Program Manager

Job Summary:

Lead program execution of U.S. Live Training programs within a high-tempo defense training environment. This role manages cost, schedule, performance, and customer engagement across complex hardware- and software-enabled training systems. The ideal candidate brings strong Earned Value Management System (EVMS) proficiency, disciplined program execution skills, and the ability to drive cross-functional teams (engineering, supply chain, finance, quality, BD) toward program success. This PM will operate with autonomy, leadership presence, and a strong sense of accountability—ensuring delivery excellence while supporting organizational growth.

• Lead day-to-day execution of assigned live training programs, ensuring delivery of hardware, software, fielding, sustainment, and technical services.
• Manage baseline cost, schedule, and performance using EVMS best practices (EAC updates, variance analysis, work authorization, CAM coordination).
• Own development and maintenance of the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) in collaboration with planning.
• Run weekly internal program reviews and monthly customer program status meetings.
• Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, SOWs, CDRLs, and configuration control processes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact to U.S. DoD or international MOD customers.
• Manage expectations, provide timely communication, and build strong customer relationships.
• Coordinate closely with engineering leads, supply chain, manufacturing, QA, finance, operations, and fielding teams.
• Own program financial performance: revenue, GM%, cash, OI, and risk management.
• Conduct monthly EVMS reviews, including ACWP, BCWP, BCWS, cost/schedule variances, and mitigation planning.
• Partner with Finance on accurate EACs, funding burn rates, staffing profiles, and material forecasts.
• Identify, monitor, and mitigate program risks and opportunities; maintain risk registers with quantified impacts.
• Approve and monitor major purchase orders and subcontracts.
• Approve make/buy decisions.
• Support contract modifications, ROMs, proposals, and BOE development.
• Ensure accurate scope management, change control actions, and traceability to earned value baselines.
• Contribute to capture and proposal teams for recompetes and adjacent training opportunities.
• Provide direction and leadership to multidisciplinary project teams (Engineering, ILS, Field Technicians, Supply Chain).
• Resolve issues impacting technical performance, staffing, supply chain, and field deployment.
• Foster a culture of accountability, communication, and execution excellence.

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in Engineering or Business Operations or other related field, plus eight years of experience.
• PMP Certification desired.
• Strong background with Earned Value Management and prior P&L responsibility.
• Must be able to deal effectively with a wide variety of departmental issues.
• Must have strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Must communicate effectively, both verbally and in written form.
• Requires strong team building and multi-tasking skills.
• Must be a pro-active leader who is decisive and action-oriented.
• Domestic travel may be required.
• Experience with PEO-STRI preferred.