Director of Pricing

AeroVironment • Huntsville, AL

2d

About The Position

For over 50 years, AeroVironment has been a leader in advanced technologies and diverse innovations that have redefined how the world drives, flies, and connects. AeroVironment If you thrive on a culture of relentless problem-solving and invention, and want to work for a global front-runner where you tackle real-world challenges, then AeroVironment is the place for you. Come join our group of innovative thinkers and discover how collaborative efforts produce extraordinary products that touch lives around the world. You can be a part of the team that developed these firsts: a controlled human-powered aircraft, the modern consumer electric car, a tiny hummingbird-like drone and a helicopter that flew on Mars. We also set flight records in near-space with our solar-powered aircraft and we re-shaped the battlefield with portable, hand-held, tactical drones and loitering munitions. We have cemented our reputation around the world and in record books as unrivaled technological pioneers, including seven innovative vehicles in the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC. While engineering for the future is what we do, we are ever-mindful of our strong commitment to purpose — to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. The products and solutions we provide our customers help to save lives and contribute to a more sustainable environment. Join us to help push beyond the realm of the possible with such future-defining technologies as robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity to generate ever-more meaningful actionable intelligence for our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed. Summary Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, the Director of Pricing and Cost Estimating will provide financial leadership to the executive team and segment leaders, operating as a business partner and trusted advisor. This role will have direct responsibility for all Pricing and Cost Estimating processes, policies and established compliance matters within AeroVironment Inc and all subsidiaries. Primary success factors will be delivery of on-time and properly supported cost and price estimates. Routinely demonstrated compliance systems to internal, FAR & DFAR requirements. Established best practices performed across the businesses regarding proposal cost estimating, pricing, management review and negotiations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Proven experience in pricing, cost estimation, or financial analysis roles, with at least 10+ years of experience.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools and software.
• Leadership and team management experience (at least 8+ years)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and market dynamics.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.

Nice To Haves

• MBA / CMA or advanced degree preferred
• Demonstrates strong written and analytical skills with experience presenting financial information to executive level management.
• Demonstrates competency work cross functionally and influence others through strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explore multiple potential paths, and adapt decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
• Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
• Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision
• Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change
• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain internal and external trusting, professional relationships
• Assesses the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity

Responsibilities

• Pricing Strategy Development: Develop, refine, and execute pricing strategies that maximize profitability while considering market demand, competition, and company objectives. Analyze market trends and competitor pricing to recommend pricing adjustments or support price-to-win assessments.
• Cost Estimation: Lead the development and maintenance of cost estimation models and methodologies including ownership and administration of the Cost Estimating System for AeroVironment Inc.. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., production, procurement, engineering) to gather data and insights for cost estimation. Ensure accuracy and reliability of cost estimate using best practice methodologies.
• Financial Analysis: Conduct financial analyses to evaluate pricing scenarios, product profitability, and cost-effectiveness of various strategies. Provide actionable insights and recommendations to senior management based on financial analyses.
• Profit Margin Optimization: Identify opportunities to improve profit margins through pricing optimization, cost reduction, or process improvements. Monitor and track margin performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Team Leadership: Build and lead a team of pricing analysts and cost estimators. Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• System Management: Oversee the collection, organization, and maintenance of pricing and cost data within AV’s pricing tools (Catalog, ProPricer, Cost Estimating workbooks) Ensure data accuracy and security.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with various departments, including sales, marketing, and operations, to align pricing and cost strategies with overall business goals.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure pricing strategies and cost estimations comply with DOD FAR / DFAR industry regulations and legal requirements. Continuously assess the adequacy of the Cost Estimating System. Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with pricing decisions.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on industry best practices, market trends, and emerging technologies related to pricing and cost estimation. Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the pricing and cost estimating processes.
• Product / Service Commercialization: Lead commercialization efforts to document and establish commercial item pricing in support of AV’s business objectives.
• Negotiations / Fact-Finding Support: Participate in Contract Price negotiations. Respond timely with fact-finding requests supporting the price / cost estimates prepared.

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director