The Business Unit Manager, Americas is responsible for driving the overall performance of the Americas Business Unit, including profit and loss accountability, achievement of annual business objectives, and long-term growth. This role leads a cross-functional business unit team, including Contracts, Operations, Engineering, and Quality, to ensure alignment with strategic goals and delivery of exceptional customer value.
Key responsibilities include generating new business opportunities, developing and maintaining strong customer relationships, preparing proposals, securing bookings (orders), and overseeing day-to-day operations to ensure customer satisfaction and cost efficiency. The BUM, Americas is also responsible for establishing the annual business plan and negotiating major contracts.
This position has full leadership, coordination, and evaluation responsibilities of the Americas Business Unit. Duties are performed in accordance with company policies and all applicable laws and regulations. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees, as well as planning, assigning, and directing work across the unit.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities:
Essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to:
Lead and guide the business team in pursuing profitable Americas business opportunities, ensuring clear focus and alignment across functions.
Drive value creation through value-based pricing strategies and the identification of high-margin growth opportunities.
Develop and implement annual and long-term strategic business plans aligned with corporate goals.
Create and execute targeted sales and marketing plans to achieve business unit growth objectives.
Oversee and support staff to ensure effective execution of business development initiatives and strong customer retention.
Collaborate across departments, including Sales, Engineering, Operations, and Contracts, to align on business targets and customer engagement strategies.
Manage and review the cost estimation process to ensure accuracy and competitiveness in pricing proposals.
Coordinate and prioritize engineering activities to support business objectives and customer requirements.
Serve as a key liaison between customers and PDI Engineering for new business initiatives.
Prepare and present business unit performance reports, KPIs, and strategic updates to senior company leadership.
Hold regular meetings with Americas Business Development Managers to review project pipelines, customer updates, and market opportunities.
Represent the business at product demonstrations, industry trade shows, and other relevant events.
Performs other related duties as required or assigned.
Follows company rules and procedures.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree required; technical discipline preferred.
Minimum of 7 years of combined experience in Sales, Operations, Finance, and/or Engineering; industrial sector experience is strongly preferred.
Prior experience leading or managing cross-functional teams is highly desirable.
Qualifications:
Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams.
Excellent interpersonal and coaching abilities, fostering collaboration and professional development.
Proven critical thinking and analytical skills with a strategic, solution-oriented mindset.
Skilled in organizing, planning, and delivering effective customer visits and presentations.
Solid understanding of domestic military markets and related customer requirements.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the U.S. (up to 50%), including extended trips as needed.
Self-motivated and capable of independently expanding existing customer relationships and identifying new business opportunities.
Proficient in Microsoft Windows environment, including strong working knowledge of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Sound understanding of management and supervisory principles.
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects to maximize value creation.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
Confident and persuasive presenter in both individual and group settings; actively listens and responds effectively to questions and feedback.
Strong command of business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Comfortable communicating and interacting professionally with all levels of staff, management, and external stakeholders.
Demonstrates diplomacy and professionalism in high-pressure situations; accountable and reliable in meeting deadlines and commitments.
Training Requirements:
NA
Travel Requirements:
Periodic travel between sites may be required to support project functions and meetings.
ITAR Requirements:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Physical Demands: (*)
The position requires that the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, and kneel. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Vision requirements include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment: (*)
This position will require a working environment mix comprised of office, shop floor, field and customer locations (both domestic and international). While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to static electricity; explosives in test conditions; fumes; airborne particles; outside weather conditions prevalent at the time and an air-conditioned and heated office. The noise level is normally moderate may be occasionally high.
*Note: Both the Physical Demand and Work Environment sections are required by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).
Airborne Systems is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor
Salary: $140K-$170K Annual
