Director, Program Management

AeroVironment•Simi Valley, CA

3d•$163,000 - $261,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Program Management is responsible for leading a portfolio of complex domestic and international production programs, ensuring successful execution from proposal through delivery and sustainment. This role provides strategic oversight of Program and Project Managers accountable for program scheduling, pricing, technical performance, and contract execution. The Director drives program excellence by leading proposal strategy, supporting contract negotiations, ensuring regulatory and export compliance, and guiding the successful execution of government and commercial contracts. The position plays a key role in business target initiatives while ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer requirements. The Director leads cross-functional teams focused on the production and delivery of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), including occasional development-to-production transition efforts. Success in this role requires extensive Production Program Management experience, deep knowledge of export compliance requirements, strong business and operational acumen, and a proven ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing teams. Occasional domestic and international travel is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering/Computer Science or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Minimum of 7 – 10 years of directly related production and development program management experience
Minimum of 5 – 7 years' People management of Project and Program Managers
Experience leading a major function or product area
Controls planning, staffing, budgeting, managing multiple priorities and recommending and implementing change
Requires regular interactions with peers/leaders and managers across functions to identify and resolve issues
Leverages talent across the organization and across functions to achieve predictable Program/Project results.
Utilizes leadership and negotiation skills to influence outcomes both within and outside of department area.
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources
Occasionally may be required to travel within the Continental U.S and internationally.
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction.
Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree is preferred
Clarifies the functional or product strategy and long-term goals for others; implements strategy with some autonomy
Uses vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explores multiple potential paths, and adapts decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
Inspires, motivates and empowers people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees. Manages project outcomes by providing feedback & support in a sensitive and clear manner
Brings organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision; Ensures that individuals and teams are working in a manner consistent with organizational values
Champions the process of change and promotes a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change and leveraging change management best practices
Assesses the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity

Responsibilities

Formulates and executes long-term master revenue plans and schedules in support of UAS production and delivery.
Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the Program Management Office. Accountable for departmental objectives and deliverables
Typically, will lead a team size of 5 to 8 Program/Project Managers
Identifies needed resources for programs, defines and assigns major program roles
Monitors the product/program/project from initiation through delivery, interfacing with both internal and external customers and field-based employees on technical matters, as needed.
Assigns and monitors work of program management staff, providing leadership, mentoring, and technical support and direction.
Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare program statement of work (SOW)
Support the development and implementation of policies, standards, or procedures for Production Program Management, engineering and technical work
Review, recommend, or approve contracts or cost estimates
Other duties as assigned