordinate operational activities and ensures that the program goals align with the company’s objectives, then plans internal and external operations across the Armtec enterprise to achieve expected financial and operational results. Annual sales of Flares at Armtec exceeds $65 million, so this BUM must be a seasoned, intelligent and strategic leader with a demonstrated track record of delivering flawless quality military products to US and allied customers, on time and within budget, every time.
The Business Unit Manager is accountable for a wide range of important objectives:
- Provide supervision and mentoring to the site Program Managers.
- Work with the other facility leaders to establish the annual business plan and fiscal year budget.
- Work closely with the Business Unit Finance Director to update monthly financial Outlooks.
- Work closely with the Business Development Director to update monthly bookings.
- Present quarterly financial performance to corporate leaders during Business Unit Manager Meetings.
- Monitor and coordinate the activities of Armtec functional groups to deliver a qualified product in a timely manner and within a carefully controlled budget/schedule.
- Work with Armtec Marketing, Business Development, Engineering, Research & Development, and customer staff to identify and define specific opportunities for profitable new business suited to Armtec operational footprint and capabilities.
- Coordinate with the other facility leaders to prepare and manage the annual capital expense request (CER) budget for necessary facility repairs and new equipment.
- Coordinate with the other facility leaders to identify annual productivity projects across all facility functional areas and then manage monthly progress.
- Drive value-based pricing for all Sales contracts. Oversee Proposal activities for production programs to prepare, analyze, and summarize value pricing recommendations to the VP of Sales & Marketing and the Armtec President.
- Review and approve all contractual terms and conditions prior to sales contract awards.
- Ensure all activities planned for the efficient execution of the program are performed to deliver a high-quality product, on time, and to established cost.
- Develop detailed metrics associated with the activities needed for achieving commitments using tools such as Gantt charts, Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (FMEA), Cost and Schedule Performance Index (CPI/CPI), and Earned Value Management (EVM).
- Identify program risks and develop a risk-mitigation strategy for the programs.
- Liaison with customers and partners to create an efficient program plan and statement-of-work meeting Armtec financial requirements.
- Ability to understand complex technical data packages and interpret the requirements as they apply to the manufacturing process, technical data packages include: product drawings, military and commercial item specifications, and customer statements of work.
- Utilize internal and external resources effectively for program execution.
- Provide direction to the Production Team on priorities and schedule. Evaluate manpower needed to effectively perform production while meeting quality and on-time delivery requirements.
- Provide routine, accurate reports to senior management and program team members, as required, on program status, cost, schedule, risks, etc. – written and/or verbal reports as necessary.
- Apply current and appropriate tools of Project Management to ensure on-time development and delivery, real-time technical and financial status, and launch remedial actions, as needed
- Maintain excellent customer relations, accurately assess competitive forces, and formulate timely and effective strategic approaches.
Primary Responsibilities
- Completion of large production programs safely, on time, under budget, and compliant to all customer requirements, technical specifications and regulatory requirements.
- Achievement of value pricing on all sales contracts that portrays the perceived value to the customer with reasonable financial return to the company.
- The pursuit of profitable new growth by Armtec’s Business Development Team, supporting cost reduction through cost-of-poor quality (COPQ) by Armtec’s quality team; and supporting materials cost improvement by Armtec’s supply chain team.
- Effectively interface with internal and external customers at the senior management and military O-3 through O-6 level.
- Maintain the highest ethical standards, even when challenged with complex situations and multiple competing priorities.
- Coordinate with Business Development to identify and secure new growth opportunities.
- Ensure books support Sales Outlook.
- Travel domestic and international to support new and existing business opportunities.
- Compliance with all laws, applicable laws, and ethics standards.
- Establish and maintain a safety-first culture.
- Manage Program Mangers to ensure they are meeting and exceeding expectations related to Safety/Sales/EBITDA/Books/Customer Interactions.
- Mentor and develop Program Managers.
- Support community involvement projects.
- Support Finance in Quarterly BUM Presentation Development.
- Support Site Leader in daily operations, CAPEX and Productivity Plans, and Monthly Operations Reviews.
- Manage all external site communications.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with customers.
- Review contracts and all CDRLs with all key stake holders prior to signing.
- Work with Program Managers, Business Development to develop customer visit schedule (in person/virtual).
- Forecast EBITDA by month through end of year.
- Meeting or exceeding Plan monthly and in totality.
- Annually develop following and 5-year Sales/EBITDA Plans.
- Drive values-based pricing.
- Ensure accounts receivable are current for the site.
- Monthly financial reporting of performance and forecast.
- Prepare and submit PEA/CBU for new and base business opportunities (NCO/ARO only).
- Present monthly and quarterly summaries of the business to SLT and Corporate.
- Review and summarize proposals for SLT review and approval.
- Support Finance in developing timely and frequent forward bid rates packages.
- Support VP of Sales & Operations site inputs into Presidents Letter.
- Develop and maintain Sales Outlook that meets or exceeds Plan.
- Understand and live by Armtec’s ethics and business conduct policies.
Qualifications
- Extensive working knowledge and experience in managing defense related programs.
- Must be dependable, responsible, and accurate and have the ability to deal with people effectively.
- Strong oral and written presentation skills, and computer skills.
- Good financial aptitude.
Armtec Behavioral Competencies
- Armtec seeks senior leaders who demonstrate a positive outlook; sense of urgency, professionalism; cool under pressure; approachability, charismatic leadership, interpersonal savvy, motivational skills, conflict management, assessing people, organizing, planning, priority setting, building effective teams, managerial courage, fairness to direct reports and relentless drive for results.
- Safety is fundamental to everything we achieve at Armtec. High commitment to process hazard analysis and management; and principles of energetics safety is crucial.
Education/Previous Experience Requirements
- 4-year degree from an accredited college or university is required. Candidates with a degree in Science, Engineering, Supply Chain Management or Business will be most competitive.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Engineering is preferred.
- Certificate completion in a relevant discipline such as PMP from PMI; Defense Acquisition University (DAU); CQE from ASQC, or similar will differentiate applications. If not already completed, successful candidate will be expected to pursue such formal certification within 24 months of starting.
- 10 years Defense or Aerospace industry is preferred, with 5 years of defense energetics experience in ammunition and/or pyrotechnic products strongly preferred.
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
- This position requires access to export control information. To conform to U.S. export control regulations, applicant should be eligible for any required authorization from the U.S. Government.
- Due to special regulatory requirements for defense ammunition manufacturing, successful applicants will be required to pass a pre-employment background check and undergo initial and periodic substance abuse testing (urinalysis).
- Ability to obtain a U.S. Government classified security clearance at the SECRET level is not mandatory but is preferred.
Work Hours & Travel
- 4X10 work week with occasional overtime on Fridays or weekends as necessary, to meet program objectives.
- Up to 20% travel is required, normally a few multi-day trips per quarter.
To Apply Please apply on-line on the Armtec Career Website, www.armtecdefense.com Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/Disability/Protected Vet