Program Manager, Suburban Shield Program - GM Defense

General Motors•Warren, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

GM Defense is seeking an experienced and motivated Program Manager to primarily support the Suburban Shield armored vehicle program. This Level 8 Program Manager role is accountable for the Suburban Shield program, with a focus on supplier quality and on-time delivery. The Program Manager acts as the single point of ownership for cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction, leading a cross-functional team to achieve GM Defense business and customer objectives. The role requires strong planning, development, and analytical skills to support program leadership decisions, with a high degree of independent judgment, creativity, and organizational skills. Project and Program Management teams at GM Defense are responsible for developing and maintaining policies and procedures related to Global Program Management and the Product Execution Team (PET), ensuring consistent execution across programs and alignment with business objectives. The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, demonstrates problem-solving leadership with limited oversight, and has the stamina to support long hours.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
7+ years of launch, manufacturing, planning, program management, or related field, with demonstrated ownership of complex, multi-year programs.
Candidate must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).
Passion for developing customer-focused product solutions and delivering high-quality outcomes for defense customers.
Proven track record operating at a management level or equivalent scope, including: Leading cross-functional teams without direct authority
Making trade-off decisions that impact program financials, content, and timing
Presenting to and influencing senior leaders and/or external customers
High level of independent judgment and analytical ability to solve unique execution and business problems.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
Effective at dealing with ambiguity and change, maintaining effectiveness in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Strong leadership, initiative and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliverables.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science degree
MBA or equivalent degree
People leader experience (formal or informal team leadership roles).
Familiarity with the other functional teams: Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Accounting, Purchasing, and Supply Chain.
Strong leadership and initiative skills with a demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority.

Responsibilities

Serve as the overall owner for the Suburban Shield program’s business case, accountable for meeting or exceeding cost targets
Own the integrated program baseline (scope, schedule, cost, and risk) and approve changes, trade-offs, and mitigation plans to keep the program on track.
Represent the program in executive reviews (e.g., gate reviews, portfolio reviews), making clear recommendations and decisions on content, timing, and resource trade-offs
Act as the primary program interface with the government/customer program for Suburban Shield, including formal reviews, negotiations on scope and changes, and issue resolution.
Provide day-to-day leadership and coaching to Assistant Program Managers, Program Coordinators, and other matrixed team members; serve as a visible role model for GM Behaviors.
Manage and oversee current execution of the Suburban Shield contracts
Collaborate with the Business Creation and Product Development leads to ensure future Request for Proposal submissions (technical feasibility, timing, resources, etc) are executable upon contract award
Execute the awarded contracts, achieving customer requirements, exceeding expectations, and maximizing GM Defense profitability
Manage government and GM Defense program imperatives, including schedule, performance, cost, resources, risk assessment, and gap closure plans
Lead and manage the cross-functional Program Execution Team (PET) enabling all participants to contribute to their full potential
Set clear priorities, success metrics, and decision cadence for the PET; hold functional leaders accountable for commitments and deliverables.
Proactively identify and manage issues and risks through effective decision framing and drive for resolution
Communicate clearly through standalone presentations, team meetings, and one-on-one discussions with senior leaders and cross-functional teams
Develop materials for internal gate reviews and external Government/Customer leadership reviews
Integrate all supporting functional processes
Drive on-time completion of work
Develop high-performing teams by establishing behavioral norms and clear priorities
Handle a variety of non-recurring special assignments as directed by program leadership.
Drive discipline and adherence to program management processes, understanding where adaptation is required to support GM Defense Customers and process