Director - Programs

About the role

Join an innovative company tackling some of the world’s most important challenges. As Director of Programs at San Diego Maritime Solutions, you’ll lead a team of exceptional professionals, drive impactful projects, and shape a culture of safety, innovation, and excellence. This role offers opportunities to grow your career while making a meaningful difference in our business and reputation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Program Managers and the Planning Department.
• Foster a business culture where people are valued and invested in success.
• Develop people through succession planning, education, training, and skill enhancement to improve engagement, performance, and productivity.
• Instill a culture of Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) excellence, ensuring compliance with SHE objectives and continuous improvement of safety standards.
• Define, plan, and implement strategies, policies, and programs leveraging business skills and experience to support government and commercial customers.
• Participate in strategic business planning and business development activities.
• Manage program financials in accordance with BAE Systems policies and standards.
• Drive innovation, align corporate investments with customer needs, and identify growth opportunities.
• Own the Earned Value Management System (EVMS) for San Diego Maritime Solutions; develop new tools to enhance performance efficiency and schedule adherence.
• Review key performance indicators to evaluate and improve performance across all trades (Craft and Non-Craft).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Contracts, Subcontracts, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and other departments to achieve business goals.
• Ensure successful program execution during pre-production, production, and availability closeout phases.
• Hold departments accountable for meeting schedule and cost goals throughout project lifecycles.
• Develop and maintain the Lifecycle Management System (LCM) using EVMS.
• Conduct regular program performance reviews using metrics to ensure objectives (safety, quality, cost, schedule) are met.
• Work with logistics, procurement, and materials teams to align project demands with schedules.
• Monitor cost and schedule performance weekly; develop mitigation plans with Ships Management teams as needed.
• Proactively anticipate and resolve schedule/budget deviations; provide solutions to Ship Managers.
• Monitor TIP/OQE completion to support project quality and schedule goals.
• Manage the Change Process across departments, ensuring customer changes are processed, funded, and incorporated into schedules.
• Deconflict subcontractor issues in alignment with overall schedule goals.
• Coordinate customer communication (IDRs, CFRs) to resolve technical issues at SWRMC and Ship’s Force levels.
• Adhere to NAVSEA Standard Items (Repair) and commercial standards.
• Manage conflict collaboratively and support meetings/tasking as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Project Management, Business Development, Finance, or a similar field, plus 12 years of work experience (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in Program Management/PMO.
• Experience in People Management/Leadership.
• Cross-functional team leadership to deliver commitments.
• Experience in Maritime, Defense, or a similar industry.
• Ability to develop concepts, plans, schedules, and budgets; communicate them effectively to align cross-functional goals.
• Ability to organize and prioritize project schedules and requirements on short- and long-term bases.
• Ability to monitor performance through KPIs and metrics, analyze data, and deliver status reports to leadership and customers.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems collaboratively.
• Leadership skills in mentoring, coaching, training, and succession planning.
• Ability to manage stakeholders, influence, and negotiate.
• Strong planning, coordination, and organization skills.
• Good reasoning and decision-making skills.
• Strong collaboration skills to foster a team culture.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or MBA.
• PMP Certification.
• Experience in Ship Repair.
• Experience in Lifecycle Management (LCM).
• Experience in Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Experience in Process Improvement, Change Management, or Transformational Leadership.
• Knowledge of NAVSEA Standard Items (Repair) and Commercial standards.
• Strong Business and Financial Acumen.
• Ability to hold yourself and others accountable.
• Agility in a dynamic environment.
• Advanced Data Analytics and Reporting skills.

Pay

Full-Time Salary Range: $153,377 – $260,743. Individual salaries are determined by factors including business considerations, local market conditions, internal equity, and candidate qualifications such as skills, education, and experience.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health savings accounts.
• 401(k) savings plan.
• Disability coverage.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Employee assistance program and legal plan.
• Perks including discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and other leave programs (e.g., paid parental, military, bereavement, federal/state sick leave).
• Company recognition program with monetary or non-monetary awards.
• Additional incentives based on position level and job specifics.

About BAE Systems Platforms & Services

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace, and security company delivering products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, IT solutions, and customer support. The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector focuses on armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, ship repair, and other large-scale projects. Employees take pride in building products that protect lives and make a global impact.