Senior Director Program Management

Senior Director, Program Management (Confidential Client)

Reports To: President

Location: Confidential – U.S.-Based

Summary

A confidential U.S.-based defense manufacturer is seeking a Senior Director, Program Management to lead its Program Management Office (PMO). This role oversees a team of Program Managers and is responsible for ensuring successful execution of all programs across budget, schedule, scope, and customer expectations. The Senior Director ensures consistent, efficient program management and contract administration while supporting cross-functional collaboration across internal departments and external customers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide overall leadership and direction for new and ongoing programs, ensuring objectives are achieved and customer commitments are fully met.
2. Partner with Sales to understand proposal strategies, budgets, tasks, and schedules, ensuring accurate scope definition and seamless transition from proposal to contract execution.
3. Coordinate with functional departments to establish and implement program plans, including resource needs, goals, and key performance indicators. Work collaboratively across functions to ensure all program requirements are completed within cost, schedule, and performance goals.
4. Monitor the health and performance of all programs and projects, identifying deficiencies and driving corrective action and recovery plans when required.
5. Serve as Program Manager for one or more programs as needed, ensuring strong cross-functional collaboration and detailed planning to achieve program goals.
6. Support Program Managers as needed in their role as primary customer contacts. Act as customer advocate when elevated attention or cross-department coordination is required.
7. Oversee program performance metrics, including budget tracking, schedule adherence, technical and manufacturing performance, and variance analysis. Provide management with regular reports on program status across all active efforts.
8. Lead process improvement and standardization initiatives across the PMO, creating consistent processes for budgeting, scheduling, scope management, and resource planning. Improve accuracy and efficiency in project tracking, financial reporting, and program management tools.
9. Ensure effective and timely communication with customers and internal functional organizations.
10. Ensure all programs comply with contractual requirements as well as internal company policies and procedures.
11. Identify and apply lessons learned from other programs to future proposals and program execution strategies.
12. Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Program Managers. Promote a culture of collaboration, financial accountability, innovation, and strong cross-functional partnership. Oversee performance management, staffing levels, professional development, promotions, and compensation recommendations.
13. Occasional travel to customer or supplier locations is required.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent program management experience. PgMP certification required.
2. Minimum of eight years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
3. Demonstrated leadership experience.
4. Strong project management skills, including cost control, schedule management, regulatory processes, and program organization.
5. Excellent organizational abilities and strong written and verbal communication skills.
6. Strong customer relationship management skills.
7. Proficiency with MS Office, Microsoft Project, and general internet-based tools; experience with Oracle or other ERP systems is preferred.
8. Technical familiarity with the client's product lines is preferred (details available during interview process).
9. U.S. citizenship required due to government contract requirements.

Additional Information

This role requires eligibility for access to sensitive government information (NOFORN). Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship and cannot possess dual citizenship. Acceptable documentation includes a U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.

This description outlines the scope, responsibilities, and qualifications associated with the role but does not limit the ability of leadership to assign additional duties as necessary. Effective teamwork, customer service, and the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation are required.