Associate Manager, Operations Program Manager

L3HHCM20 • VA

92d

About The Position

The Operations Program Manager (OPM) serves as the primary representative for Production Operations, responsible for meeting costs and schedule commitments to both the Program Office and external customers. As the main liaison between Operations and the Program Management Office (PMO), the OPM works closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance to coordinate production priorities and action plans. In partnership with other OPMs, this role helps resolve shop floor conflicts and ensures alignment across programs to achieve overall objectives. The OPM also serves as the Earned Value Management Control Account Manager (CAM), establishing and maintaining labor baselines, monitoring performance, and assessing risks and opportunities. This position is accountable for developing and executing manufacturing program plans and schedules to ensure the successful delivery of production milestones. By leading manufacturing support teams, the OPM drives problem resolution while balancing program goals, tradeoffs, and timelines. Additional responsibilities include supporting proposal efforts for new business and scope changes to existing programs, contributing to site capacity planning by providing forecasted work to the Master Scheduling Team, and collaborating to maintain production and test schedules for active projects. Beyond day-to-day execution, the OPM plays a critical role in driving process improvements, leading cross-functional teams to identify opportunities that enhance both cost and schedule performance. This position is part of the Agile Development Group, a division dedicated to developing disruptive, next-generation technologies with small-company agility and big-company expertise. The group’s focus areas include advanced Unmanned Air Systems (UAS/UAV), cutting-edge radar systems, next-generation weapon systems, and innovative RF sensor technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum 6 years prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree with a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering or related field, or equivalent experience (desired).
• Hands-on experience executing Earned Value Management (EVM), including creating and managing budgets for both operational and capital expenses.
• Manufacturing experience, ideally in shop operations; background in Operations Planning, Quality Assurance, and Continuous Improvement is also desirable.
• Prior experience deploying and applying Lean and Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods, particularly in composites, metals, and electronics.
• Proven ability to lead and manage small teams effectively.
• Familiarity with computer-based project management tools for resource planning, scheduling, and cost monitoring (preferred).
• Experience with technical writing, including work instructions and process documentation.
• Background in aviation or military systems manufacturing.
• Skilled in creating and delivering performance metrics and program reporting.
• Experience preparing Capital Equipment justifications and Basis of Estimates (BOEs).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic teams.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Experience with data analytics and visualization tools such as Power BI.
• Training or certification in Lean practices (e.g., 5S, Six Sigma).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Program Office and Operations for development, production, and spares/repairs activities, driving execution of the overall program plan and day-to-day results.
• Hold authority and accountability for the technical, cost, schedule, and risk/opportunity performance of all Operations scope on assigned programs.
• Apply earned value management principles as the Control Account Manager (CAM), responsible for managing and reporting on cost and schedule performance.
• Collaborate frequently with cross-functional partners—including Engineering, Quality, Contracts, Manufacturing, and the Program Office—to ensure effective planning and execution.
• Support program objectives by providing schedule inputs to the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and maintaining timely, disciplined change management processes.
• Monitor Rolling Action Item List (RAIL) performance, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and corrective actions or recovery plans are implemented effectively.
• Plan and coordinate activities to support verification, validation, and implementation of new processes and product improvements.
• Participate in multidisciplinary program reviews and presentations across development, certification, and production readiness phases with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure Manufacturing and Production Readiness Reviews are conducted for assigned programs, as applicable.
• Facilitate Operations, Manufacturing, and Quality participation in design development to proactively address manufacturability, testability, and inspectability considerations.
• Support organizational goals by contributing to the development and implementation of operating philosophies and business strategies.
• Develop, implement, and sustain success metrics while driving continuous improvement initiatives, cost savings, and Lean practices.
• Manage performance and key deliverables effectively within a matrixed organization.
• Travel up to 10% may be required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees