Principal Program Manager

Job Summary

Job Responsibilities

Responsible for leading the line of business (LOB) and / or Company (CO) program management function. This includes full life cycle management (development, production, and sustainment) of the LOB and/or CO. Ensures proper methods are followed to track program cost, schedules and performance across LOB and/or CO. Lead and or support bid and proposal activities. Responsibilities are conducted under the guidance of senior level management (Director of Programs, or LOB Lead).

Manage multiple programs with the daily execution of contract requirements to assure that cost, schedule and performance goals are met. Drive execution of programs for the integrated product development team (from kick-off through conclusion of program).  Provide interface, communication and coordination with internal and external customers on matters pertaining to existing contracts and bid and proposal activities. Formally identify, assess, monitor and mitigate risk throughout the program life cycle.

• Manage and direct the daily execution of multiple programs within contract requirements to assure that cost, schedules and performance goals are met


• Responsible for leading the line of business (LOB) and/or Company (CO) program management function. This includes full life cycle management (development, production, and sustainment) of the LOB and/or CO. 


• Ensures proper methods are followed to track program cost, schedules and performance across LOB and/or CO


• Track all program cost, schedules and performance against established program milestones; reporting the status to management stakeholders on a regular basis


• Develop and implement recovery plans for yellow and red programs (i.e. schedule, technical performance)


• May be required to ensure the overall execution of material on schedule and on budget for a business area


• May be required to collaborate on various tasks with various project teams


• May be required to various tasks/team/project/Engineering 


• Ensures program methodologies for the LOB and/or CO and the program management directives are followed


• Work closely with existing customers, and obtain feedback on the company’s performance


• Work closely with business development, marketing and sales to enhance the business portfolio

Job Responsibilities Part II

• Manage inventory effectively


• Manage internal research and development programs within LOB and/or CO


• Develop internal relationships with management stakeholders


• Manage Program Management development to include coaching, teaching, retaining, attracting, and mentoring


• Lead monthly program reviews for the Company or LOB 


• Conducts program reviews that identify root-cause and corrective action as well as continuous improvement and financial performance


• Work closely with Business Development to provide future opportunities for existing customers and solutions for new customers 


• Understand and develop methodologies that allow program managers to apply leading verses lagging indicators


• Develop processes for identifying, assessing, monitoring and mitigating risk throughout the program lifecycle


• May partner with various stakeholders on planning process and system improvements 


• Develop and understand cash flow management principles 


• Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization

Secondary Accountabilities

• Develop and understand principles of process improvement (i.e. Lean Six Sigma)


• May require 10+ year in the in DoD program and/or materials management and in production manufacturing operation utilizing MRP/ERP depending upon the job discipline


• May require knowledge of DoD FAR procurement regulations


• May require knowledge of MRP/ERP with a solid understanding of electro-mechanical assembly operations, bills of material, demand material planning, and the supply chain purchasing process

• 10+ years relevent experience.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain or Business degree may be preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience depending upon the job discipline
• Knowledge of program management tools and procedures
• Solid leadership and management skills 
• Experience throughout the program lifecycle from development through sustainment to include: proposal development, requirements decomposition, generation of system and subsystem statements of work and subcontracts, risk management, and continuous improvement efforts including implementation cost reduction and performance improvement efforts
• Experience with earned value cost accounting and reporting; experience with metrics for assessing and reporting program progress, productivity and variance analysis
• Experience in finance, contracting, export regulations, engineering, logistics, manufacturing and supply chain management
• Solid problem solving skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Experience with managing manpower planning, project reviews, scheduling and budget control
• Ability to manage aerospace/defense programs as a prime or subcontractor to a domestic or foreign military organization   
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Program Management certification preferred (i.e. PMP or DAU)