Vista Site Selection, LLC is dedicated to helping companies select the most advantageous and economically viable real estate sites on which to expand existing operations or develop future locations. Backed by Vorys’ tax and economic development incentives group – one of the largest law practices of its kind in the United States – our multidisciplinary team works seamlessly as a one-stop shop to provide comprehensive and customized client service.

Position Summary: 

The Aerospace Site Selection and Incentives Project Manager at Vista Site Selection, LLC, is responsible for overseeing and coordinating various aspects of site selection and incentive management for aerospace clients, ranging from large start-ups to heritage federal government contractors. This role involves leveraging advanced analytics and in-depth knowledge of the aerospace industry to provide a broad range of services, including competitive analysis (black hatting), workforce demographics analysis, workforce discovery/analysis, economic development incentives acquisition and compliance, site locating and evaluation, and lifecycle cost production analysis. Projects may include both business expansions and consolidations.

Essential Functions:

• Client Interface and Project Coordination - Serve as the primary point of contact for client companies, ensuring clear communication and understanding of project requirements and objectives. Oversee all aspects of the site selection and evaluation process to ensure a smooth and profitable transition to a more productive manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Collaborate with Vista’s Analytics Group to develop employment profiles for new or existing plants, utilize proprietary software to identify suitable labor enclaves, and address workforce demographic shortfalls at prospective sites. Coordinate with public sector economic development officials to develop workforce development programs that meet client needs.
• Analyze primary competition to determine cost and workforce profiles and limit new site locations to regions offering significant cost and labor advantages.
• Lead negotiations with state and local jurisdictions to maximize business incentives, support contract completion, construct compliance folders, and ensure compliance over the life of the contracts.
• Develop Economic Impact Studies with Vista’s Economics Group to demonstrate the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of proposed projects, including state and local taxes, to sell the project to public sector stakeholders.
• Oversee the construction of complex production modeling with the client company to determine the lifecycle cost structure of proposed new facilities or consolidations.
• Work with client companies to determine likely tax liabilities and related incentive opportunities at various sites under consideration.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Experience with federal government contracting in cost control and/or estimating, including familiarity with Department of Defense accounting procedures and the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
• Site selection experience in a manufacturing environment, with a strong understanding of the factors influencing site viability and selection.
• Experience with analytical workforce modeling, corporate workforce development, and training, including the ability to develop employment profiles and address workforce demographics shortfalls.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, including experience developing project schedules, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Familiarity with government acquisition and contracting processes, ensuring compliance and maximizing business incentives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to break down complex problems, assess risks, and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and organizational skills, ensuring clear and effective interactions with clients, internal teams, and external stakeholders.

Preferred but not required:

• Experience in independent cost estimating and internal operations audit within an aerospace company, including the preparation of alternate estimates to complete for government contracts.
• Mechanical aptitude with a basic understanding of advanced manufacturing and robotics manufacturing processes.
• Experience in corporate real estate and site selection, with a strong understanding of the factors influencing site viability and selection.
• Familiarity with Total Quality Management (TQM) principles, particularly the Kaizen Blitz process and collaborative decision-making.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline (Finance, Accounting, or Engineering) or a combination of equivalent education and experience required. 
• 5+ years of experience in a similar field is required. Preferred experience in the aerospace industry.
• 3+ years of project management experience, preferably in defense, aerospace, or government contracting space. 

Alignment with core values, including: 1) delivering the best advice to our clients and providing timely responsiveness, 2) holding accountability for commitments made, 3) showing respect for our clients and colleagues, 4) devoting attention to detail, and 5) embracing humor and humility.

Must maintain a commitment to teamwork. If applicable, the willingness to work outside a regular work schedule is required.

This role primarily involves virtual interface meetings, with minimal internal on-site appearances. Occasionally, the Project Manager will be required to meet face-to-face with Vista Directorial staff to review project progression. The position also requires moderate travel, involving 15 to 20 business trips to client company locations and prospective sites annually.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Vista Site Selection, LLC (Vista) does not discriminate in hiring or terms and conditions of employment because of an individual’s sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), race, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. Vista only hires individuals authorized for employment in the United States.