Senior Program Manager 1

About the Role

This position requires critical and strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, administrative tasks, agility, adaptability, and a sense of urgency. Program management will identify potential opportunities to include technology development that could positively impact performance, mission capability, and cost and schedule efficiency.

As the procurement interface for multiple programs, you will support the team in various program management roles, directing both technical and administrative efforts. Working with a Technical Lead and Subcontract Manager, you will facilitate the completion of contract requirements for existing and new programs. You will serve as the primary face for internal and external customers, handling briefings, material preparation and review, and deliverable completion. Collaboration with technical teams in daily program monitoring and management responsibilities is key.

Responsibilities

• Support all procurement activities to ensure objectives are met in a timely manner, including supplier financial, quality, technical, programmatic, and schedule performance.
• Prepare and complete proposals for new programs and work.
• Develop plans to promote cost reduction initiatives and process improvements (Technical and Quality) to support flawless supplier execution for programs.
• Interpret program and/or statement of work requirements and contracts; recommend and implement actions with suppliers to ensure achievement of all requirements.
• Work flexible hours as needed for proposal preparation or special assignments, which may occasionally include extended hours, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Maintain financial reports using actual cost information, forecasted spend per project schedules, and estimated final costs against approved contract funding.
• Brief leadership about program status regularly.
• Develop risk management plans addressing risk identification, analysis, mitigation planning, mitigation implementation, and tracking. Reflect technical risks and issues in the program’s IMP and IMS.

Requirements

• Skilled at organizing and translating information into clear written documentation; articulating complex concepts and processes in writing.
• Experience working in a collaborative environment; ability to work well under tight deadlines and effectively interact with a wide range of personnel.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
• Excellent English language, grammar, and spelling skills for writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Strong proficiency in the Microsoft product suite, with excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word and advanced Excel skills. Knowledge of SharePoint, MS Project, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experienced in contracts and program management.

Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 8 years’ prior relevant experience in procurement and/or subcontract management, or a minimum of 6 years’ prior relevant experience in procurement and/or program management.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Knowledge or experience in running a Major Capability Acquisition (beneficial for Senior PM).

About the Company

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. Founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, ARA employs over 2,300 employee-owners across offices in the United States and Canada. The company offers expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA values employee ownership, fostering creativity, initiative, and higher performance. The culture is challenging and innovative, with contributions directly impacting both company success and individual growth through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit,” reflects the ARA experience.