Director, Program Management

CesiumAstro•Huntsville, AL

19d

About The Position

CesiumAstro is seeking a Director, Program Management for its Skylark product line, which designs, builds, and tests active phased array antennas for terrestrial and airborne applications. The role leads execution of complex programs and strategic portfolios that support long-term business objectives and customer commitments. It oversees program execution, portfolio performance, customer relationships, and cross-functional program management, ensuring delivery meets contractual requirements, financial objectives, and organizational priorities. The Director partners with Executive, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Product Management, Business Development, and customers to strengthen execution, improve operational performance, and support sustainable growth. The position calls for strategic program management leadership and expertise in program execution, portfolio management, customer engagement, risk management, and organizational leadership in a dynamic, high-growth environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Program Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field with 11–15 years of related experience; master's degree with 9–12 years; or PhD with 7–10 years. Related experience may be in program management, project management, engineering, manufacturing, operations, or a related discipline.
At least 5 years of leadership or management experience leading program management organizations, strategic programs, or cross-functional teams.
Comprehensive knowledge of program management, portfolio management, customer relationship management, operational execution, and business leadership.
Expertise in program lifecycle management, financial management, contract execution, risk management, organizational leadership, and strategic planning.
Mastery of program management tools, ERP systems, business reporting applications, and portfolio performance metrics.
Ability to apply enterprise-wide thinking when aligning program portfolios, customer commitments, and business objectives.
Strong leadership and organizational skills, including the ability to lead complex portfolios, set departmental priorities, and develop high-performing teams.
Effective communication, executive influence, and relationship-building skills with internal functions, customers, and strategic partners.
Business fluency to balance customer commitments, program performance, operational priorities, and financial objectives.
Ability to lead enterprise program management initiatives that improve customer satisfaction, operational performance, portfolio execution, and sustainable growth.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, or equivalent platforms.
Experience with program and project management applications such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira, Primavera, or equivalent applications.
Experience with business intelligence and reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent applications.
Must meet U.S. Government Space Technology Export Regulations eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee, refugee (protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Responsibilities

Lead execution of complex program portfolios supporting strategic customers, major contracts, and long-term business objectives.
Establish portfolio priorities, governance frameworks, execution strategies, and performance objectives.
Assess program performance across cost, schedule, technical, quality, contractual, and customer satisfaction measures, and drive corrective actions as needed.
Support long-range program strategies aligned with organizational priorities and customer commitments.
Serve as the executive program interface for strategic customers and major contracts.
Build executive-level customer relationships that support successful execution and future business growth.
Partner with Business Development, Product Management, and Engineering on customer growth strategies, new business opportunities, and contract execution.
Provide program performance insights, customer feedback, and operational recommendations to inform strategic decisions.
Lead, coach, and develop Program Management professionals, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Establish staffing plans, allocate program resources, and prioritize organizational activities in support of customer commitments and business objectives.
Coordinate with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Product Management, and Business Development to execute programs across products, customers, and functions.
Guide executive program reviews, customer reviews, milestone assessments, risk reviews, and strategic decision-making.
Drive initiatives to strengthen program management processes, portfolio governance, operational execution, and organizational performance.
Evaluate program management methodologies, business processes, and operational workflows to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Develop program management standards, governance models, reporting frameworks, and operational best practices.
Promote accountability, customer focus, operational excellence, and continuous improvement throughout the Program Management organization.