Program Manager III

Company Information

Twenty‑Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high‑performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., Twenty‑Six Defense is dedicated to supporting those who contribute to the national security of the United States. Twenty‑Six Defense is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high‑technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.

Job Summary

The Program Manager III is a senior program management position responsible for planning and performance of assigned complex programs throughout all phases of the program lifecycle. The role oversees cost, schedule, quality, customer satisfaction, and technical performance, using successful execution to drive future growth. The Program Manager III provides effective customer communication, proactively responds to customer needs, and builds trust by meeting commitments and quality standards. The position may mentor and/or lead junior project or program managers, forecast sales, new business, and gross profit, and direct program teams or Integrated Product Teams using Earned Value and other techniques to identify issues and monitor performance.

Responsibilities

• Holds self and team accountable for high performance standards and coaches the team to effectively manage changing priorities; models expected behaviors.
• Mentors junior project/program managers.
• Understands and effectively communicates program objectives to the team and relates how the program supports the Company’s strategic plans.
• Leads development of detailed project or program plans using company policies, procedures, and industry best practices.
• Leads assigned program teams to achieve delivery and quality goals.
• Expert in risk management; prepares and interprets risk and opportunity analyses and financial reports to anticipate problems, take corrective action, and plan management reserves.
• Works with finance to prepare forecasts of new business, sales, and gross profit for annual operating plans.
• Establishes program budgets and holds Control Account Managers accountable for adherence.
• Advocates continuous improvement opportunities to meet customer requirements, fostering an entrepreneurial and collaborative workforce.
• Builds, develops, and maintains close customer relationships; anticipates needs, addresses issues creatively, and pursues open communications to expand business.
• Assures customer satisfaction regarding product performance, delivery, cost, and scope as primary point of contact.
• Provides Business Area leadership and customers with detailed program performance, risk assessments, opportunity identification, and recommended solutions.
• Coordinates with marketing personnel and assists in preparation and implementation of marketing plans and proposals.
• Applies strategic thinking to anticipate challenges, align program objectives with organizational goals, and drive long‑term value while balancing near‑term priorities.
• Partners with Contracts to develop negotiation strategies with customers, suppliers, and affiliates; understands contractual obligations and ensures they are met.
• Plans and executes programs per contractual obligations, managing performance of multiple suppliers, affiliates, or peer organizations.
• Conducts periodic internal and external program reviews to monitor execution, inform management, and collect feedback, risk inputs, and improvement opportunities; creates and presents program scorecards.
• Coordinates with Operations and Engineering to ensure design for manufacturability and smooth transition to production for development programs.
• Leads technical discussions internally and externally to ensure all technical requirements are met.
• Acts as steward for all company policies and best practices to achieve program quality goals.
• Performs other job‑related tasks as assigned by manager.

Education, Experience, License, or Certification

• Bachelor’s degree (required).
• Master’s degree (preferred).
• 5+ years program management experience (required).
• MP® Certification or equivalent (required).
• Demonstrated experience in the applicable technical area or product line.

Skills and Abilities

• Critical thinker able to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information efficiently.
• Ability to create and maintain constructive customer relationships.
• Thorough understanding of industry trends, customer strategies, and competitor strengths/weaknesses.
• Knowledge and experience in the applicable technical area or product line.
• Experience leading teams through all five phases of the project management framework (Initiate, Plan, Execute, Monitor & Control, Close).
• Proven ability to complete projects/programs on time, within scope and budget, delivering high‑quality products and customer satisfaction.
• Modeling of disciplined internal processes aligned with industry‑standard tools: Earned Value Management, Program Planning, Risk Management, Requirements Management.
• Strong understanding of program budgeting processes.
• Extensive experience in negotiations, collaborative problem solving, conflict management, meeting facilitation, and applying tact and diplomacy with internal/external customers and foreign personnel.
• Significant experience using contract lifecycle management to review/approve contract changes.
• Ability to lead/mentor others in managing program scope based on customer requirements, expectations, and deliverables (e.g., proposals, contracts, statements of work).
• Excellent verbal and written communication; skilled at creating and delivering program management review presentations.
• Ability to mentor others in effective communications.
• Capability to lead program teams through influence and mentor junior managers.
• Independent work style to build, guide, and lead an integrated product team and mentor IPT leads.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio, Outlook) and Project applications.

Benefits

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off.
• Competitive compensation and 401(k) program.
• Robust medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts.
• Basic Life Insurance; additional Life & AD&D insurances available.
• Flexible vacation and PTO.
• Paid parental leave.
• Generous employee referral program.
• Voluntary benefits: longer‑term care, legal, identity theft, pet insurance, and more.
• Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees.

Schedule

Most locations operate on a 9/80 schedule, giving employees every other Friday off.