Senior Program Manager

Senior Program Manager

Sparks Group has partnered with an innovative defense technology organization to identify a Senior Program Manager to lead the execution of complex production-based programs supporting Department of Defense customers. This position is responsible for overseeing programs throughout the full lifecycle—from contract award and development through production and sustainment—while ensuring successful execution across technical, financial, schedule, and contractual objectives.

This role is ideal for a proven program leader who excels in fast-paced, evolving environments and can establish structure, drive accountability, and deliver results across cross-functional teams. The position is based in Franklin, MA and requires approximately 10–20% travel to support customer meetings, program reviews, and business operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the successful execution of multiple Department of Defense production-based programs from contract award through production, delivery, and sustainment.
• Serve as the primary customer interface, maintaining strong relationships while ensuring contractual commitments, technical performance, schedule, cost, and quality objectives are achieved.
• Manage a portfolio of concurrent programs with annual values ranging from approximately $5M–$10M, balancing execution priorities while supporting future business growth.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive program execution plans, including Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), resource planning, budgets, and risk management strategies.
• Oversee program financial performance, including forecasting, Estimate at Completion (EAC), Estimate to Complete (ETC), revenue planning, profitability, and overall P&L responsibility.
• Lead customer meetings, executive program reviews, and internal status briefings, providing updates on program health, risks, opportunities, and mitigation plans.
• Establish program management processes, governance structures, and execution frameworks to drive consistency and operational excellence.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, contracts, finance, and operations to ensure successful program delivery.
• Identify and manage program risks, develop mitigation strategies, and proactively resolve issues impacting cost, schedule, or technical performance.
• Manage customer expectations while controlling program scope and ensuring contractual compliance.
• Support business development activities, proposal efforts, and new program pursuits while helping grow the organization's defense portfolio.
• Mentor program team members and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications/Background Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Business, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of program management, project management, or technical leadership experience supporting Department of Defense customers on production-based or hardware delivery programs; 12+ years of experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing complex defense programs across the full lifecycle, from contract award through production and sustainment.
• Experience managing technical execution, cost, schedule, risk, contractual performance, and customer relationships for multiple concurrent programs.
• Proven experience managing program financials, including budgeting, forecasting, P&L responsibility, Estimate at Completion (EAC), Estimate to Complete (ETC), and financial performance reporting.
• Hands-on experience developing and managing Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), resource-loaded schedules, and program execution plans.
• Strong leadership experience guiding cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, finance, contracts, and operations.
• Excellent customer relationship management skills with the ability to lead executive briefings, communicate program status, manage expectations, and control program scope.
• Demonstrated ability to establish structure, processes, and execution frameworks within fast-paced, evolving environments.
• Strong organizational, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to effectively prioritize multiple programs and competing priorities.
• Engineering or other technical background is helpful but not required; candidates must be able to quickly understand technical concepts and collaborate effectively with engineering teams.
• Experience with maritime, ground, sensor integration, or other defense hardware programs is preferred.
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), Agile methodologies, or hybrid program management approaches is a plus.
• PMP certification is preferred.
• Active U.S. Department of Defense security clearance is preferred; ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance is required.

Pay Range: Salary $140,000.00 to $190,000.00

We offer several comprehensive benefits package including health and life insurance, paid and unpaid time off, and retirement and savings plans to qualifying employees.

Sparks Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship, family status, genetic information, disability, or protect veteran status.