Director, Program Management

CesiumAstro•Huntsville, AL

10d

About The Position

CesiumAstro develops communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. Its Skylark product line focuses on the rapid design, build, and test of active phased array antennas for terrestrial and airborne applications, with programs ranging from large-scale ground terminals to commercial aircraft and helicopter connectivity solutions. The Director, Program Management leads execution of complex programs and strategic program portfolios in support of the company's long-term business objectives and customer commitments. The role oversees program execution, portfolio performance, customer relationships, and cross-functional program management, ensuring delivery in accordance with contractual requirements, financial objectives, and organizational priorities. The Director partners with executive leadership, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Product Management, Business Development, and customers to strengthen execution, improve operational performance, and support sustainable business growth.

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 Ph.D. with 7–10 years of related experience 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 program portfolios, establish 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 strengthen customer satisfaction, operational performance, portfolio execution, and sustainable business 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: be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee, or refugee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

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.
Evaluate program performance across cost, schedule, technical, quality, contractual, and customer satisfaction metrics, and drive corrective actions as needed.
Support development of long-range program strategies aligned with organizational priorities and customer commitments.
Serve as the executive program interface for strategic customers and major contracts.
Build and strengthen executive-level customer relationships to support program execution and future business growth.
Partner with Business Development, Product Management, and Engineering on customer growth strategies, new business opportunities, and contract execution.
Inform strategic decisions with program performance insights, customer feedback, and operational recommendations.
Lead, coach, and develop Program Management professionals, promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Establish staffing plans, allocate program resources, and prioritize organizational activities in support of customer commitments and business objectives.
Coordinate cross-functionally to ensure successful execution across multiple products, customers, and business 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 execution 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.