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Senior Program Manager - Aviation

Smith's Group
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 12 Dec 2025

About the role

Company Description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

The Senior Program Manager for our Defense segment will oversee coordination, management, and execution of all program activities to include Civil Works scoping, management and execution, delivery of products and/or services, demonstration of customer specification performance and quality, scope management, cost management, scheduling, resourcing, risk management, and realization of revenue and profit during the entire lifecycle of a program or project.

Responsibilities:

  • Leads and is responsible for all contract requirement deliverables, to include all design, testing, installation and training elements of the program and/or order/project.
  • Works directly with Key Government Representatives and/or their Prime Contractor(s) to drive Program Compliance, Submittal of funding requests, billing, contract modifications, creation of White Papers.
  • Experience with development of a PM plan, defining scope, planning, developing cost and risk plans, procurement, manufacturing, performing QC, testing, delivering product according to customer defined schedule of deliveries, and working the program through final payment.
  • Develops and manages process for issues identification and resolution. Appropriately escalates unresolved issues in accordance with the Smiths governance model.
  • Conducts risk assessment of program deliverables based on impact and probability, and takes action to mediate risk. Appropriately escalates risks in accordance with governance model.
  • Monitors program readiness for achieving deliverables, and makes necessary adjustments to achieve deliverables are compliant, on time and within budget.
  • Assists Business Development, Sales and Product Development activities by conducting feasibility analyses of potential programs.
  • Analyzes and responds to Requests for Proposal (RFP), Requests for Quote (RFQ) and Requests for Information (RFI) in accordance with Smiths criteria for program acceptance and rejection.
  • Identifies business development and value added sales opportunities related to programs, supports product management efforts to manage the lifecycle of products and/or services including improvements, enhancement and obsolescence, and supports negotiations with customers.
  • Reports program status to all stakeholders, prepares and presents periodic status reports and monthly Program Management Reviews.
  • Benchmark program management approaches and developments with external customers and promote best practice with other Smiths colleagues.
  • Create effective business communication encompassing technical proposals for customer requirements, business briefings and presentations.
  • Training and coaching direct reports and other Smiths colleagues where appropriate.
  • Comply with all applicable U.S. export control and security regulations.
  • Complying with and promoting all relevant legal requirements & Smiths policies and procedures, including business ethics, data protection and health & safety.

Qualifications

Education/training:

  • BS or BA degree in related technology or business management.
  • PMP accreditation

    Experience:

    • 10+ years of program management experience
    • 5+ years of experience leading and managing a team
    • Experience working on U.S. Government contracts.
    • Experience managing a cross-functional team indirectly.
    • Experience in manufacturing and engineering environments.
    • Understanding of global business and US specific Government business.
    • Ability to implement, lead, and direct program team in use of company or industry standards for program management & related processes.
    • Experience in obtaining various permits, licenses, and certifications, for contract requirements.
    • Previous experience in hardware programs, ordering materials, delivery o

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    Company

    Smith's Group

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