ND DEFENSE LLC

Compensation

Full Description

Job Summary The Program Manager will serve as a key member of the Program Management Office (PMO), responsible for overseeing the successful execution of complex defense and commercial programs from inception through delivery. This role requires demonstrated expertise in Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), integrated program planning, and cross-functional leadership. The Program Manager will manage multiple concurrent programs of varying complexity, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, DoD standards, and customer requirements while maintaining cost, schedule, and performance objectives. Core Responsibilities Program Planning & Execution • Lead comprehensive program planning and execution activities ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives, customer requirements, and DoD acquisition frameworks • Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and Integrated Master Plans (IMP) in compliance with EVMS standards and DI-MGMT-81650 data item requirements • Establish and manage program baselines including Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) and associated Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) • Execute program reviews including Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBR), Program Management Reviews (PMR), and Quarterly Business Reviews (QBR) Earned Value Management & Financial Controls • Implement and maintain EVMS processes in accordance with ANSI/EIA-748 guidelines and DoD standards • Analyze Cost Performance Index (CPI), Schedule Performance Index (SPI), and Estimate at Completion (EAC) metrics to forecast program health and identify variances • Prepare and deliver comprehensive program performance reports including Contract Performance Reports (CPR) and Integrated Program Management Reports (IPMR) • Manage program budgets for both fixed-price and cost-reimbursable contracts (CPFF, CPAF, T&M) ensuring proper cost allocation and variance analysis • Coordinate with finance and contracts teams to ensure accurate Estimate to Complete (ETC) and Estimate at Completion (EAC) projections Stakeholder Management & Communication • Serve as the primary interface between the company, government customers (including Program Executive Offices and Contracting Officers), and internal leadership • Lead customer engagement activities including program status briefings, technical interchange meetings, and milestone decision reviews • Facilitate Program Management Review (PMR) meetings with government stakeholders and executive leadership • Ensure timely submission of Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) deliverables and compliance with Data Item Descriptions (DIDs) Risk & Issue Management • Establish and maintain comprehensive risk management frameworks aligned with DoD Risk, Issue, and Opportunity (RIO) management practices • Identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate program risks to cost, schedule, technical performance, and business objectives • Develop and execute risk mitigation plans with clearly defined triggers, actions, and contingency reserves • Manage issue escalation processes and drive resolution through cross-functional problem-solving teams Cross-Functional Leadership & Integration • Lead and coordinate Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) comprising engineering, supply chain, operations, quality, and business development functions • Facilitate integration activities across design, manufacturing, test, and delivery phases • Coordinate with supply chain and procurement to ensure material readiness, long-lead procurement, and supplier performance management • Partner with engineering teams to manage technical baselines, requirements traceability, and configuration management Process Improvement & Operational Excellence • Champion continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodologies, value stream mapping, and process optimization techniques • Identify and implement process improvements within PMO operations to enhance efficiency, reduce cycle time, and eliminate waste • Develop and refine PMO standards, templates, and best practices for program execution • Contribute to PMO capability maturation and organizational project management maturity advancement Performance Management & Metrics • Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and program health metrics aligned with contractual requirements and organizational objectives • Monitor program performance against established baselines and implement corrective actions as necessary • Ensure program compliance with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and contractual specifications • Track staffing adequacy, resource utilization, and team performance to support program success Business Development Support • Support capture and proposal activities by providing program management expertise, basis of estimates, and schedule development • Participate in Should-Cost analysis and cost proposal development for new business opportunities • Contribute to lessons learned repositories and proposal win strategy development Required Qualifications Education • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Project Management, or related technical discipline • Master's degree preferred (MBA, MS Engineering Management, MS Program Management, or related field) Experience • 5-10 years of progressive program management experience in manufacturing or product development environments • Minimum 3-5 years of defense program management experience with demonstrable knowledge of: • Department of Defense acquisition lifecycle (DoD 5000 series) • Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements • Government contract types and structures • Military specifications and standards (MIL-STD) • Configuration management and technical data package requirements • Proven experience managing programs with EVMS requirements including: • EVMS implementation and surveillance • IBR preparation and execution • CPR/IPMR development and analysis • Variance analysis and corrective action planning • Experience managing programs valued at $5M+ with multiple concurrent initiatives • Demonstrated success managing both fixed-price and cost-reimbursable contracts • Experience working with government customers including DCMA, DCAA, and Program Executive Offices Certifications & Technical Competencies • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required • EVMS certification strongly preferred (e.g., EVP, CMBOK) • Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) preferred • Familiarity with DoD acquisition frameworks and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR/DFARS) • Active DoD Secret Security Clearance preferred; ability to obtain clearance required Technical Skills • Expert-level proficiency in program management tools: • Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or equivalent scheduling software • EVMS tools (Deltek Cobra, Acumen Fuse, or similar) • Risk management software (Active Risk Manager, @RISK, or equivalent) • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) • Experience with collaboration platforms (Teams, SharePoint, SharePoint Online) • Knowledge of ERP systems and their integration with program management processes Core Competencies • Strategic thinking and planning: Ability to align program objectives with organizational strategy and customer mission needs • Analytical and problem-solving excellence: Strong quantitative skills with ability to analyze complex data sets, identify trends, and develop data-driven solutions • Leadership and influence: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in matrix organizations without direct authority • Communication mastery: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to present complex information to diverse audiences including C-suite executives and government officials • Stakeholder management: Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders • Attention to detail: Meticulous approach to contract compliance, data accuracy, and deliverable quality • Adaptability and resilience: Ability to navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and maintain composure under pressure Compliance Requirements • Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR § 120.15) • Must successfully pass federal background investigation • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain DoD Secret Security Clearance (or higher) Preferred Qualifications • Prior military service or direct experience supporting military programs • Experience with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) compliance • Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Infor LN) • Experience with aerospace, automotive, or industrial manufacturing processes • Knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, or other quality management system standards • Scrum Master or Agile certification for hybrid program management approaches • Experience with digital transformation initiatives and Industry 4.0 technologies Physical Requirements & Working Conditions • Hybrid work environment requiring on-site presence 3-4 days per week • Ability to work extended hours during critical program phases and milestone events • Occasional travel to customer sites, supplier facilities, and corporate locations • Standard office environment with collaborative workspace configurations Equal Opportunity Employer, Disability/Veteran