Director of Business Operations - Hybrid - 20% Travel

Position Summary The Director of Business Operations serves as a senior leader responsible for orchestrating the strategic, financial, and operational functions that underpin a rapidly growing small business defense contractor's core business lines in IT services, research and development, and rapid prototyping. This individual is accountable for ensuring that internal processes, resources, and cross‑functional teams are aligned to deliver mission‑critical programs on time and within budget, while maintaining full compliance with federal acquisition regulations and Department of War requirements. The Director partners closely with executive leadership, program managers, and functional leads to drive operational excellence, manage business development efforts, and position the organization for sustainable growth in the government contracting marketplace. Key Responsibilities Strategic Planning & Execution Lead annual and multi‑year business planning processes, translating corporate strategy into operational roadmaps across IT, R&D, and prototyping portfolios. Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational health, program delivery, and workforce productivity. Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring business continuity across all programs and contracts. Financial Management Own the corporate operating budget (P&L), overseeing forecasting, variance analysis, and corrective action planning. Collaborate with Finance and Contracts teams to ensure accurate, compliant invoicing, effective indirect rate management, and cost accounting aligned with FAR/DFARS requirements. Lead the development of business cases and ROI analyses to support capital investments, staffing decisions, and program bids. Support pricing strategy and analysis for contract proposals, recompetes, and task order responses. Program & Portfolio Oversight Provide operational oversight across a portfolio of government IT services, IRAD/CRAD programs, and hardware/software prototyping efforts. Establish and enforce standardized program management methodologies (e.g., Earned Value Management, Agile/SAFe, gate reviews). Monitor program health indicators; intervene early to address schedule, cost, or technical performance issues. Act as an escalation point for program managers on contractual, resource, and stakeholder issues. Business Development Support Collaborate with Capture and BD teams to shape technical and management approaches for major pursuits, including Master IDIQ/GWAC vehicles and subsequent Task Order responses. Contribute to the development of winning price‑to‑win strategies, staffing plans, and past performance narratives tailored to both long‑term bids and rapid‑turnaround solicitations. Build and maintain relationships with government contracting officers, program offices, and industry partners to gain early intelligence on upcoming task order RFPs. Support pipeline management and gate review processes to prioritize and qualify opportunities within existing IDIQ portfolios. Work closely with executive management to evaluate new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and contract vehicle acquisitions to expand market reach. Workforce, Operations & Organizational Leadership Proven experience directing company operations within a small‑to‑mid‑sized organization, including hands‑on management of internal staff and oversight of day‑to‑day operational activities. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and mission focus consistent with defense industry values. Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations managers, analysts, and administrative staff. Partner with HR to drive talent acquisition, retention, and succession planning for critical roles. Compliance & Process Improvement Ensure adherence to all applicable government regulations including FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and CMMC cybersecurity standards. Lead or support DCAA audits, government reviews, and internal compliance assessments. Drive continuous process improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, and governance frameworks. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. 10+ years of progressive operations, program management, or business management experience in the defense contracting industry. 5+ years in a senior leadership role managing cross‑functional teams. Demonstrated expertise in FAR/DFARS compliance, government contract types (CPFF, FFP, T&M), and cost accounting standards (CAS). Active DoD Top Secret security clearance. Proven track record managing multi‑million‑dollar budgets and complex program portfolios. Strong financial acumen with experience in P&L ownership and budget forecasting. Excellent communication and executive‑level presentation skills. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or related technical field. Active Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance. PMP (Project Management Professional) and/or DAU certifications. Experience with CMMC Level 2 or Level 3 compliance implementation. Familiarity with rapid prototyping frameworks and DoD acquisition pathways (OTA, Middle Tier of Acquisition). Experience with corporate certification frameworks such as CMMI and ISO 9000 is preferred; direct involvement in certification or audit processes is a plus. Background in one or more of the company's core technical domains: enterprise IT, software development, systems engineering, or hardware prototyping. Experience with CostPoint or similar government contractor ERP systems. Core Competencies Strategic Vision: Ability to translate corporate objectives into actionable operational plans. Decision‑Making Under Pressure: Sound judgment in ambiguous, resource‑constrained environments. Relationship Management: Skilled at building trust with government customers, partners, and internal stakeholders. Analytical Thinking: Data‑driven approach to performance management and problem‑solving. Change Leadership: Experience driving organizational transformation and process change adoption. Compensation & Benefits This is a full‑time, exempt position. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The total rewards package includes: Competitive base salary commensurate with experience Annual performance bonus tied to corporate results Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match Paid Time Off (PTO) and federal holidays Tuition reimbursement and professional development support ESC offers a competitive compensation package that includes premium health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability coverage, and more. We also prioritize work‑life balance, supporting our team in maintaining a healthy blend of professional and personal well‑being. PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION Eiden Systems Consulting (ESC) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. ESC does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. In accordance with 41 CFR 60‑1.35(c), ESC will not discharge or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing, disclosing, or inquiring about their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to compensation information as part of their essential job functions may not disclose the pay of others to individuals who do not have authorized access—unless such disclosure is made (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or legal action (including those conducted by ESC), or (c) as otherwise required by law. NO THIRD PARTIES #J-18808-Ljbffr