Business Manager

KBR Careers; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Business Manager to join its Project Planning & Controls (PP&C) organization. This role leads business operations, financial planning, cost control, forecasting, reporting, and contract administration for complex government programs.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of experience in business management, strong analytical skills, and expertise with FAR/DFARS requirements. On-site collaboration with program leadership and customers is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in business-related field.
• 7+ years in business management, project controls, or finance.
• Experience with government contracts and programs required.

Responsibilities

• Lead all business operations for contract and program execution, ensuring financial performance and compliance.
• Interface with Contracting Officers, CORs, and customer stakeholders.
• Administer contracts and advise on interpretation, compliance, and processes.
• Oversee cost control: actual cost analysis, variance reporting, and trend identification.
• Lead forecasting: labor, materials, subcontract, revenue, profit, and indirect rates.
• Review/approve analyses, forecasting rates, cost allocations, and transactions.
• Prepare financial deliverables and program status reviews for stakeholders.
• Support task order development, pricing initiatives, and long-range planning.
• Manage procurement activities: requisitions, vendor coordination, and accrual reviews.
• Ensure timekeeping, charging practices, and internal controls are followed.
• Assist audits and resolve financial or compliance issues.
• Provide guidance to program leadership on risks and opportunities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Financial acumen

FAR/DFARS knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics

Job description

We are KBR

Title

Business Manager

At KBR, we partner with clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive science, technology and engineering solutions to governments as well as the top tier commercial clients in green hydrogen and green ammonia. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our approximately 37,000 employees are ready to handle projects and missions throughout their entire lifecycle, from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance.

Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

As the needs of the world change, we’re ready to respond and guide the way forward with strategic, sustainable, and technological advancements grounded in more than a century of practical application and execution.

About The Role

KBR is seeking a Business Manager to join its Project Planning & Controls (PP&C) organization, reporting to the Director, PP&C. The Business Manager is responsible for leading business operations, financial planning, cost control, forecasting, reporting, and contract administration activities in support of complex government and customer programs. This role oversees the development and analysis of project cost performance, forecasting, financial reporting, contract compliance, and business processes to ensure program objectives are achieved while supporting successful program execution.

Working under broad direction, the Business Manager applies advanced project controls, financial management, and business operations expertise to solve complex challenges, drive operational efficiency, and support strategic decision-making. The role provides leadership across business functions, establishes priorities, develops best practices, and ensures compliance with applicable policies, procedures, contractual requirements, and business objectives. The Business Manager serves as a key partner to program leadership, customers, and internal stakeholders, providing financial insight, operational oversight, and guidance to support program and organizational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all business operations activities supporting contract and program execution, ensuring financial performance, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Serve as the primary business interface with Contracting Officers, Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs), Resource Analysts, and other customer stakeholders.
• Administer contracts and provide guidance on contract interpretation, compliance requirements, and business processes.
• Oversee project cost control activities, including actual cost analysis, variance reporting, trend identification, and performance assessments.
• Lead forecasting efforts, including labor, material, subcontract, revenue, profit, and indirect rate projections.
• Review and approve financial analyses, forecasting rates, cost allocations, account assignments, and related business transactions.
• Prepare, review, and communicate customer financial deliverables, program status reviews (PSRs), and other business performance reports.
• Support annual task order development, pricing initiatives, and long-range financial planning activities.
• Manage procurement-related business activities, including material requisition approvals, vendor coordination, invoicing issues, and accrual reviews.
• Ensure compliance with timekeeping, charging practices, supplemental pay requirements, and internal control processes.
• Support internal and external audits and drive resolution of identified business, financial, or compliance issues.
• Provide business guidance to program leadership and ensure Program Managers and Deputy Program Managers are informed of significant financial risks, opportunities, and performance trends.

Basic Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in business management, project controls, finance, cost control, contract administration, or a related function.
• Experience supporting government contracts and programs.
• Experience with financial planning, forecasting, cost analysis, and performance reporting.

Technical & Leadership Skills

• Working knowledge of FAR and DFARS requirements.
• Knowledge of Department of Defense financial reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively partner with customers, program leadership, and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior managerial or people leadership experience.
• Experience supporting large-scale government services or defense programs.
• Experience with task order development, proposal pricing, and contract financial management.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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