Program Manager I

Job Summary: The Program Manager I is an entry level program management position. Working under the supervision of a more senior program leader, the Program Manager I has responsibility for ensuring the planning and performance of assigned smaller projects or programs throughout all phases of the program lifecycle. The Program Manager I is responsible for the cost, schedule, quality, customer satisfaction, and technical performance of assigned projects and/or programs and for using that successful execution to drive future growth. The Program Manager I is responsible for effective customer communication, with minimal oversight from senior program leadership, to proactively respond to the customer, and gain customer trust by meeting commitments and quality standards. This position will be required to forecast sales, new business, and gross profit on their projects or programs, needed to meet the operational goals of the business unit. The Program Manager I will direct smaller program teams or Integrated Product Teams in achieving excellence in program execution and is familiar with Earned Value and/or other techniques to identify program issues and monitor program performance. Program/Portfolio value may vary depending on the mix of programs. 

Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Holds self and team accountable for high performance standards and is able to effectively manage changing priorities, with some oversight.
• Understands and effectively communicates project or program objectives to the team; understands how the program supports the strategic plans of the Company and Business Area.
• Leads the development of detailed project or program plans through the application of company Policies and Procedures and Program Management industry best practices.
• Leads assigned project teams in accordance with specific project or program plans
• With minimal oversight, prepares and interprets Risk and Opportunity analyses and financial reports to anticipate problems and take corrective action to prevent/mitigate problems, and plan for management reserves.
• Working with finance and Business Area leadership, prepares forecasts of new business, sales, and gross profit for annual operating plans for assigned projects or programs. Establishes project budgets and holds Control Account Managers responsible for adherence.
• Identifies continuous improvement opportunities to meet customer requirements by fostering an entrepreneurial and collaborative workforce.
• Builds, develops, and maintains close customer relationships, anticipates customer needs, creatively addresses customer issues, and continually pursues open communications.
• Assures customer satisfaction in terms of product performance, delivery, cost and contracted scope as the primary point of contact for the customer.
• Provides Business Area leadership and customer with necessary details of program performance, risk assessments, and identification of opportunities for improvement. Able to provide recommended solutions to solve problems.
• May be asked to coordinate with marketing personnel and assists in the preparation and implementation of marketing plans and proposals.
• Working with leadership, applies strategic thinking to anticipate challenges, align program objectives with organizational goals, and drive long-term value while balancing near-term priorities.
• Assists in the development of contract negotiation strategies with customers, suppliers, and affiliates to achieve financial objectives. Understands contractual obligations, communicates contractual requirements to stakeholders and ensures these obligations are met by proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
• Plans and executes programs per contractual obligations, directly and/or indirectly managing the performance of multiple suppliers, affiliates, or peer organizations.
• Conducts periodic internal and external program reviews to monitor program execution, keep management informed, and collect program performance feedback, risk assessment inputs, and identification of opportunities for improvement. Create, maintain and present Program Scorecards.
• In coordination with Operations and Engineering, ensures design for manufacturability efforts and smooth transition to production for development programs occur as part of the program plan.
• Supports technical discussions, both internally and externally, to ensure all technical requirements are met.
• Acts as a steward for all company policies and best practices to achieve specific program quality goals.
• Perform other job-related tasks as assigned by manager. 

Education, Experience, License, or Certification:

• Bachelor's degree is required
• 1-3 years of functional (using skill set) experience is required
• Entry level program management position.
• CAPM/PMP Certification or Equivalent is preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Exhibits ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information effectively.
• Ability to create and maintain constructive customers relationships.
• Ability to understand industry trends and our customers strategies, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Knowledge or experience in the applicable technical area or product line.
• Familiar with the five phases of the project management framework (Initiate, Plant, Execute, Monitor & Control, Close).
• Demonstrated ability to complete projects or programs on time, within scope and budget while delivering a quality product to the customer with a high level of satisfaction.
• Ability to guide team, with minimal oversight, to follow disciplined internal processes in alignment with industry standard tools and willing to hold other accountable.
• Basic understanding of Earned value management, Program Planning, Risk Management, and Requirements Management.
• General knowledge and understanding of program budgeting process.
• Experience with negotiations, collaborative problem solving, conflict management, meeting facilitating skills and applying tact and diplomacy with internal/external customers and foreign personnel.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office, products including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio, Outlook and Project applications.

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Here Are Some of the Great Benefits We Offer:

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
• Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
• Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
• Flexible Vacation & PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous Employee Referral Program
• Voluntary Benefits Available: Long-Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
• Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Twenty-Six Defense is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

*For Virginia-based positions only* In accordance with Virginia DOL requirements, the listed salary range reflects the anticipated base pay range for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, experience, education, certifications, business needs, internal equity, and geographic location. Compensation may vary in different locations based on market conditions and cost-of-labor considerations.

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