What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Manager position at Hernshead Recruitment?
Do you want to lead the delivery of mission-critical kinetic systems that directly support warfighter needs? We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager with a proven track record in DoD production environments to join our team at our Columbus, Mississippi facility.
As a Programme Manager, you will own the end-to-end execution of production programmes for our advanced kinetic systems. You will manage schedules, budgets, and deliverables while coordinating across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customer teams. This role requires someone who understands defence production, can navigate DoD contract requirements, and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Own full programme lifecycle from contract award through production, delivery, and closeout
- Develop and maintain programme schedules, budgets, and resource plans
- Coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test teams to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery
- Serve as primary point of contact for government customers and programme offices
- Manage programme risk and implement corrective actions to keep programmes on track
- Ensure compliance with contract requirements including FAR/DFARS provisions and data deliverables
- Track and report programme performance metrics including cost, schedule, and earned value
- Lead programme reviews with internal leadership and external customers
- Support proposal development and new business capture activities
- Drive continuous improvement to enhance production efficiency and delivery performance
Essential Skills & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5 years of programme management experience in defence production environments
- Direct experience working as a DoD contractor with prime contractors or Tier 1 suppliers
- Proven track record managing production programmes for munitions, kinetic systems, or defence hardware
- Strong understanding of FAR/DFARS contracting and earned value management
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, schedules, and cross-functional teams in manufacturing settings
- Familiarity with DoD quality requirements including AS9100 and MIL-STDs
- Strong communication skills with ability to present to government customers and senior leadership
- Comfortable working hands-on in an on-site production environment
- U.S. citizenship required; active security clearance preferred
Desirable
- PMP, PgMP, or DAWIA certification
- Experience with SBIR/STTR or OTA programmes
- Background in energetics, explosives, or safety-critical system production
- ITAR and export control compliance experience