Associate Division Manager

The Prototyping Manufacturing and Integration Division (PMID) of Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc., has an exciting opportunity for an Associate Division Manager (ADM) full-time and located on-site in Madison/Huntsville, AL. The Associate Division Manager (ADM) is responsible to lead cross-functional execution of production ramp up activities including operational manufacturing readiness, supply chain coordination and schedule execution to meet customer demand. This position is part of the management team and is responsible for overseeing all operations, production strategic initiatives that support the long-term growth, scalability, and operational readiness of the division.  The ADM reports to the Division Manager (DM),  but oversees, maintains and collaborates with the division Group Leaders (GL) and Program/Project Managers and administrative functions. 

As the ADM, you will strength operations, engineering and execution to transition the division from prototype to scalable production.  The ADM will develop a highly-performing, cohesive group of employee-owners working in an environment where technical excellence, outstanding customer support, growth through business development, innovation, collaboration, and responsiveness are characteristic activities.

• Serves as operational deputy responsible for daily execution, financial oversight , and organizational performance across ARA PMI division
• Assist in activities such as the development of division vision and policy, and long-range planning, operational efficiency, and mentoring of administrative and operations staff within the scope identified above
  • Support day-to-day operational execution by maintaining visibility into priorities, schedules, risks, staffing needs, and interdependencies to improve coordination and accountability across functional teams
  • Responsible for administrative and operational functions of division, such as IT, HR, security, safety, accounting, and purchasing
• Maintain a broad managerial awareness of the division’s operations, performance and key activities/initiatives
• Proposals
  • Review proposals and cost estimates in line with ARA and the division’s policies and procedures as needed and support operational readiness, staffing considerations, and execution planning for new and expanding efforts
  • Participate in Division and Company-level business and strategic planning sessions
  • Present division-wide capabilities for various purposes as needed and/or directed, and collaborate with other units in ARA on multi-disciplinary opportunities
• Talent Management
  • Recruit based on the current and/or future operational needs of the division
  • Coach and develop operational and administrative staff and other direct reports
  • Manage performance of direct reports in accordance with ARA’s performance management policy
  • Effectively resolve employee disputes and concerns as needed
• Financial Acumen
  • Responsible for understanding the division’s profit goals and financially execute the goals
  • Review and monitor division’s budget including overhead and direct contract components; collaborate with Division Manager as needed
  • Support operational and financial decision-making through reporting, data analysis, forecasting, and scenario planning to improve execution, prioritization, and resource planning
• Know and understand ARA’s Environmental, Health & Safety policies
• Support organizational development initiatives that strengthen manufacturing capabilities and future growth readiness
• Bachelor’s Degree and 12+ years relevant work experience; OR  Master’s Degree and 8+ years relevant work experience. In lieu of a degree, a H.S. diploma and 16+ years’ experience as Operations Manager in a DoW manufacturing field

Associate Division Manager Must Haves:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership
• Experience managing complex customer or government contract environments
• Experience supporting operational planning, reporting, and data-driven decision-making
• Independently determine and develop innovative solutions
• Experience leading complex cross-functional operational teams
• Strong analytical, organizational, and executive communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and drive operational execution in a fast-paced environment
• Track record of process improvement and operational rigor
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and resolve issues effectively
• Ability to develop collaborative working relationships across engineering, operations, finance, and program teams
• Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a SECRET clearance from the US Department of War

Nice to Haves:

• 5+ yrs. experience as Assistant/Associate Division Manager as outlined above within ARA
• Lean Manufacturing, operational excellence, or continuous improvement experience
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing
• Active / current SECRET Clearance from the US Department of War

Submit the following materials along with resume and application:

• Statement of qualifications: State why you believe you are qualified for this position (max 2 pages)
• Goals and work plans: State what actions you would take in your first 3 months in the position and describe your vision for growth in the next 1-3 years (max 2 pages)

Who is ARA?
Applied Research Associates (ARA) is a 100% employee-owned technology solutions company with more than 2,300 employee-owners across the United States and beyond. Our dedicated team brings deep technical expertise and a passion for solving complex challenges – creating innovative solutions that protect our safety, security, and way of life. At ARA, every project is an opportunity to exceed expectations. We deliver solutions that not only meet mission objectives but unlock new possibilities for the future. 

*Learn more about who we are and what we do by going to: www.ara.com 

ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our ARA Benefits & Employee Owned here. 

Interested in applying? Go to ARA Careers for the Associate Division Manager position. #LI-AB1