Sr Program Planning and Scheduling Manager

Sierra Nevada Corporation•Lone Tree, CO

6d•$173,261 - $238,233

About The Position

The Senior Program Planning and Scheduling Manager oversees the development, management, and optimization of integrated master plans and schedules for complex, strategic Aerospace and Defense programs. The role ensures coordination, risk management, and alignment with program objectives while improving planning and execution processes. It provides strategic direction, resolves high-level scheduling conflicts, and mentors planning and scheduling teams. The position supports SNC’s ISR, Aviation, and Security business area and its work on the U.S. Air Force’s Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. The SAOC team is modernizing and delivering the next-generation aircraft for airborne command, control, and communication during national emergencies. The role requires the ability to work in an office or hybrid environment, work at a computer for extended periods, and use hand and finger dexterity for computer tasks. Occasional travel for training or meetings may be required. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance, and U.S. citizenship is required for the clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; relevant experience may substitute for the degree, with at least 15 years of related experience required in the absence of a degree. A higher-level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
At least 11 years of program planning and scheduling experience, including at least 4 years in a leadership role.
Proven leadership abilities, including change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, holding people accountable, and conducting yearly reviews.
Advanced skills in Microsoft Project Professional or a similar scheduling tool and familiarity with Earned Value Management tools.
Experience developing and maintaining resource-loaded integrated master schedules, including detailed schedule analysis, health assessments, schedule risk assessments, and critical/driving path analysis.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for the clearance.
Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment and at a computer for extended periods, with hand and finger dexterity for computer tasks.
May require occasional travel for training or meetings.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience with project management tools such as Microsoft Project or similar scheduling toolsets.
In-depth knowledge of Earned Value Management principles and systems.
Comprehensive understanding of DCMA 14-point and IPMDAR DI_MGMT-81861.
Strong understanding of Mil Standard 881.
Experience with Earned Value Management Systems.
Advanced application of Critical Path Analysis and Schedule Risk Analysis.
Proficiency in Schedule Performance and Health Metric Analysis.
Strong knowledge of engineering design and life-cycle concepts.
Expertise assembling and building Integrated Master Schedules.
Deep understanding of event-based versus product-based schedules.
Proficiency in Integrated Master Plan and Integrated Master Schedule development.
Thorough understanding of Work Breakdown Structure development.
Experience with resource-loaded integrated master schedules, rolling wave planning, schedule analysis, health assessments, schedule risk assessments, and critical/driving path analysis.
Skill facilitating resource leveling, validating remaining work, identifying and resolving critical path conflicts, and analyzing the schedule impact of proposed changes.
Experience coaching, mentoring, and teaching team members.
Ability to work across multiple software systems and understand system relationships.
Ability to develop and conduct relevant stakeholder learning sessions.
Strong foundational understanding of program management processes.
Knowledge of DoD, government contracting, and/or public auditing policies, standards, and procedures.
Ability to support employee training, including onboarding, continuing education curriculum, and certification testing.
Experience coordinating and integrating enterprise-level Schedule Risk Assessments.
Ability to present high-level strategic reports and insights to executive leadership and key stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Oversee the preparation, development, and coordination of integrated master plans and schedules for highly complex and strategic programs.
Track and maintain project plans and schedules, ensuring horizontal and vertical integration across the enterprise.
Lead advanced risk analysis to identify, assess, and mitigate significant schedule risks.
Resolve critical path and network logic conflicts using techniques including Gantt, PERT, and milestone charts.
Evaluate schedule compliance across the organization and address underlying causes of major completion shortfalls through strategic interventions.
Prepare and present detailed schedule status reports and presentations to senior stakeholders and executive leadership, including strategic insights and recommendations.
Promote collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate, timely, and comprehensive scheduling data.
Develop and implement advanced scheduling practices and continuous improvement initiatives in support of program management.
Mentor and guide junior and intermediate analysts in advanced scheduling techniques and best practices.
Participate in strategic planning and decision-making, using scheduling expertise to influence organizational strategy and priorities.
Facilitate resource leveling, validate remaining work, resolve critical path conflicts, and analyze schedule impacts of proposed changes.
Coordinate, generate, and integrate Schedule Risk Assessments for enterprise-level projects.
Analyze schedule data to identify critical risks and opportunities.
Develop and conduct stakeholder learning sessions and support employee training, onboarding, continuing education, and certification testing.