Senior Program Manager

Job Summary

The Senior Program Manager is responsible for leading the successful execution of complex, high-value customer programs from contract award through completion. Serving as the primary customer interface, this role provides strategic leadership across cross-functional teams to ensure exceptional execution, customer satisfaction, contractual compliance, and financial performance.

Essential Functions

• Lead execution of complex and strategically significant customer programs while managing cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, delivery, profitability, and risk.
• Provide ownership of assigned programs with comprehensive awareness of contract status, forecasts, production readiness, engineering milestones, financial performance, customer commitments, and business risks.
• Serve as the primary customer-facing representative and internal point of contact building long-term relationships through proactive communication, issue resolution, and execution excellence.
• Develop and execute program strategies that align customer objectives with Crystal Group's operational and financial goals.
• Lead cross-functional teams through complex technical and operational challenges while influencing decisions without direct authority.
• Manage program financial performance, including forecasting, revenue recognition support, margin performance, change management, and resource planning.
• Partner with the subcontracts management team to ensure supplier performance supports overall program objectives.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Quality, Manufacturing, and Business Development to ensure successful program execution.
• Present program status, risks, forecasts, and financial performance to leadership and customers.
• Identify contractual, technical, schedule, and financial risks while developing mitigation strategies and driving timely resolution.
• Support proposal development, contract negotiations, transition-to-execution planning, and major contract modifications.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve program execution, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
• Mentor and coach Program Managers while promoting program management best practices across the organization.
• Support PMO process development, standardization, and strategic initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of program management principles across the full product lifecycle.
• Familiarity with rugged computing systems, embedded hardware, and defense-grade electronics preferred.
• Strong understanding of government contracting, defense programs, and customer contract execution.
• Advanced leadership skills with the ability to influence executive stakeholders and cross-functional organizations.
• Advanced business and financial acumen, including forecasting, profitability analysis, pricing impacts, and resource management.
• Strong conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex programs simultaneously.
• Proven success leading complex, multi-disciplinary customer programs.
• Proven success managing programs with significant financial responsibility and contractual complexity.
• Demonstrated experience working with ERP and/or CRM (Salesforce, EPICOR, etc.).
• Strong financial literacy, including understanding of pricing models, gross margin, and EBITDA.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams through the full program lifecycle, from proposal support and contract award through delivery and sustainment.
• Advanced experience presenting to executive leadership, key clients, or other high-stakes audiences, with the ability to clearly communicate complex technical and business information in a professional and persuasive manner.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a US Person (US Citizen, person granted US Permanent Resident Card or any individual granted status as a "protected person").
• Bachelor's degree in business or related field.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible program or project management experience within aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or another highly regulated industry.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-disciplinary customer programs.
• Proven success managing programs with significant financial responsibility and contractual complexity.
• Proven success mentoring or coaching Program Managers or project leaders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Business Administration.

Company & Benefit Information

Crystal Group, Inc, offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and an on-site gym. Crystal Group also offers a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as a flexible work schedule and remote work options.