Business Manager

ARES Corporation is a trusted provider of program management, engineering, safety and mission assurance, and information technology services supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. With decades of experience across human spaceflight, launch operations, and complex aerospace programs, ARES delivers integrated, risk-informed solutions that enable mission success from concept through operations. Our teams are deeply embedded with our customers, providing the technical insight, programmatic discipline, and operational excellence required to support the Nation’s most critical missions.

Position Summary:

The Business Manager is responsible for leading the full spectrum of program business and financial management activities, with a strong emphasis on successful planning, monitoring, and management of a cost-plus contract. This role serves as a key member of the program leadership team, ensuring disciplined financial performance, compliant contract administration, and effective integration across project controls, subcontract financial management, and corporate functions.

The position requires deep experience supporting NASA or comparable federal programs, with the ability to manage complex contract financial requirements, oversee financial planning and reporting (including NASA 533 reporting), and support program decision-making through data-driven analysis. The Business Manager works closely with program leadership, corporate accounting, subcontractors, and Government stakeholders to ensure successful program execution and compliance with all applicable regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all business operations for the program, including prime contract and subcontract financial management, planning, and project controls.
• Develop, manage, and execute annual work plans, including forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking.
• Perform detailed cost, schedule, and variance analysis, supporting proactive program management and risk-informed decision-making.
• Prepare and deliver NASA 533 financial reports (monthly, quarterly, annual) and other required financial deliverables.
• Manage subcontractor business operations, including financial performance analysis, invoicing, and compliance oversight.
• Maintain configuration control of business systems, including WBS, task orders, funding allocations, and charge numbers.
• Ensure integrity of labor charging and financial data, including timecard verification and audit readiness.
• Coordinate with corporate finance, accounting, and subcontractor teams to resolve financial, invoicing, and reconciliation issues.
• Support Government audits and compliance activities, including provision of labor, ODC, and financial data.
• Manage and track program budgets for labor, travel, training, and Other Direct Costs (ODCs).
• Establish and maintain contract financial documentation, including CDRLs, modifications, and subcontract files.
• Provide financial and business analysis to support program leadership decision-making and performance metrics.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Management, Economics, Mathematics, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in business management, project controls, contracts administration, financial management, or Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Demonstrated experience supporting NASA programs or comparable Federal agencies.
• Proven experience managing cost-plus contracts.
• Experience supporting or managing prime contracts with responsibility for full lifecycle execution.
• Experience preparing and delivering NASA 533 financial reporting.
• Experience working within complex, multi-contractor environments with subcontract management responsibilities.
• Experience using Deltek Cobra for program financial management
• Experience working within NASA task order management systems, including iSite, with responsibility for task order tracking, funding management, and reporting.