Program Manager I

Twenty-Six Defense • Mississippi Choctaw Reservation, MS

7d

About The Position

The Program Manager I is an entry-level program management role that works under the supervision of a more senior program leader. The position is responsible for planning and executing assigned smaller projects or programs throughout their lifecycle, with accountability for cost, schedule, quality, customer satisfaction, and technical performance. The Program Manager I communicates with customers with minimal oversight, builds trust by meeting commitments and quality standards, and uses successful execution to support future growth. The role also forecasts sales, new business, and gross profit for assigned projects or programs, and directs smaller program teams or Integrated Product Teams. Familiarity with Earned Value and other techniques for identifying program issues and monitoring performance is expected.

The Program Manager I leads project planning and execution, manages budgets and risks, monitors performance, and maintains customer relationships. The role works with Business Area leadership, finance, Operations, Engineering, suppliers, and other stakeholders to meet contractual obligations, achieve customer requirements, and support transitions to production. Program or portfolio value may vary depending on the mix of programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• 1–3 years of functional experience using the relevant skill set.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information effectively.
• Ability to create and maintain constructive customer relationships.
• Ability to understand industry trends and customers’ strategies, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Knowledge or experience in the applicable technical area or product line.
• Familiarity with the five phases of the project management framework: Initiate, Plan, Execute, Monitor & Control, and Close.
• Demonstrated ability to complete projects or programs on time, within scope and budget, while delivering quality products and high 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.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio, Outlook, and Project.

Nice To Haves

• CAPM, PMP, or equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

• Hold self and team accountable for high performance standards and manage changing priorities with some oversight.
• Communicate project or program objectives to the team and explain how the program 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 customer needs, address issues, and support open communication.
• Serve as the primary customer point of contact and ensure satisfaction with product performance, delivery, cost, and contracted scope.
• Provide Business Area leadership and customers with program performance details, risk assessments, improvement opportunities, and recommended solutions.
• Coordinate with marketing personnel as requested and assist with preparing and implementing marketing plans and proposals.
• Apply strategic thinking with leadership to anticipate challenges, align program objectives with organizational goals, and balance long-term value with near-term priorities.
• Assist in developing contract negotiation strategies with customers, suppliers, and affiliates; understand and communicate contractual obligations and proactively identify and mitigate risks.
• Plan and execute programs according to contractual obligations, directly or indirectly managing suppliers, affiliates, or peer organizations.
• Conduct internal and external program reviews, monitor execution, inform management, and gather performance feedback, risk inputs, and improvement opportunities; create, maintain, and present Program Scorecards.
• Coordinate with Operations and Engineering to incorporate design for manufacturability and smooth transitions to production into development program plans.
• Support internal and external technical discussions to ensure technical requirements are met.
• Promote company policies and best practices to achieve program quality goals.
• 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 and additional life and AD&D insurance options.
• Flexible vacation and paid time off.
• 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