Senior Program Manager

The Senior Program Manager serves as the primary customer interface and point of contact accountable for ensuring programs meet cost, schedule, and performance requirements. This role provides guidance and solutions to program teams in ways that promote PDA’s culture, oversees the progress of program operations, and leads staff across multiple disciplines to deliver results in a timely manner. The Senior Program Manager also develops efficient strategies and tactics directed at growing the business.

·       Direct and coordinate program activities, leading and motivating teams to complete assigned work on time, to specification, and with accuracy and efficiency.

·       Address customer questions, concerns, and complaints throughout the program, and serve as an intake point for issues between scheduled reviews so that nothing affecting scope, schedule, cost, or deliverables is held until the next meeting.

·       Plan and manage program milestones, deadlines, and activities, including maintaining and updating the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and tracking deliverable status across functional groups.

·       Manage Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) due dates and submission tracking with a zero-miss standard.

·       Manage program budgets and cost accounts, control expenditures in accordance with budget allocations, develop Estimates at Completion (EAC), and prepare written explanations of cost variances (labor hours and dollars expended against authorized budgets).

·       Identify and manage program risks, issues, and opportunities; proactively flag schedule risks and develop mitigation plans.

·       Make resource allocation recommendations and flag staffing needs.

·       Review reports and records of program activities to track progress toward program objectives, adjust methodology as needed, and assess program performance periodically and at completion.

·       Schedule and facilitate meetings with agendas and defined goals; prepare meeting minutes, weekly status reports, and formal correspondence.

·       Participate in Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and technical reviews (e.g., System Requirements Review, Critical Design Review).

·       Mentor and develop less experienced Program and Project Managers, reviewing and correcting their work products (e.g., IMS updates, status reports, risk entries) before they are escalated further.

·       Perform other related duties as assigned.

·       Proven experience as a Program Manager, with a thorough understanding of program management techniques and methods.

·       Working knowledge of formal Risk, Issue, and Opportunity (RIO) management practices, including the distinction between risks (potential future events) and issues (events that have already occurred).

·       Familiarity with government contract management fundamentals, including Contract Work Breakdown Structure (CWBS) development and subcontract management practices.

·       Working knowledge of Configuration Management (CM) processes and Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) / Configuration Control Board (CCB) workflows.

·       Excellent knowledge of MS Office Suite; working knowledge of project management software (e.g., MS Project, Basecamp) is a strong advantage.

·       Experience with earned value management (EVM) or similar cost/schedule performance measurement systems is preferred.

·       Eligibility for and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret personnel security clearance is required; U.S. citizenship is required to support the clearance requirement.

·       Understanding of company goals and objectives

·       Strong written and oral communication skills

·       Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, external customers, and other stakeholders

·       Outstanding leadership and organizational skills, including demonstrated supervisory or coaching experience

·       Understanding of customer requirements

·       Willingness to self-develop and maintain additional skills required to perform position

·       Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Program Management, or Project Management.

·       Minimum of 4 years’ experience as a Program Manager.

·       Prior experience managing a task area, cost account, or sub-team under a senior Program Manager (i.e., prior experience functioning at a subordinate/deputy PM level) is strongly preferred.

·       Experience on a DoD or Navy hardware/engineering services contract preferred; familiarity with submarine combat systems, sonar systems, or similar NAVSEA programs is a plus.

·       Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation requirements.

·       Project Management Professional (PMP) certification desired but not required.

This role is performed in a professional office setting and may offer a hybrid work schedule based on department and business needs. Some roles may be required to be in office only. Standard business hours apply. Minimal travel may be required for meetings or company events. The position involves regular computer use, email communication, and interaction with internal and external stakeholders in both in-person and virtual settings. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and education. Employees may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

•          Medical, dental, and vision insurance

•          Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays

•          401(k) retirement plan with company contribution

•          Health Savings Account (HSA) with select health plans

•          Company paid life insurance

•          Short-term and long-term disability

•          Annual performance bonus