Director III, Business Applications

Job Description
We are seeking a Director III, Business Applications to lead the strategic vision, execution, and sustainment of enterprise business application platforms across Human Resources, Communications, Legal, Compliance, Contracts, ERP, and Business Development. This senior executive will architect and deliver transformative technology solutions that enable functional and business goals, drive operational excellence, and position the enterprise for future ERP transformation.
Operating as a senior leader and enterprise owner, this role will partner with HR, Communications, Legal, Compliance, and Business Development executives to deliver integrated, intuitive, and scalable platforms that enhance productivity, collaboration, and business agility. The ideal candidate brings executive presence, deep technical and program management expertise, and the ability to influence a complex, matrixed organization.
Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the enterprise strategy and roadmap for Business Applications (HR systems, Communications Platforms, Legal & Compliance, Contracts, ERP including CostPoint, Deltek, SAP), aligning technology investments with business outcomes and regulatory requirements.
• Lead application rationalization initiatives, optimizing the portfolio for efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Architect and deliver future ERP transformation, ensuring seamless integration, operational agility, and strategic alignment with enterprise objectives.
• Drive digital enablement for HR, Communications, Legal, and Business Development, deploying technology solutions that support employee lifecycle, collaboration, compliance, and business growth.
• Oversee support and sustainment of enterprise business application platforms, ensuring operational excellence, stable performance, and continuous improvement.
• Leverage governed, high-quality data and scalable AI capabilities to drive decision-making, accelerate functional performance, and enable reusable, secure enterprise solutions.
• Lead and develop high-performing technology teams, strengthening technical, functional, and leadership capabilities while cultivating a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Influence across a complex matrix environment, driving alignment and decision-making without direct authority while balancing diverse executive perspectives.
• Communicate complex technical and strategic concepts to senior executives and non-technical audiences with clarity, authority, and executive presence.
• Partner with software engineering, program management, and technical teams to ensure solution quality, integration rigor, and scalable architecture.

Executive Competencies

• Senior-level executive presence with the ability to influence, guide, and align enterprise stakeholders.
• Deep expertise in HR systems, Communications Platforms, ERP, Legal & Compliance, and Contracts technologies.
• Strong command of ERP platforms (CostPoint, Deltek, SAP) and business application transformation best practices.
• Robust understanding of employee experience, digital engagement, communications operations, and collaboration ecosystems.
• Demonstrated ability to drive large-scale enterprise technology implementations and organizational change.
• Strong business acumen and fluency across HR, Communications, Legal, Compliance, IT, and operational domains.
• Skilled in negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution in matrixed organizations.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Proven leadership of high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.
• Innovative problem solver with balanced long-term and short-term decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to influence across matrix to those not in direct reporting line.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred. Or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 15+ years of progressive leadership experience spanning business applications, enterprise systems, program leadership, or related technical fields.
• Significant experience with ERP platforms including CostPoint, Deltek, SAP, or equivalent enterprise solutions.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Proven success leading enterprise-scale business application transformations, including ERP migrations.
• Background in software development, program management, or technical leadership strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technology performance across cost, schedule, quality, and risk.
• Experience developing leaders, building organizational capability, and managing complex technology portfolios.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or highly regulated industries.
• Familiarity with digital experience platforms, analytics-driven business insights, automation, and AI-enabled solutions.

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Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $200222 - $340378
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.