Principal Program Manager

About the position

With a focus on customer satisfaction, the Principal Program Manager manages multiple new or ongoing key customer contracts which represent a higher level of complexity, technical requirements, and/or represent substantial current/future revenue. Leads cross functional teams to complete projects and provide deliverables within contractual requirements, while maintaining or exceeding budgeted financial performance. Identifies necessary materials and resources, develops, and drives project schedules, and actively works to resolve internal and external risks. May also be responsible for other, less complex programs or new product introductions which have the potential for expanding Coherent Aerospace & Defense business. Acts as the primary customer interface for all assigned programs. Leads the development and booking activities for potential follow-on or new contracts with assigned customers. May also be responsible for identifying, developing contacts, and booking new business within current markets.

Responsibilities

• In partnership with Engineering and Operations, determines necessary resources, materials and capacity for assigned programs.
• Develops outcome-driven Statements of Work, budgets and program schedules to meet contractual objectives, necessary milestones and desired financial performance.
• Proactively identifies areas of risk and takes appropriate action to mitigate these risks using risk management processes.
• Drives program schedules to ensure on time delivery.
• Works with Engineering and Operations to develop schedule recovery plans when necessary.
• Tracks program budgets on a regular basis.
• Provides monthly reports on program performance, including schedule, quality, and profitability.
• Maintains regular and professional contact with the customer throughout the life of the program.
• Ensures the customer is promptly informed of issues which may affect quality or delivery.
• Facilitates the partnering of Engineering and/or Operations with the customer to improve upon the design and manufacturability of the product.
• Leads all aspects of customer interchange meetings.
• Leads and mentors the Integrated Product Team and works collaboratively with Technical Managers.
• Effectively documents and maintains contract files with all communications.
• Monitors customer report cards for accuracy and addresses discrepancies.
• Mentors and guides other Program Managers.
• May act as an assigned Product Manager to formulate business plans.
• Partners with Sales and Engineering on RFQs for large programs.
• Assists in developing strategies for pricing and negotiations on key contracts.
• May lead proposal and negotiation efforts with key customers.
• Leverages customer relationships to obtain follow-on and new business.
• Utilizes knowledge of assigned customers' business and the marketplace.
• Conducts customer follow-up and relationship development.

Requirements

• BS degree in Business, Operations Management or technical field such as Engineering.
• Minimum of 9 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 7 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 4 years' experience; or equivalent experience.
• Able to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance.
• Current active US Security Clearance and Defense or Aerospace experience highly preferred.
• PMP Certification preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong communication skills and business acumen.
• Strong planning and leadership ability.
• Ability to persuade and motivate others.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to identify, negotiate and manage appropriate contract types.
• Thorough understanding of production and financial reporting/systems.
• Ability to train, coach and mentor other program managers.
• Advanced skills using Microsoft Project and other software tools.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
• Consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.