Director of Pricing

Worker Type

Job Description

 

For over 50 years, AeroVironment has been a leader in advanced technologies and diverse innovations that have redefined how the world drives, flies, and connects.

AeroVironment

If you thrive on a culture of relentless problem-solving and invention, and want to work for a global front-runner where you tackle real-world challenges, then AeroVironment is the place for you.

Come join our group of innovative thinkers and discover how collaborative efforts produce extraordinary products that touch lives around the world. You can be a part of the team that developed these firsts: a controlled human-powered aircraft, the modern consumer electric car, a tiny hummingbird-like drone and a helicopter that flew on Mars. We also set flight records in near-space with our solar-powered aircraft and we re-shaped the battlefield with portable, hand-held, tactical drones and loitering munitions. We have cemented our reputation around the world and in record books as unrivaled technological pioneers, including seven innovative vehicles in the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

While engineering for the future is what we do, we are ever-mindful of our strong commitment to purpose — to secure lives and advance sustainability through transformative innovation. The products and solutions we provide our customers help to save lives and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Join us to help push beyond the realm of the possible with such future-defining technologies as robotics, sensors, software analytics and connectivity to generate ever-more meaningful actionable intelligence for our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, the Director of Pricing and Cost Estimating will provide financial leadership to the executive team and segment leaders, operating as a business partner and trusted advisor. This role will have direct responsibility for all Pricing and Cost Estimating processes, policies and established compliance matters within AeroVironment Inc and all subsidiaries. Primary success factors will be delivery of on-time and properly supported cost and price estimates. Routinely demonstrated compliance systems to internal, FAR & DFAR requirements. Established best practices performed across the businesses regarding proposal cost estimating, pricing, management review and negotiations.

Position Responsibilities

Pricing Strategy Development:

• Develop, refine, and execute pricing strategies that maximize profitability while considering market demand, competition, and company objectives.

• Analyze market trends and competitor pricing to recommend pricing adjustments or support price-to-win assessments.

Cost Estimation:

• Lead the development and maintenance of cost estimation models and methodologies including ownership and administration of the Cost Estimating System for AeroVironment Inc..

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., production, procurement, engineering) to gather data and insights for cost estimation.

• Ensure accuracy and reliability of cost estimate using best practice methodologies.

Financial Analysis:

• Conduct financial analyses to evaluate pricing scenarios, product profitability, and cost-effectiveness of various strategies.

• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to senior management based on financial analyses.

Profit Margin Optimization:

• Identify opportunities to improve profit margins through pricing optimization, cost reduction, or process improvements.

• Monitor and track margin performance and implement corrective actions as needed.

Team Leadership:

• Build and lead a team of pricing analysts and cost estimators.

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for team members.

System Management:

• Oversee the collection, organization, and maintenance of pricing and cost data within AV’s pricing tools (Catalog, ProPricer, Cost Estimating workbooks)

• Ensure data accuracy and security.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with various departments, including sales, marketing, and operations, to align pricing and cost strategies with overall business goals.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure pricing strategies and cost estimations comply with DOD FAR / DFAR industry regulations and legal requirements.