Program Manager I

Twenty-Six Defense • Boca Raton, FL

10d

About The Position

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

The Program Manager I works with customers, company leadership, finance, operations, engineering, suppliers, affiliates, and internal teams to meet program objectives and contractual requirements. The role prepares and communicates program plans, budgets, forecasts, risk assessments, financial reports, and scorecards; supports technical discussions and contract negotiations; and helps ensure development programs transition smoothly to production. Other job-related duties may be assigned.

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 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 willingness to hold others accountable.
• Basic understanding of Earned Value Management, program planning, risk management, and requirements management.
• General knowledge and understanding of the program budgeting process.
• 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 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 the 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 issues, recommend corrective actions, 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 and foster an entrepreneurial and collaborative workforce to meet customer requirements.
• Build and maintain customer relationships, anticipate needs, address issues, and maintain open communication.
• Serve as the primary customer point of contact and help 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 needed and assist in preparing and implementing marketing plans and proposals.
• Work 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 to ensure obligations are met.
• Plan and execute programs in accordance with contractual obligations, directly or indirectly managing suppliers, affiliates, or peer organizations.
• Conduct periodic internal and external program reviews; monitor execution, inform management, gather performance feedback and risk inputs, identify improvement opportunities, and create, maintain, and present Program Scorecards.
• Coordinate with Operations and Engineering to incorporate design-for-manufacturability efforts and smooth production transitions into development program plans.
• Support internal and external technical discussions to ensure technical requirements are met.
• Promote company policies and best practices in support of 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 for military retirees.

What This Job Offers

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