Director Product Line (WPNS)

Advanced Acoustic Concepts, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary Thales Defense & Security Inc., is a technical leader in the fields of sonar systems, sonar signal processing, acoustic training systems, and open architecture system and software integration. The venture focuses on emerging areas in the undersea warfare domain where the customer has identified mission-critical needs. For additional information about Advanced Acoustic Concepts, please visit our website at: https://www.advancedacousticconcepts.com.

Job Title: Director I Product Line (WPNS)

Job Location: Clarksburg, MD.

Local candidates preferred (MD, VA). Candidates may be considered for a hybrid/remote work arrangement temporarily, with the understanding that this position will be expected to report to the Clarksburg, MD location by/after December 2026. Relocation will not provided.

Position Summary

Direct and define principal market requirements, which result in the formulation of the overall business strategy and results in the annual business plans for new programs and/or products.

Responsible for management of the company’s product lines and their growth through strategic product planning and marketing. This includes assessing needs and opportunities for new and existing products through research and feasibility analysis, developing new product specifications, following product through all stages to product launch, and maintaining market position by managing existing product lines and competitive market information. Participates in product modification, cost reduction, margin analysis, product promotion and positioning, forecasting, and pricing strategies.

Primary and Essential Accountabilities:

• Direct and define principal market requirements which result in the formulation of the overall business strategy and results in the annual business plans for new programs and/or products
• The DPLM shall maintain a Product Roadmap and IR&D Budget Plan that will be briefed and approved by Senior Management. These will be updated on a periodic basis throughout the year and shall cover a 3-year period of time.
• Analyze and define the market for overall product strategies and opportunities; including, but not limited to, new technologies, joint venture opportunities or other business opportunities
• Coordinate with the Business Development (BD) team to solicit customer requirements to guide the Product Roadmap and ensure it meets desires of all key customers and identifies capabilities for expansion into new markets. Work with Program Teams to determine solutions for these emerging needs and develop a plan to address these new features and capabilities through customer funding and IR&D. Develop goals, budget and strategic business plans.
• Define strategic framework for all product concepts and technology road maps
• Work with the Program/Technical teams to determine the cost, schedule and feasibility of adding new features or products and work with the BD team to identify customer funding when possible.
• Utilize innovative solutions, and constructive thinking to recognize market trends and directions to help develop annual business plans outlining key product line strategies and tactical action plans
• Alternatively, work with BD to define the overall market size and timing and prepare business cases and present to Sr. Management to determine if IR&D investment is warranted.
• The DPLM will engage with the Program/Technical teams to ensure individual program/project level decisions align with the product strategy for a family of products that share a common hardware/software baseline and ensure ancillaries are common across products when possible. To help accomplish this the DPLM will participate in all program design reviews to include: Bid Reviews, post award Kick-Off, SDR, PDR, CDR, TRR and PRR design reviews.
• Update senior management with monthly strategic plan overviews
• Initiate, lead, and direct new business proposal efforts; i.e., mergers, joint ventures, acquisitions, and negotiations
• Represent the company by active participation in industry presentations, technology-based symposiums, and/or other technology or industry-driven functions, domestic and abroad
• Responsible for delivering quarterly business strategy plans to supplement and/or establish annual strategic business plans
• Responsible for developing financial plans to support business plans
• Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization
• The DPLM will support Business Capture activities in support of the business lines and supports proposal development. This includes technical writing, cost development, capture strategy (win themes, discriminators, price to win).
• Responsible for product/business line orders, sales, profit and operational cash flow performance meeting or exceeding annual business plan commitments.
• May be responsible for supervising Product Line/Program Managers and Engineering Subject Matter Experts assigned to the business unit.
• Supports strategic partnerships to achieve program growth; independently solve problems and recommend/implement solutions
• Communicate effectively, actively listen, and provide feedback with internal and external customers
• Recommend market strategies to expand sales and profitability
• Supervisory Responsibilities
  • This position carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's operating policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities can include interviewing, hiring, training and developing employees; creating effective staff plans - assigning and directing work; performance appraisals, rewarding and management of employee discipline when required; and addressing complaints and resolving conflicts. Active mentoring and development of staff is a critical element of the supervisory responsibilities to create a highly performing cohesive team.

Secondary Accountabilities:

• Perform other related duties as assigned
• Assist management with special projects and assignments as requested
• Support business plans, acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline with a minimum of 10 years of experience. 15+ years of experience with 4+ years in a supervisory capacity preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred
• Demonstrated experience working with U.S. Navy customers and programs, including NAVSEA, NAVAIR, Naval Warfare Centers, and US Navy Fleet commands.
• Applicant(s) selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet requirements to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
• Ability to motivate and lead sales team
• Ability to develop market strategies for various divisions (products), utilizing existing and new selling channels
• Demonstrated experience in international marketing and sales management
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Proven track record of successful sales/product management/business development for technology products to the commercial and government industries
• Experience with NSA Certified products or products subject to Risk Management Framework (RMF) a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills and work ethic.
• Ability to effectively communicate and build relationships with external and internal customers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint & Project or equivalents.

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting (up to 10 lbs.): up to 25% of time
• Walking: up to 50% of time
• Climbing, Bending, Stooping, Kneeling: up to 10% of time
• Standing: up to 25% of time
• Sitting: up to 50% of time
• Travel: up to 50% of time

We offer a full spectrum of benefits including healthcare benefits, paid time off, holidays, tuition assistance, life insurance, short/long term disability and other insurance plans, subject to eligibility or requirements. Eligible employees may enroll in the Company's 401(k) retirement savings plan, which includes a matching percentage. This position is also eligible for a bonus plan in addition to the base pay range listed above.

The current schedule for this position is:

• 9/80 work schedule, every other Friday off. Other flexible schedules may be available.
• Hybrid remote

Advanced Acoustic Concepts, LLC is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal and state laws. AAC is an E-Verify employer.

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