Director of Business
Job Description
Crane Aerospace and Electronics has an exciting opportunity for a Director of Business at our Chandler, AZ location.
About Crane:
Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense markets. You’ll find Crane Aerospace & Electronics in some of the toughest environments: from engines to landing gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
From supplying microwave products for GPS satellites to integrated assemblies for the latest innovative defense platforms, come join an industry-leading aerospace & defense manufacturer based in beautiful, sunny Chandler, Arizona. You’ll join a first-class, dynamic organization steeped in rich culture and an established track record of delivering customers premier, quality products. You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with prime OEMs and help us develop state-of-the art solutions – all in a family-first community with top-rated schools and an abundance of recreational activities. Start the next chapter of your career with Crane Aerospace & Electronics!
Job Summary:
The Director of Business has primary responsibility for managing the customer business relationship with commercial and military Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers to achieve business financial objectives while mitigating Crane Aerospace & Electronics risk and liability. The Director of Business is responsible for overall P&L performance in their assigned product line and as such is involved in new product proposals, customer strategies and managing the critical/key activities with all of Crane Aerospace & Electronics OEM customers. This position works with peer groups to ensure that the needs of the customer are being met, flow down of customer requirements is timely and accurate, and the Voice of the Customer is communicated and drives the internal organization’s behavior. The Director of Business is positioned as the central leader for ensuring cross functional alignment and execution to ensure long term profitable growth of the product line.
Essential Functions:
- Provide leadership for an assigned product line, overseeing pricing, sales/backlog, cost performance, customer satisfaction, and strategic initiatives.
- Lead cross‑functional teams (operations, supply chain, engineering, program management) to ensure quality, delivery, profitability, customer support, and effective sales and product training.
- Serve as the primary escalation point for customer issues, negotiating major agreements (LTAs, pricing, disputes) and ensuring contract requirements are communicated and met across the organization.
- Manage customer demand and forecasting to support SIOP, long‑range planning, and alignment with market trends through collaboration with Demand Management and Forecasting teams.
- Develop and execute customer and product strategies, including competitive analysis, product roadmaps, business case development, and coordination with Business Development and Finance.
- Build and maintain strong customer relationships at all levels, advocating for customer needs while managing claims, facilitating communication, and supporting cross‑functional dispute resolution.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Experience: 7+ years of experience in business management, program management, sales & marketing or strategic partnering in an Aerospace, Space or Defense environment or equivalent experience in the aerospace industry. Bachelor’s degree required (Engineering or Business degree preferred) with a Master of Business Administration or equivalent strongly preferred.
- Knowledge:
- Experience in International Business and strong industry knowledge aligned to the product line being supported.
- Knowledge of financial reporting methods, cost accounting principles, and business analytics
- Strong knowledge of price build up process, pricing strategies, and a track record of successful pricing negotiations
- Knowledge of Aerospace and Defense contract terms and conditions, including successful contract negotiations
- Deep knowledge of Aerospace and Defense industry and market trends.
- Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent project management skills, including the proven ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment
- Outstanding professional presentation, written and verbal communication skills
- Proficient in statistics with the ability to identify and react to trends
- Demonstrated ability to drive financial performance;
- Demonstrated experience in leading and developing diverse teams and proven ability to manage through influence
- Proven business process management skills including planning, organizational, budgeting, and time management skills
- Proven ability to make timely and sound decisions; able to make decisions under conditions of uncertainty
- Education/Certification: BS Degree in Business or a related field and /or equivalent experience.
- Eligibility Requirement: This position may require access to Controlled Data or Information. Where the position requires such access only US Persons will be considered. As a US Department of Defense contractor, we are bound by International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants selected could be subject to a Government security investigation and must meet the eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Masters in Business Administration
Working Conditions:
- Standard office environment
- Work requires substantial visual concentration on detail
- Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment
- Manufacturing operations may require the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to: eye safety glasses, gowning, masks, hearing protectors, heel/wrist straps and any other required PPE
- May be exposed to unusual environmental conditions such as loud noises, cold temperatures, confined spaces, dust or fumes
- Up to 30% travel may be required
Standing: 10% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task
Sitting: 90% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task
Lifting (in pounds): up to 10 pounds
Pushing (in pounds): up to 10 pounds
Mental/Visual: use of computer, calculator, filing cabinets
Workspace (line, cube, etc): office/desk
Top Benefits:
As a team member at Crane Aerospace and Electronics, you’ll enjoy:
- Benefits: Health care, dental, vision, life and disability insurance starting the first day of the month
- Time Off: 15 days of paid time off that start accruing your first day at Crane and 12 paid holidays per year.
- 401k Retirement Plan: 401k plan with company match
- Education Reimbursement: eligible after 6 months of employment
You can see a list of our benefits at https://www.craneae.com/company/careers or visit our website at www.CraneAE.com for more information on our company and great opportunities.
We are committed to operational excellence and world class processes. We employ Lean manufacturing techniques to optimize manufacturing efficiency and accuracy on all product lines. Our products are known for their technical strength, proven reliability and overall value.
In our efforts to maintain a safe and drug-free workplace, Crane Aerospace & Electronics requires that candidates complete a satisfactory background check. FAA sensitive positions require employees to participate in a random drug test pool.
#LI-DA1 #CAE
This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Crane Company. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, general identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.