Senior Program Manager

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what’s happening now and shape what’s coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters—where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world. We are seeking an accomplished and highly experienced Senior Program Manager to lead the execution of a large-scale, multi-year intelligence, remote sensing, geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), and mission enablement program supporting a national-level customer. The Senior Program Manager will serve as the primary customer-facing executive responsible for overall program delivery, PMO governance, stakeholder engagement, operational readiness, risk management, workforce transition, and successful execution of a complex Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) enterprise. This individual will serve as the senior Vantor representative in-country and will provide leadership, direction, and oversight to all Vantor personnel assigned to the program, including program managers, GEOINT analysts, remote sensing specialists, ISR collection personnel, AI/ML experts, engineers, trainers, and operational advisors. The Senior Program Manager will be responsible for ensuring alignment between customer objectives, contractual requirements, and Vantor operational priorities while coordinating activities across multiple international stakeholders and technical environments. The ideal candidate combines world-class program leadership experience with a strong understanding of remote sensing, geospatial intelligence, intelligence operations, and large-scale organizational transformation initiatives. Working Conditions Position based in the GCC. May require periodic travel within the region. Ability to support mission requirements in a dynamic operational environment. Responsibilities Program Leadership Serve as the senior Vantor Program Manager and primary customer interface for all Project Custodian activities. Act as the principal liaison between customer leadership and Vantor executive leadership. Lead execution of a multi‑year strategic program involving ISR, GEOINT, remote sensing, intelligence analysis, training, technology integration, and operational support. Provide executive oversight of all Vantor program workstreams, subcontractors, vendors, and technical teams supporting the project. Establish and maintain trusted relationships with senior government, military, and executive stakeholders. Drive successful delivery of program objectives, milestones, and contractual requirements. Vantor Team Leadership Serve as the senior Vantor representative and leader for all in‑country program activities. Provide leadership, direction, mentorship, and performance management for all Vantor personnel assigned to the project. Build and maintain a high‑performing, mission‑focused team culture centered on accountability, operational excellence, collaboration, and customer success. Lead workforce planning, staffing, onboarding, retention, succession planning, and professional development activities for Vantor personnel. Coordinate and integrate activities across Vantor operational, technical, analytical, engineering, training, and support teams. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge transfer across the Vantor team. PMO Governance Establish and lead the Vantor Program Management Office (PMO). Develop and maintain: Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) Program Management Plan Risk Management Plan Quality Management Plan Communications Plan Resource Management Plan Implement governance processes, reporting frameworks, and executive dashboards. Conduct program reviews, status meetings, and executive briefings. Ensure effective change management and configuration management processes. Operational Integration Coordinate execution across intelligence operations, remote sensing, GEOINT, collection management, analytics, training, and technology deployment functions. Oversee transition from initial operational capability to full operational capability. Ensure synchronization across collection, processing, exploitation, dissemination, and training activities. Support implementation of advanced geospatial and intelligence systems. Remote Sensing & GEOINT Program Oversight Provide leadership and strategic direction for programs involving: Satellite imagery Remote sensing technologies GEOINT exploitation Geospatial analytics ISR operations AI/ML‑enabled intelligence capabilities Translate technical requirements into executable program plans. Interface effectively with Vantor technical SMEs and customer leadership regarding remote sensing and geospatial capabilities. Risk & Performance Management Identify and manage program risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation plans. Track performance metrics, operational readiness measures, and program KPIs. Lead corrective action planning when required. Ensure delivery quality, schedule adherence, and budget performance. Stakeholder Engagement Brief senior executives, military leaders, and government officials. Facilitate strategic planning sessions and governance boards. Manage customer expectations and maintain alignment across multiple stakeholder groups. Serve as escalation authority for program issues and decisions. Experience Minimum Qualifications: 15+ years of progressive program management experience leading large, complex programs. 10+ years managing multi-disciplinary teams in government, defense, intelligence, aerospace, geospatial, or technology sectors. Extensive experience leading international or overseas programs. Proven experience establishing and leading PMOs. Experience managing geographically dispersed and multicultural teams. Experience leading teams of 20+ personnel across multiple functional disciplines in a customer‑facing operational environment. Technical Background Strong understanding of: Remote sensing Satellite imagery Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) GIS technologies Intelligence analysis ISR operations Data analytics AI/ML‑enabled analytic systems Familiarity with the intelligence lifecycle and collection-to-analysis workflows. Leadership Exceptional executive communication and presentation skills. Demonstrated ability to engage with senior government and military leaders. Strong organizational transformation and change management experience. Proven ability to lead through ambiguity and manage competing priorities. Education Bachelor's degree in one of the following or related fields: Program Management Engineering Geospatial Intelligence Geography Remote Sensing GIS Intelligence Studies Defense Studies Data Science Computer Science Master's degree preferred. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting Ministry of Defense, Intelligence, ISR, GEOINT, or National Security organizations. Experience establishing operational intelligence centers, fusion centers, or geospatial operations centers. Experience with satellite tasking, collection management, or imagery exploitation programs. Prior military, intelligence community, or defense industry leadership experience. Experience working in the GCC or Middle East region. EEO Policy: Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr