Senior Program Manager

About the role

The Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems business is a global leader and strategic partner committed to delivering world-class, full life-cycle defense and intelligence products that protect the security of our nation and our allies. Technology is deployed by virtually all U.S. military and government agencies around the world, spanning air combat training to state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct the daily execution of multiple programs within contract requirements to assure cost, schedules and performance goals are met.
• Lead all meetings and the integrated product and/or project team from kick-off through project close.
• Provide interface, communication and coordination with internal and external customers on matters pertaining to existing contracts.
• Lead and/or support bid and proposal activities under the guidance of senior level management (Director of Programs or LOB Lead).
• Work closely with Engineering to manage a development program or project; intercede with Engineering Management as needed to accomplish objectives.
• Oversee a team or portion of a program to plan, track and execute project plans from start to completion using specific technical knowledge.
• Provide resolution to a diverse range of complex problems using judgment within defined policies and practices.
• Participate as a team member or leader on bid and proposal activities; ensure RFP requirements are met in preparation and documentation of bids and proposals.
• Actively seek new business opportunities in coordination with Business Development.
• Represent management at program reviews, meetings and seminars; prepare for and participate in contract/subcontract negotiations while adhering to government regulatory guidance.
• Allocate and control contract budgets for labor, material, travel and purchased services; regularly report program status to senior management.
• Formally identify, assess, monitor and mitigate risk throughout the program life cycle; obtain management approval prior to decisions that would deteriorate established program, cost and schedule objectives.
• Ensure overall execution of material on schedule and on budget for a business area; collaborate with various project teams as required.
• Notify and seek senior management assistance in resolving schedule and budget problems; develop and implement corrective action plans when deviations are evident.
• Perform variance analysis of schedule and cost on a formal and informal basis and present to senior management (e.g., earned value management system).
• Serve as the primary interface with the customer on all matters involving contract execution; coordinate with other departments and Contracts Administration on contractual issues.
• Assure contract requirements are executed in accordance with federal acquisition regulations and Company policies and procedures.
• Provide leadership to the program or project team; assure communication and cooperation among team members and resolve areas of conflict.
• Ensure timely closeout of completed programs so all obligations are satisfied and documentation is properly recorded.
• Understand and develop leading versus lagging indicators; develop and execute program corrective action strategies.
• Partner with stakeholders on planning process and system improvements; develop and understand principles of program planning.
• Develop and understand cash flow management principles.
• Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization.
• Develop and understand principles of process improvement (e.g., Lean Six Sigma).

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience in DoD program and/or materials management and production manufacturing operations using MRP/ERP.
• Knowledge of DoD FAR procurement regulations and MRP/ERP with a solid understanding of electro-mechanical assembly operations, bills of material, demand material planning, and the supply chain purchasing process.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain or Business degree preferred.
• Solid leadership and management skills with experience throughout the program lifecycle from development through sustainment, including proposal development, requirements decomposition, generation of system and subsystem statements of work and subcontracts, risk management, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Experience with earned value cost accounting and reporting; ability to assess and report program progress, productivity and variance analysis.
• Experience in finance, contracting, export regulations, engineering, logistics, manufacturing and supply chain management.
• Strong problem-solving and presentation skills; ability to manage aerospace/defense programs as a prime or subcontractor to domestic or foreign military organizations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; program management certification (e.g., PMP or DAU) preferred.
• U.S. Citizenship required; active DoD security clearance or ability to obtain clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company contribution to a health savings account and access to telemedicine.
• Life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan.
• Wellness programs focused on physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
• Career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement programs.
• Flexible work schedules under the 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.