Program Director

Thales • Arlington, TX

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar. Knowing what Thales does today, means asking where technology is taking us tomorrow. We are creating the waves of digital transformation that will cary our customers into the future. Where these transformations intersect and interfere is where the most interesting and innovative tomorrows are being built. Thales operates at the intersection of these technologies to find every tomorrow. Program Director Greater DC Area and or Greater Kansas Area (Hybrid) Position Summary Thales is looking for a Program Director , who will be responsible for supervising and managing a complex and critical US Federal Government program. This role carries overall responsibility for delivery activities and serves as the primary program interface and point of contact with the customer. In this position, you will leverage a strong background in program and project leadership to ensure successful execution, while acting as a self-motivated, critical thinker who drives results across all aspects of program delivery. Regulatory Compliance Requirements SUI Regulatory Compliance Requirements - Sensitive Unclassified Information.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, or other relevant area with 10+ years of program management experience, including 5+ years supporting large, complex US Federal Government programs and 5+ years managing teams delivering production and customer delivery programs.
• Proven ability to interact with senior management to present, explain, and adjust strategies based on input, and to manage appropriate responses to the US Federal Government on all program aspects.
• Deep understanding of US Government cost accounting practices (indirect and direct cost structuring), contract types, and their implications on bid strategy and program execution.
• Hands-on capability to develop proposal sections as needed, with extensive experience in matrix management, influencing through indirect leadership, and working in global, multi-national, and multicultural business environments.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to perform under pressure in dynamic environments with initiative, motivation, and sound logic to recommend solutions to a wide range of problems.
• A self-starter, team player, and moderator with a strong sense of rigor, able to foster collaboration while ensuring strategic thinking and disciplined program execution.
• Eligible for Public Trust Clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and experience with Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisitions Regulations (DFAR).

Responsibilities

• Manage interfaces with the US Federal Government Program Office to ensure all deliverables are met on time, within budget, and in compliance with Thales program management methodology and governance frameworks.
• Lead and motivate a high-performing cross-disciplinary team across multiple locations, providing direction, coaching, support, and delegation, while overseeing staffing levels, required skills, and future workload needs.
• Develop and control program schedules, Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), cost, scope, risk registers, and performance objectives to achieve approved financial and delivery baselines.
• Prepare and present clear, concise program review reports and status updates to senior management and customer representatives, including Estimate to Complete (ETC) reviews and progress reports.
• Identify, estimate, capture, and execute change orders and new program scope opportunities; manage risk and opportunity processes, including mitigation strategies, financial implications, and lessons learned.
• Implement effective processes, financial controls, and quality systems to deliver program commitments without overruns, while ensuring professional development of program staff through performance reviews and action plans.

Benefits

• Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following: Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period
• Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees