Sr. Director, Program Management

AeroVironment•Simi Valley, CA

6d•$187,000 - $299,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director, Program Management is a recognized Program and Project Management leader and has successfully led complex development programs. As a recognized Program Management expert, provides leadership direction with proposal development, contract negotiation and contract compliance, which may include assisting with plans, specifications and financial terms of various government and/or commercial contracts. Actively participates in business development initiatives. Ensures master plans and schedules are followed, developing solutions to program challenges, and directing others for successful completion of project on time and on budget. Directs people who lead cross-functional program/project teams that are focused on the design and delivery of Loitering Munition Systems (LMS). Supports peers in the definition and leading of the company’s Project/Program Management tools.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering/Computer Science or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
Minimum of 15+ years of relevant program management experience with at least 3 years in a people leadership role
Minimum of 8+ years in direct management of Program/Project Managers
Significant experience leading a major function or product area
Experienced successfully planning large, complex programs (5 or more concurrent projects)
Significant experience in controls planning, staffing, budgeting, managing multiple priorities and recommending and implementing change
Expert ability to interact with peers/leaders and managers across functions to identify and resolve issues
Expert ability to leverage talent across the organization and across functions to achieve predictable Program/Project results
Expert ability to utilize leadership and negotiation skills to influence outcomes both within and outside of department area
Design — Expert knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in development of technical plans, schematics, drawings, and models.
Mathematics — Expert knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources

Nice To Haves

MS Engineering/MBA is preferred
Ability to clarify the functional or product strategy and long-term goals for others; implements strategy with some autonomy
Ability to use vision to think beyond the immediate situation, explores multiple potential paths, and adapts decision-making style based on the situational circumstances
Ability to inspire, motivate and empower people to deliver organizational goals, while also delivering value back to employees
Ability to manage project outcomes by providing feedback & support in a sensitive and clear manner
Ability to bring organizational values to life using personality, uniqueness and the creation of a shared vision; ensuring individuals and teams are working in a manner consistent with organizational values
Ability to champion the process of change and promote a culture of quick adaptation while helping others deal with the effects of change and leveraging change management best practices
Ability to assess the degree of risk and opportunity in plans or actions and takes appropriate action to mitigate them or makes plans to build on the opportunity
Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products
Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company
Has strong interpersonal and communication skills; focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests

Responsibilities

Formulates and executes long-term master plans and schedules in the support of UAS design and development; leads in Continuous Improvement activities
Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the Program Management Office. Accountable for departmental objectives and deliverables
Typically will lead a team size of 5 to 8 Program/Project Managers
Develops, defines and executes project plans, schedules, budgets and deliverables
Identifies needed resources for projects; defines and assigns major project roles
Monitors the product/program/project from initiation through delivery, interfacing with both internal and external customers and field-based employees on technical matters, as needed.
Assigns and monitors work of project/program management staff, providing leadership, mentoring, and technical support and direction.
Consults or negotiates with clients to prepare project specifications
Prepares budgets, bids, or contracts
Leads the assessment of project feasibility by analyzing technology, resource needs, or market demand; recommends at-risk forecast based upon BD and Finance input to support operational execution to business plan
Leads the development and implementation of policies, standards, or procedures for Program Management, engineering and technical work
Reviews, recommends, or approves contracts or cost estimates
Directs recruitment, placement, and evaluation of project staff
Supports the development of other Project/Program Managers
Other duties as assigned