Director of Business Unit Operations & Growth

Apera; California; On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Apera in Fullerton, CA is seeking a Director of Business Unit Operations & Growth to oversee performance, profitability, and long-term growth of a key aerospace product portfolio.

This high-visibility leadership role combines commercial strategy, customer engagement, and operational execution. You will drive growth, own pricing and contracts, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver sustainable, profitable results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; engineering background is a plus.
• Experience leading a business unit with financial accountability.
• Strong commercial background including pricing, contracts, and growth.
• Willingness to travel up to 40%.
• Ability to influence and align cross-functional teams to achieve objectives.

Responsibilities

• Own business unit performance: bookings, revenue, profitability, growth.
• Develop and execute strategies for YoY growth and market expansion.
• Lead a cross-functional team across Sales, Engineering, and Operations.
• Serve as a key customer-facing leader building relationships and driving growth.
• Lead pricing strategy, negotiations, and contract reviews.
• Identify and pursue new aerospace opportunities and related markets.
• Present performance and strategic initiatives to executive leadership.
• Foster accountability, urgency, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Business leadership

Commercial strategy

Cross-functional leadership

Customer engagement

Pricing strategy

Contract negotiations

Strategic account management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Engineering background a plus

Job description

Director of Business Unit Operations & Growth

Location: Fullerton, CA

Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000 Base + Bonus

Lead a Business. Drive Growth. Own the Results.

A leading aerospace manufacturer is seeking a Director of Business Unit Operations & Growth to oversee the performance, profitability, and long-term growth of a key product portfolio serving major aerospace OEMs and industry leaders.

This is a highly visible leadership role for someone who thrives at the intersection of commercial strategy, customer engagement, and operational execution. You'll own business performance, lead cross-functional teams, influence pricing and contract strategy, and work directly with customers to drive sustainable, profitable growth.

If you're looking for an opportunity to run a business within a business, this role offers a clear pathway to broader executive leadership.

What You'll Do

• Own business unit performance, including bookings, revenue, profitability, and growth objectives
• Develop and execute strategies that drive year-over-year growth and market expansion
• Lead a cross-functional team across Sales, Engineering, and Operations
• Serve as a key customer-facing leader, building relationships and driving strategic account growth
• Lead pricing strategy, commercial negotiations, and contract reviews
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within aerospace and related markets
• Present business performance, growth plans, and strategic initiatives to executive leadership
• Foster a culture of accountability, urgency, and continuous improvement

What We're Looking For

• Experience leading a product line, business unit, program portfolio, or similar operation with financial accountability
• Strong commercial background including customer management, pricing, contract negotiations, and business development
• Ability to influence and align cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives
• History of driving measurable revenue, bookings, margin, or profitability improvements
• Bachelor's degree required; technical or engineering background is a plus
• Aerospace, manufacturing, industrial, or related industry experience preferred
• Willingness to travel up to 40%

Why This Opportunity

• Significant visibility with executive leadership
• Direct ownership of growth, strategy, and business performance
• Strong advancement potential into senior leadership roles
• Competitive compensation and performance-based bonus structure
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing aerospace organization

Ideal Background: Aerospace manufacturing, industrial manufacturing, OEM/Tier 1 supplier environment, business unit management, product line leadership, general management, program management, strategic account management, or commercial operations leadership.