Program Director (Lasers) REF1529F

Company Description

Elbit Systems of America is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, commercial aviation, and medical instrumentation markets. With facilities throughout the United States, Elbit Systems of America is dedicated to supporting those who contribute daily to the safety and security of the United States. Elbit Systems of America, LLC is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications. For additional information, visit: www.elbitsystems-us.com or follow us on Twitter.

Job Description

The Program Director I possesses strong leadership skills and has full responsibility for the company's planning and performance of major programs or small portfolios or programs throughout all phases of the program lifecycle. The Program Director I is responsible for the cost, schedule, quality, customer satisfaction and technical performance of programs and for using that successful execution to drive future growth by developing new business strategies. The Program Director I is responsible for a close customer relationship and leveraging open communication to identify and develop new customer solutions and products. This position will be required to forecast sales, new business, and gross profit on their programs, and to meet the strategic and operational goals of the business unit. The Program Director I will use Integrated Product Teams in achieving excellence in program execution through the use of Earned Value and other techniques.  Typically, this position manages multiple programs depending on complexity, impact and risk, and that combined value is over $50M, with programs containing development of a critical component based on established technologies, or requires developing plans with little precedence using experience and expert judgement.

Responsibilities & Tasks:

• Responsible for the Laser Business Segment and Product Center 
• Leads and inspires cross functional teams to achieve successful execution of programs that meet company financial targets. Holds self and team accountable for high performance standards and coaches the team to effectively manage changing priorities
• Builds, develops, and maintains close customer relationships, anticipates customer needs, creatively addresses customer issues, and continually pursues open communications to strategically expand the business. Assures customer satisfaction in terms of product performance, delivery, cost and quality
• Creates profitable strategic growth plans considering the potential range of applications for our technologies and capabilities, external market trends, and the development of solutions that give our customers strategic advantages
• Implements continuous improvement efforts by fostering an entrepreneurial and collaborative workforce, while still challenging the team. Implements a zero defect philosophy into all Integrated Product Teams. Acts as a steward for all company policies and best practices to achieve program quality goals
• Prepares robust forecasts of new business, sales, and gross profit for annual operating plans for assigned programs and statuses those plans at regular intervals
• Creates staffing plans, assesses resources, and new hiring needs. Selects, mentors, and develops subordinates.  Makes appropriate promotional, compensation/rewards and staffing decisions
• Plans and executes programs per contractual obligations, directly and/or indirectly managing the performance of multiple suppliers, affiliates, or peer organizations. Establishes and monitors adherence to master program plans and schedules
• Conducts effective program reviews to monitor program execution and variance analysis, risk assessment, and identification of opportunities for improvement
• Leads high level technical discussions, both internally and externally, to ensure all technical requirements are met, and that growth targets are achieved
• Oversees implementation and maintenance of Earned Value Management (EVM) Guidelines for effective program control across all programs. Uses organizational tools to accomplish accurate Estimates at Completion (EAC). Ensures Program Managers have robust cost and schedule baselines for all of their programs and projects with documented Basis of Estimates
• Closely collaborates with the Business Development team and assists in the preparation and implementation of strategic campaigns, capture strategies, and winning proposals. Influences the development of contract negotiation strategies with customers, suppliers, and affiliates to achieve financial objectives
• Accountable for initial program planning in