Head of Programme Management

Program Manager
Category: Program/Project Management
Employment Type: Full Time
Bachelors degree or equivalent is required plus a minimum of 8 years relevant experience; Department of Defense SECRET security clearance is required at time of hire. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.General Dynamics Mission Systems has an immediate opening for a Program Manager to support Navy shipbuilding programs in Newport News, VA. This position is embedded within a portfolio of programs that deliver classified engineering tools, integration and test support, digital data collection systems, and AI-driven data analytics capabilities for submarine and aircraft carrier new construction. The Program Manager will lead cross-functional teams responsible for software development, cloud-hosted application delivery, and modernization initiatives that directly enhance fleet readiness. The position provides an opportunity to enhance the performance and profitability of an organization that supports some of our nations fundamental defense services. General Dynamics Mission Systems employees work closely with esteemed customers to develop solutions that allow them to carry out high-stakes national security missions. These behaviors will also serve as leading indicators of likely success (or difficulty), and will be used by your manager in evaluating your performance and growth as a leader, and will serve to build trust from your teams, your customer, and the organization. Take reasonable, managed risks
adapting project support into platform modernization life-cycle support
Coordinates with customer organizations to align program execution with customer requirements and priorities
Develops customer relationships and identifies new business opportunities within the Navy shipbuilding and modernization market, including program growth and transition opportunities
Uses proposal plans and strategies to lead teams in developing, defining, and implementing cohesive, integrated program/product, subcontractor, and material plans, and business plans that achieve overall current and long-term objectives of the program/product, business unit, and division
Oversees AI, machine learning, and data analytics initiatives that leverage engineering and test data to drive predictive insights and operational efficiencies for naval platforms
Identifies needed resources for projects, defines and assigns major program roles for engineering, technical and logistic support required to meet program milestones
Leads the establishment of and sets integrated WBS-based budget and schedule baselines including management reserve for programs/products that are complex in nature, high value, with a new customer, naval organization or in a new market area
Balances program risks and opportunities with executable strategies to meet technical requirements and budgets
Manages people who lead cross-functional program teams in matrix organization that are focused on the delivery of software-intensive and digital data collection and analysis systems, classified engineering tools, and cloud-hosted applications
Leads software development teams utilizing Agile methodologies (Scrum, SAFe) and DevSecOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines and iterative sprint-based delivery while meeting all cybersecurity accreditation requirements
Manages programs deployed on classified cloud infrastructure, including NAVSEA Cloud (GovCloud at IL6), ensuring compliance with cyber security Risk Management Framework accreditation requirements
Leads team to identify and quantify risks and opportunities and risk mitigation / opportunity capture activities
Decouples risk items from mainstream program to the greatest extent possible
Prepares and presents program/product status to leadership and external customers
Interfaces with customers on technical matters regarding program/products and provide complex problem solving solutions within program budgets
Follows processes and operational policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Recommends changes to policies and establishes procedures that affect immediate organization(s)
Very strong knowledge of submarine and aircraft carrier engineering tools and digital data collection systems, products and technologies including current and potential applications
Very strong knowledge of customer needs, particularly Navy submarine warfare tactical systems and aircraft carrier C5I and aviation systems new construction and modernization programs
Knowledge of the submarine and carrier new construction and modernization process, including familiarity with CWITT, SIIMO and CAITT workflows, engineering tools, associated test and evaluation procedures and inventory management methods
Understanding of Navy modernization programs and the role of software-intensive systems in supporting fleet readiness
Very strong verbal and written communication skills to articulate project plans and ideas
Familiarity with software development lifecycle management, DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipeline implementation and cyber security Risk Management Framework accreditation requirements
Familiarity with Agile methodologies (Scrum, SAFe, or similar frameworks) and their application to defense software programs
Familiarity with AI, machine learning, and data analytics concepts and their application to engineering data analysis and predictive insights
Knowledge of Navy Test and Evaluation (T&E) processes across submarines and aircraft carrier programs, including the role of government test teams, shipbuilders and Supervisor of Shipbuilding
Experience working with NIWC Atlantic, submarine and surface naval warfare centers or similar Navy systems commands in a program management or technical coordination capacity providing consultation to government leadership for strategic goal and objective planning, business development and capability implementation, systems engineering strategies, and/or complex problem solving solutions
Skilled in the development and implementation of product/program strategy and tactics
Ability to generate cohesive program plans under a structured methodology that aligns program objectives, resources, timelines, and evaluation metrics into an integrated and actionable blueprint
Must be able to establish and assure adherence to budgets, schedules, work plans, and performance requirements and articulate to the customer the specific, measurable and achievable objectives
Ability to track work accomplished to baseline plans and identify issues, track progress, and follow through on effective corrective actions based on data analysis and trends
Ability to understand and analyze program financial data
Ability to evaluate quality of work product across organization teams to ensure satisfaction of customer requirements and determine potential opportunity for system or process improvement
Very strong understanding of advanced risk and opportunity management techniques and ability to apply them to programs
Ability to lead others in team building, conflict resolution, motivation, leadership and advanced risk management
Outstanding relationship management and marketing skills
Needs ability to execute company policies that affect immediate operations and program growth
Ability to lead program in customer negotiations and negotiate win-win solutions
Requires weekly on-site interaction with government customers
Working knowledge of MS Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint
May be required to travel

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans