VP of Programs

Redwire Defense Tech•Huntsville, AL

16d•$215,000 - $315,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice President of Programs provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the organization’s global unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program portfolio. This role oversees domestic and international program execution, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, customer requirements, and regulatory frameworks. The VP of Programs is responsible for driving program excellence, scaling operational performance, and ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery across all programs. This includes leadership of Senior Directors and program teams, with accountability for program outcomes, financial performance, and organizational capability development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
15+ years of progressive experience in program management within aerospace and defense, including significant executive leadership experience.
Proven experience leading large, complex, multi-site or international program portfolios.
Demonstrated success overseeing UAS/UAV or similar advanced technology programs across both development and production environments.
Strong understanding of global regulatory frameworks (e.g., FAA, DoD, ITAR/EAR, and international equivalents).
Experience managing P&L or significant program budgets and delivering financial performance.
Exceptional leadership capability with a track record of building and scaling high-performing teams.
Executive-level communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience interfacing with customers and government entities.
Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Strategic decision-making

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree

Responsibilities

Define and execute the global program strategy for UAS/UAV initiatives, ensuring alignment with company objectives, growth strategy, and customer priorities.
Oversee the full portfolio of programs across regions (e.g., North America, Europe, Asia, and Middle East), ensuring consistency, scalability, and operational excellence.
Partner with executive leadership to translate business strategy into program execution plans and investment priorities.
Lead, develop, and mentor Senior Directors of Programs and broader program management teams across regions.
Establish organizational structure, processes, and governance to support scalable program execution and growth.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Ensure successful execution of programs across the full lifecycle, including cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction.
Drive standardization of program management practices, tools, and reporting across all regions.
Establish and monitor enterprise-level KPIs and dashboards to assess program health and inform executive decision-making.
Further develop, refine, and mature company processes to ensure successful execution of program requirements and customer support.
Own global program financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, margin management, and resource allocation.
Identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency, profitability, and operational effectiveness across the program portfolio.
Ensure appropriate resource planning and capacity management to meet program demands.
Collaborate with engineering, operations, supply chain, compliance, and business development leaders to ensure integrated program execution.
Serve as a key executive interface with customers, including government agencies, defense partners, and international stakeholders.
Support business development efforts, including capture strategy, proposal development, and program transition to execution.
Oversee enterprise-level program risk management, ensuring identification, escalation, and mitigation of risks across regions.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including FAA, DoD, ITAR/EAR, and international equivalents.
Maintain audit readiness and adherence to contractual, legal, and governance requirements.
Provide regular updates to executive leadership on program portfolio performance, risks, opportunities, and strategic priorities.
Present program strategy, performance metrics, and operational insights to internal and external stakeholders.