Business Operations Group Leader

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Defense Technology Solutions (DTS) Division, is seeking an experienced Business Operations Group Leader to join our team in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Business Operations Group Leader is a senior management role responsible for strategic oversight of business administration, financial stewardship, operational infrastructure, and support functions across a geographically distributed division. This role partners closely with the Division Manager to manage approximately $65M in annual revenue, four operational sites, and a diverse portfolio of roughly 40 active programs. The Group Leader ensures operational excellence, compliance, and scalable processes that enable continued growth and mission success.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial & Business Management
• Lead financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, cost management, and long‑range Division financial strategy.
• Oversee Division financial performance across a portfolio of projects ranging from 50K dollars to 30M dollars annually.
• Provide executive‑level analysis, dashboards, and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Operational Leadership
• Lead business operations supporting a $65M geographically dispersed Division.
• Oversee business administration functions, ensuring alignment with corporate policies, customer expectations, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive process improvements that enhance efficiency, cost control, and operational effectiveness.
• Security & IT Oversight
• Lead Division security operations, including personnel security, clearances, facility accreditations, and compliance with government security requirements.
• Oversee Division information technology services, ensuring cybersecurity, system reliability, and alignment with business needs.
• People Leadership
• Supervise and mentor staff across business administration, IT, and security functions.
• Build a high‑performing, collaborative operations team supporting mission and program execution.
• Strategic & Program Support
• Partner with technical and program managers to ensure program execution aligns with financial, contractual, and operational objectives.
• Support business growth initiatives, proposal development, and strategic planning activities.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Additional Responsibilities
• Develop and maintain scalable operational frameworks and SOPs across the Division.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and customer focus.
• Represent the Division in corporate operational, security, and IT governance forums.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to manage operation priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated leadership across multiple operational domains, including program management, business administration, security, and information technology.
• Proven success leading dispersed teams and operations across multiple geographic locations.
• Strong understanding of federal contracting, including cost-reimbursable, T&M, and fixed-price contract structures.
• Proficiency with financial management tools, data analysis, or enterprise systems.
• Experience overseeing project portfolios of diverse scope and scale, including multi-million-dollar programs.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with technical, program, and executive leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in business, management, finance, or a related field.
• Prior experience in a research, engineering, defense, or government contracting organization.
• Experience leading security programs aligned with DoD or IC requirements.
• Experience implementing or overseeing cybersecurity frameworks (NIST 800‑171, CMMC, etc.).
• PMP, CISM, CISSP, or similar certifications related to operations, program management, security, or IT.