Business Team Manager / Program Manager

Position Summary

The Business Team Manager is responsible for leading a multidisciplinary, customer-focused business team that includes Program Management, Contract Administration, and Customer Service functions. This role drives program execution and business objectives through coordinated efforts across the division while serving as the primary liaison between customers and internal teams.

This management-level position supports a manufacturing site within Parker Aerospace's largest division and oversees complex government and commercial programs, contracts, and customer relationships. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in aerospace and defense program management, contract administration, customer engagement, and cross-functional leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Business Leadership

• Lead cross-functional business teams consisting of Program Management, Contract Administration, and Customer Service professionals.
• Establish and implement tactical and operational plans to achieve division objectives.
• Drive execution of strategic initiatives across multiple programs, product lines, market segments, and customer accounts.
• Align organizational resources to meet customer requirements, business objectives, and contract commitments.

Program Management

• Lead project teams responsible for managing complex government and commercial contracts.
• Define program objectives, deliverables, timelines, and success metrics.
• Oversee multiple projects of varying complexity and scope.
• Monitor program performance and ensure contract, schedule, and financial commitments are achieved.
• Identify risks and implement corrective actions to improve program performance.

Customer Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary liaison between customers and the organization regarding program execution and performance.
• Maintain strong customer relationships and drive customer satisfaction initiatives.
• Lead customer communications regarding program status, proposals, schedules, and contract performance.
• Support business development efforts and strategic customer engagements.

Contract & Proposal Management

• Direct development of major proposals and contract responses.
• Participate in customer negotiations impacting sales, profitability, and strategic growth.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and regulatory requirements.
• Review contract terms and identify potential risks or business impacts.
• Support contract administration activities and customer-specific requirements.

Financial & Business Management

• Oversee program financial performance, budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
• Apply earned value management, estimation techniques, and critical path analysis.
• Monitor program profitability and support business planning activities.
• Ensure alignment between financial goals and operational execution.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate program and contractual risks.
• Develop risk management strategies and action plans.
• Lead teams in resolving critical program and contract issues.
• Ensure proactive management of high-risk contract terms and obligations.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal regulations and customer contract requirements.
• Maintain working knowledge of:
  • FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations)
  • DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement)
  • Customer and agency-specific requirements
• Support audits and regulatory reviews as required.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide direction and leadership across multiple projects and functional disciplines.
• Mentor, coach, and develop team members.
• Foster teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build organizational capabilities through training and professional development initiatives.
• Promote innovation, collaboration, and positive organizational change.

Process Improvement

• Lead process improvement initiatives across programs and business operations.
• Develop and implement best practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead training and rollout efforts supporting process enhancements.
• Drive continuous improvement across customer, program, and operational functions.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in:
  • Engineering
  • Business Administration
  • Program Management
  • Related technical or business discipline

Preferred Education

• Master's Degree preferred.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) or similar professional certification preferred.

Experience

• 8 years of progressive experience in program management, business management, manufacturing operations, or related disciplines.
• 4 years of leadership experience managing teams, programs, or projects.
• Experience leading multiple complex programs simultaneously.
• Aerospace and Defense industry experience required.
• Experience supporting government contracts and regulated environments.

Required Knowledge & Skills

Program Management

• Program lifecycle management
• Risk management
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Critical path analysis
• Cost and schedule management
• Resource planning
• Proposal management

Contract Management

• FAR and DFARS compliance
• Government contracting
• Contract negotiation
• Contract risk assessment
• Contract administration
• Customer-specific contract requirements

Financial Management

• Budget development
• Forecasting
• Cost control
• Financial analysis
• Program profitability management
• Accounting and business planning principles

Leadership Skills

• Team leadership and development
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strategic planning
• Executive communication
• Change management
• Customer relationship management

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite
• SAP
• Project management software
• Database analysis tools
• Business systems and reporting tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace manufacturing environment experience.
• Defense industry experience.
• PMP Certification.
• Experience managing customer-facing programs with significant revenue responsibility.
• Experience leading large cross-functional teams.
• Background supporting complex engineering and manufacturing programs.