Program Director

Saab•East Syracuse, NY

15d•Hybrid

About The Position

Saab's Surveillance Systems division is seeking a dynamic, results-oriented Program Director. The Program Director could support either the Naval Segment or Ground & Air Segment. To be successful in this role, the Program Director must demonstrate expertise across a broad range of proposal expertise, development, production process, subcontract management, and Earned Value Management in a defense industry environment. Responsibilities will include but may not be limited to the following: Develop and manage product development priorities by coordinating with stakeholders, customers, programs, business development, engineering, operations, manufacturing, both internal and external. This will include a development of requirements and practical applications to ensure both ground and maritime environments. Provide overall leadership and accountability for assigned program portfolios, including cost, schedule, technical performance, customer satisfaction, and profitable growth. Establish and govern program strategy, budgets, execution plans, and performance metrics, ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer requirements, including effective use of EVM/EVMS for internal and external reporting. Lead complex, multidisciplinary programs spanning the design, development, manufacturing, integration, installation, deployment, modernization, and sustainment of ground-based or naval radar systems. Provide executive-level oversight of program execution, ensuring adherence to established processes and successful management of requirements, risk, integration, operational readiness, site acceptance, field deployment, regulatory considerations, and customer commitments. Lead cross-functional collaboration across engineering, operations, contracts, finance, quality, supply chain, construction/civil works, sales, product management, and other organizations to optimize resources and achieve portfolio objectives. Represent the organization with senior customers and stakeholders, supporting business and program activities across multiple time zones and traveling internationally as required. Effectively develop and manage relationships and cooperation with industry partners and customers. Ensure strategy alignment with execution across marketing campaigns. Set clear expectations and establish performance targets for the program/project team and deliver on those objectives. Effectively manage the financial performance of the assigned local operations. Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures. Interface with Contracts, Finance, CM, QA, ILS, and purchasing organizations across multiple Saab sites. Manage a multitude of support activities that may stem across multiple programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, management, engineering, information technology, or a related field.
10+ years of experience in program management, project management, operations, or a related discipline.
3+ years managing program/project managers or cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated experience implementing and managing EVMS for complex programs, including establishing performance measurement baselines (PMBs), monitoring cost and schedule performance, analyzing variances, and developing corrective action plans.
Ability to translate organizational strategy into executable programs, roadmaps, milestones, and measurable outcomes.
Strong experience working with executives, customers, vendors, and cross-functional leaders.
Experience managing budgets, staffing, resource allocation, and program priorities.
Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and dependencies.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and executive-level communication skills.
Familiarity with project/program management methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches, along with tools such as Jira, MS Project, or similar.
Experience establishing KPIs, tracking program health, and reporting progress to senior leadership.
Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.
Ability to travel up to 25%, both international and domestic.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage product development priorities by coordinating with stakeholders, customers, programs, business development, engineering, operations, manufacturing, both internal and external.
Provide overall leadership and accountability for assigned program portfolios, including cost, schedule, technical performance, customer satisfaction, and profitable growth.
Establish and govern program strategy, budgets, execution plans, and performance metrics, ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer requirements, including effective use of EVM/EVMS for internal and external reporting.
Lead complex, multidisciplinary programs spanning the design, development, manufacturing, integration, installation, deployment, modernization, and sustainment of ground-based or naval radar systems.
Provide executive-level oversight of program execution, ensuring adherence to established processes and successful management of requirements, risk, integration, operational readiness, site acceptance, field deployment, regulatory considerations, and customer commitments.
Lead cross-functional collaboration across engineering, operations, contracts, finance, quality, supply chain, construction/civil works, sales, product management, and other organizations to optimize resources and achieve portfolio objectives.
Represent the organization with senior customers and stakeholders, supporting business and program activities across multiple time zones and traveling internationally as required.
Effectively develop and manage relationships and cooperation with industry partners and customers.
Ensure strategy alignment with execution across marketing campaigns.
Set clear expectations and establish performance targets for the program/project team and deliver on those objectives.
Effectively manage the financial performance of the assigned local operations.
Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
Interface with Contracts, Finance, CM, QA, ILS, and purchasing organizations across multiple Saab sites.
Manage a multitude of support activities that may stem across multiple programs.