Program Manager I

Twenty-Six Defense • Fort Worth, TX

1d

About The Position

The Program Manager I is an entry-level program management position that works under the supervision of a more senior program leader. The role plans and executes assigned smaller projects or programs throughout their lifecycle and is accountable for cost, schedule, quality, customer satisfaction, and technical performance. It uses successful execution to support future growth and communicates proactively with customers, with minimal oversight from senior program leadership.

The position forecasts sales, new business, and gross profit for assigned work to support business-unit operating goals. It directs smaller program teams or Integrated Product Teams, uses Earned Value and/or other techniques to identify issues and monitor performance, and supports program execution in coordination with customers, suppliers, affiliates, Operations, and Engineering. Program or portfolio value may vary depending on the mix of programs. Domestic and international travel may be required, and a passport may be needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 1–3 years of functional experience using the relevant skill set required.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information effectively.
• Ability to create and maintain constructive customer relationships.
• Ability to understand industry trends and customer and competitor strategies, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Familiarity with the five project-management phases: Initiate, Plan, Execute, Monitor & Control, and Close.
• Demonstrated ability to complete projects or programs on time and within scope and budget while delivering quality and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to guide a team, with minimal oversight, in following disciplined internal processes aligned with industry-standard tools, and to hold others accountable.
• Basic understanding of Earned Value Management, program planning, risk management, and requirements management.
• General knowledge and understanding of program budgeting.
• Experience with negotiations, collaborative problem solving, conflict management, meeting facilitation, and applying tact and diplomacy with internal and external customers and foreign personnel.
• Ability to manage program scope based on customer requirements, expectations, and deliverables such as proposals, contracts, and statements of work.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally, including preparing and leading program-management review presentations.
• Ability to lead a project team through influence.
• Ability to work independently with oversight and build and lead an Integrated Product Team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio, Outlook, and Project.

Nice To Haves

• 1–3 years of project-management experience preferred.
• CAPM®, PMP®, or equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Hold self and team accountable to high performance standards and manage changing priorities with some oversight.
• Communicate project or program objectives to the team and explain how the work supports Company and Business Area strategic plans.
• Lead development of detailed project or program plans using company policies, procedures, and program-management best practices.
• Lead assigned project teams in accordance with project or program plans.
• Prepare and interpret risk and opportunity analyses and financial reports, anticipate problems, take corrective action, and plan for management reserves.
• Work with Finance and Business Area leadership to forecast new business, sales, and gross profit for annual operating plans; establish project budgets and hold Control Account Managers accountable for adherence.
• Identify continuous-improvement opportunities that meet customer requirements and foster an entrepreneurial, collaborative workforce.
• Build and maintain customer relationships, anticipate needs, address issues, and pursue open communication.
• Serve as the primary customer point of contact and assure satisfaction regarding product performance, delivery, cost, and contracted scope.
• Provide Business Area leadership and customers with program-performance details, risk assessments, improvement opportunities, and recommended solutions.
• Assist with contract negotiation strategies involving customers, suppliers, and affiliates; understand contractual obligations, communicate requirements, and proactively identify and mitigate risks.
• Plan and execute programs according to contractual obligations, managing the performance of suppliers, affiliates, or peer organizations directly or indirectly.
• Conduct internal and external program reviews, keep management informed, gather performance feedback and risk inputs, identify improvement opportunities, and create, maintain, and present Program Scorecards.
• Coordinate with Operations and Engineering on design for manufacturability and the transition of development programs to production.
• Support internal and external technical discussions to ensure technical requirements are met.
• Perform other job-related tasks as assigned by the manager.

Benefits

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off.
• Competitive compensation and a 401(k) program.
• Medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts.
• Basic life insurance; additional life and AD&D insurance are available.
• Flexible vacation and PTO.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee referral program.
• Voluntary benefits, including long-term care, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Voluntary TRICARE supplement available for military retirees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level