Job Description

Schedule

We offer a flexible 9/80 work schedule, where you’ll enjoy an extra day off every other week. This structure balances full-time hours with more personal time, supporting both productivity and work-life balance.

Job Purpose

As the Senior Director for Albany Engineered Composites Research and Technology (R&T), you will be accountable to the division VP for P&L responsibility and will play a pivotal role in driving the company's strategic vision and operational excellence. This position requires a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of aerospace and defense industries, robust financial acumen, and a track record of successfully managing practical applied research within a large-scale operation.

Research and Technology is a subset of Emerging Markets and Technology (EM&T) business. EM&T is responsible for growing AEC’s composites business using differentiating technology areas. R&T is responsible for developing these technological areas and applications and maturing them through Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 6. This development and maturation is required to competitively position these specific applications for transfer to one of AEC’s production facilities.

Job Responsibilities

In performing their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to adhere to Albany’s current values: Albany Wins Together, Count on Each Other, Own Your Actions, Care About Each Other, and Share Your Enthusiasm. Safety must always come first; we never compromise on safety for the sake of achieving another objective. Employees are also responsible for the health and safety of themselves and each other.

• Strategic Leadership:
• Develop and execute the company's business strategy to drive growth, profitability, and competitive positioning.
• Lead the formulation and implementation of long-term strategic goals and annual business plans.
• Collaborate with the Application Development, VP EM&T and other stakeholders to align business objectives with company vision and mission.
• Champion areas of differentiating technology to ensure strong IP positioning in identified growth areas.

• Operational Management:
• Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with strategic goals.
• Implement and monitor operational processes and systems to improve productivity, quality, and safety.
• Manage Capital spend, internally and externally funded applied research projects and other operational functions through a team of Program Managers, Technical Leads and Process Team Leads.

• Financial Oversight:
• Responsible to VP, EM&T for full P&L responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and financial targets.
• Analyze financial reports, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to achieve financial goals.

• Business Development:
• Partner with Application Development on new business opportunities, partnerships, and markets to expand the company’s footprint.
• Drive growth through innovative solutions, product development, and customer relationship management.
• Partner with Customers and Marketing and Contracts groups to negotiate and manage key contracts and agreements with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.

• Team Leadership and Development:
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing management team and workforce.
• Foster a positive and inclusive organizational culture that promotes employee engagement, development, and retention.
• Implement training and development programs to enhance team capabilities and performance.

• Compliance and Risk Management:
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies.
• Identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Oversee quality assurance and control measures to maintain high standards of safety and reliability.

• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, partners, regulatory bodies, and industry groups.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and meetings.
• Communicate business unit performance, strategy, and initiatives to key stakeholders.

Supervisory responsibility: Yes

Supervisors are responsible for overseeing their work group including but not limited to formal evaluations/performance management as set out by the organization, recruitment and developing team members.

Qualifications

Qualifications/Characteristics:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; an MBA or advanced degree is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in the composites aerospace and defense sector, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing P&L responsibilities.
• Proven track record of successfully leading technically focused operations, driving financial performance, and achieving business objectives.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage cross-functional teams.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with experience in stakeholder management.
• Knowledge of industry regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices in aerospace and defense.
• Knowledge of ISO AS9100, NADCAP, OSHA, EPA and related aerospace regulations
• Willingness and ability to achieve Collateral Secret Clearance to support projects as required.

Working Conditions:

Indoor production environment, duties performed indoors, adequate lighting and comfortable temperatures. Occasional exposure to moderate noise and machinery with mechanical moving parts. Ability to work 24/7 and be available as business situations required, Travel may be required.

Physical requirements:

Occasionally positions self to move an item >10 lbs.

Frequently move about the production floor and office area to attend meetings or training.

Must be able to remain in a stationary position up to 75% of the time.

Frequently operates a computer, enters data into systems, verifies information, etc.