Program Manager

Position Purpose:

The Program Manager is responsible for the overall execution and delivery of assigned program(s), serving as the primary point of contact between the shipyard and the customer. This role leads cross-functional teams of direct hires and subcontractors through all phases of the program, including planning, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, construction, testing, initial operations, and contract close-out. Key responsibilities include developing and managing budgets and schedules, monitoring performance and risk, reporting progress, and implementing corrective actions to ensure objectives are met within contractual, budget, schedule, quality, and safety standards. The Program Manager ensures customer satisfaction and successful program turnover while meeting performance expectations.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Program Manager is responsible for:

Act as single point of contact for overall plan and execution for assigned program(s).

Develops overall program strategy and planning, contributes to prime contract and subcontractor/supplier strategies, and actively participates in all negotiations, including client deliverables and associated schedules.

Ensures scope, design basis and objectives are defined, best practices/lessons learned reviewed, detailed work plans, schedules, budgets, contract deliverables (CDRLS), and procedures are established, including Production Sequence.

Ensures all contractual commitments are met by monitoring compliance with specifications and terms, maintaining risk and trend programs, processing change orders and claims promptly, and implementing a change management system. Ensures that all Customer communications on the prime contract are documented.

Supervises the development of budgets, schedules, and reports against the approved baselines for scope, budget, schedule, contract terms and conditions, and program execution plan.

Conducts and leads program and customer meetings consistent to promote and facilitate communication and positive relationships, review progress/performance, discuss issues and facilitate problem resolution.

Provide coordination, guidance and direction to ensure that the work being performed enables successful and efficient execution with focus on milestone achievement.

Develops and maintains program resource forecasts and manages resources to ensure full utilization of all team members.

Develop and maintain performance metrics program progress with regard to schedule, budget, equipment, manpower, scope, requirements, risk, and quality.

Support validation of the work in progress is in accordance with the published schedule sequence and that the production schedules are reasonable and achievable.

Perform validation of status reporting against the actual work being performed to ensure accuracy of reporting functions required to support Earned Value Management processes and requirements.

Provide direction and support labor estimates, material estimates, and make/buy reviews, etc.

Develop, support, and price change orders for submittal to Customer.

Identify and mitigate program specific risks and identify and maximize program opportunities.

Ensure compliance with Quality procedures and documents

Monitor and validate use of rework and lessons learned processes and initiatives to maintain and promote continuous improvement

Collaborate with Supply Chain, Scheduling, Planning, Production, and Engineering to define subcontract needs and resolve disputes.

Participate in risk assessment and develop mitigation strategies for subcontracted scopes to ensure alignment with program plan.

Support internal and external audits, including from DCAA, DCMA, or customer quality representatives.

Support executive briefings, meetings, tours and reporting as requested by Senior Leadership Team.

Qualifications / Skills / Experience

Bachelor's degree in a related technical or business field.

10+ years of experience in program or project management experience, and or cross functional acquisitional experience (Operations, Engineering, Finance and or Contracts) for new construction or repair within a shipbuilding environment.

Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) and cost control practices.

Experience with Microsoft 365 tools, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to read and interpret shipbuilding requirements, technical drawings, and specifications

Ability to work within tight timelines and multi-task various activities in an organized manner.

Ability to work with a diverse range of teams and people in multiple locations.

Preferred Qualifications

DOD or DHS experience within a shipbuilding environment

Familiarity with unmanned surface vessel construction, operation, and autonomous control and functionality.

PMP Certification