Program Director

SUMMARY 

Responsible for coordinating and managing execution aspects of one or more Strategic Projects/Programs from the point of Commitment to Pursue/Demo/Trial through Contract Award, Customer Negotiations, Program Kickoff and handoff to a dedicated Program Manager for customer contract execution.  Strategic Project/Programs will be defined by Executive Management and consist of targeted customers representing business opportunities with the potential to significantly grow the financial position of the company. 

Strategic program/project scope is typically related to customer relationship development, product demonstration and/or trials, engagement with TSA/ECAC/Other local regulatory agencies to achieve product/algorithm certifications, solution developments, product modifications and initial deliveries of products and services to customer specifications, statements of work (SOWs) and program schedules.  Success in the Strategic PM position is measured by successful trials or demonstrations of product performance, on-time delivery, product quality, customer satisfaction, contract awards, and long-term supportive business relationships.   

Position responsible for providing executive customer interface and strategic direction to internal cross-functional teams during trials or demonstrations on one or more large, complex projects/programs with significant contract/opportunity value.  Position reports directly to the Vice-President, Government & Customer Programs. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Works closely and collaboratively with Business Development and Corporate resources to support pursuit and capture of new business through application of program/project management skills during critical phases of product demo/trial, proposal creation and contract negotiation.  
• Reviews and assimilates all relevant customer documentation, including contract terms and conditions, standing order agreements, product requirements specifications, statements of work, program schedules, contract data requirement lists, and applicable reference documents.  
• Synthesizes customer requirements with organizational capabilities and capacity to develop and maintain a preliminary project/ program management plan and risk management plan, in preparation for final contract project/program planning, execution, and risk management. 
• With support from Executive Management, negotiates initial/proposed changes to contract scope, schedule, prices, terms and conditions with customer contract personnel to ensure program plans are executable to program schedules and budgets.     
• Defines and directs program functional elements such as engineering, finance, planning, procurement, manufacturing, quality, service, information technology, human resources, and other program support functions.  Reviews and advises on functional objectives, plans and implementation results in support of the program. 
• Coordinates with cross-functional leaders to ensure program team receives clear direction to enable successful execution of all aspects of the program management plan. 
• Oversees, assesses, and directs performance of company and/or subcontractor Installation Teams to ensure accurate and timely execution airport installation projects.  Manages distributor/customer/end user stakeholder relationships from contract signature through product deliveries, installations, and airport “Go-Live,” through field support to end-of-life. 
• Establishes and monitors adherence to master project/program plans and schedules; prepares and issues operational and program directives, as required.  Leads program decision-making process and brings closure to open issues.  
• Provides for frequent, effective, periodic, and ad hoc communications with program team, distributor/customer/end user stakeholders, major subcontractors and executive management which meet or exceed customer/stakeholder expectations.  Communications include but are not limited to program plans, strategies and tactics, accomplishments and challenges, action registers, upcoming events, periodic customer and internal status reports, customer and internal program management reviews, program financials, risk mitigations and opportunity capture strategies. 

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE: 

Bachelor’s degree required, with minimum of ten (10) years of related program or deployment management experience demonstrating successful program execution, customer/end user satisfaction and financial outcomes.  Must possess the knowledge, intelligence, poise, business acumen and breadth of experience to work effectively with executive management, customers, end users, regulators, internal cross-functional teams, partners, and suppliers.  

 

COMPETENCIES 

• Strong leadership and analytical skills to assess situations