Vice President, Commercial & Sales Operations

Core Responsibilities:

• Works closely with Sales and Business Development and other members of the management team to mature and advance Barnes Aerospace's competitive position with respect to target opportunities in anticipation of the final request for proposal (RFP). Identifies and leads pursuit of qualified contract opportunities in Aerospace new and existing business pipeline.
• Lead proposal preparation, including reviewing solicitation requirements; understanding of contract type and source selection methodology to advise on pursuit strategies; ensure compliance with proposal submission requirements; prepare integrated pricing model, tailored to specific RFP requirements.
• Creates capture plans to complete all capture milestones, gate reviews, and other opportunity-specific tasks to ensure excellence throughout the commercial lifecycle.
• Directs and manages the Contracts Team in the development and execution of overall win strategy - building a high-performance team and cultivating a work environment in alignment with the company values that promotes employee empowerment, engagement and retention. Establishes and communicates strategies to ensure high value contractual terms and conditions, defines methodologies, tasks, and activities, and describes roles and responsibilities to ensure successful planning and execution by the cross-functional teams.
• Ensures compliance with BA's compliance program with particular focus on compliance with U.S. export / import controls, international trade regulations, and U.S. Government Contracts / Subcontracts & FAR/DFAR requirements.
• Builds and shapes the analysis and metrics for contract performance improvements including collecting and developing cost data, analyzing and identifying trends and determining terms and conditions for cost and business proposals which support company direction and objectives. Directs bids, specifications, tests, progress reports, and final bids strategies and goals.
• Establishes and communicates strategies to ensure high value contractual terms and conditions, defines methodologies, tasks, and activities, and describes roles and responsibilities to ensure successful planning and execution by the cross-functional teams.
• Manages the Sales process team to ensure on time delivery of proposals to customers while securing internal approvals in a coordinated. complete manner based on the preparation of consistent professional Gate Review packages.

Qualifications:

• Must have at least ten (10) years of relative experience in Commercial Aerospace, and Aerospace Government Contracting environment and Defense Industry. At least five (5) years of effectively managing a diverse team of customer and contracts professionals. Strong business acumen, analytical skills, and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Understands processes for project management, contracts, pricing, and proposal development, specifically in relation to positioning for bids and contributing to proposals.
• Excellent written communication skills - can organize complex materials and concepts in a manner that is clear and logical. Ability to meet deadlines that require quick turnaround. Excellent writing skills and experience in technical writing.
• Familiarity with Federal Contracting (DoD-specific experience is preferred). Works to expert knowledge of contracting concepts, Uniform Commercial Code, applicable public contract acquisition law and regulations, and applicable contract law. Develops and negotiates complex proposals, contracts and related partner agreements.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate successfully with and provide strategic counsel to business operations and extensive experience advising on cradle-to-grave contracting issues. Demonstrated ability in understanding and dealing with business and risk situations that lead to a positive outcome.
• Team player with a strong business acumen, a pragmatic and flexible negotiation style, and the ability to lead a critical function with minimal oversight in a dynamic, growth environment.
• Strong emotional intelligence and self-awareness. "Leads by example"; instills and inspires followership. Excellent verbal communication - clear, concise, persuasive. Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Effectively handle multiple demands, leverages resources appropriately.
• Reasonable business travel required.

• Bachelor's degree required in business or related discipline. A JD, MBA or advanced degree highly preferred.