Director, Development Programs

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Director, Development Programs is responsible for the leadership and management of the overall execution of the business unit. The Director, Development Programs provides overall leadership, direction, and guidance to the operational activities of the organization focused on execution of the business, our contracts, and internal projects to achieve on-time delivery of compliant, high-quality products (hard and soft), and with the ultimate objective of achieving the company goals; short-term, annual, and long term.

The Director, Development Programs reports to the Kratos Division President and is responsible for leading and directing business unit Finance, Programs, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and HR functions. The Director will interface with the Division President and corporate business functions regularly (to include monthly Operations Reviews and Program Management Reviews), and will operate in a hands-on manner across the business unit to ensure its success. The Director is responsible for continuously promoting the company's (and Directors') vision and culture across the organization.

Key Characteristics:

Strong leader that the team will want to follow and support

Demonstrated drive and initiative to lead the team and drive sound business decisions that enable successful execution and growth.

Strategic thinking and effective application of strategies

Strong mentorship capability

Structured program management capability and ability to distribute this consistently among staff

Effective decision maker

Relationship builder (internal and external)

Program financial experience with DoD programs of $25M or more

Technical, cost, and schedule Program management experience (Development, Transition to Production, and ongoing Production)

Polished Public speaking ability

Substantial P&L experience ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The primary roles of the Director fall into the following five broad categories:

Drive the successful performance and delivery of the organization - lead and drive execution across the programs and products development/production including:

Supply chain, engineering, program management and manufacturing

Shape and develop the organization to support execution of the annual and longer-term company plans

Ensure proper structure in business areas and departments to achieve the company goals

Lead managers to evaluate and take actions that are consistent with your execution expectations

Mentor direct reports and other personnel in the organization

Challenge basic assumptions underlying each area's operations

Act as a sounding board for managers

Manage business unit's performance against AOP goals

Deliver on time and on budget

Advise the Division President on strategic operations development and key corporate planning issues that relate to and impact the operations of the company

Determine resource allocation among areas

Keep the Division President informed about business activities, performance, opportunities, and recommended courses of action

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Yes KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Required:

Extensive leadership capability in multi-tiered organizations

Deep understanding of Program Management, planning, and financial controls

Extensive capability in general business / personnel management and problem resolution

Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards

Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors

Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary

Ability to adhere to workplace rules

Ability to efficiently and effectively assess performance, set strategies aligned with the business, and to drive continuous improvements and solutions into the operations of the business

Ability to identify and analyze the key data, measurements, metrics, and other information to reach accurate / effective conclusions

Ability to think analytically and produce accurate analysis, while applying good judgment to conduct assigned responsibilities accurately and effectively

Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with senior leadership team to achieve business unit and company overall goals

Demonstrated use and understanding of Earned Value and other performance management methods

Maintain the highest level of ethical behavior and core values

Knowledge of defense contracting arena and operating requirements in that environment

Knowledge of and experience with both domestic and international defense contracts and practices

Knowledge of ITAR, FAR, DFAR regulations and government acquisition processes

Ability to motivate and maintain effective working relationships with staff and partners

Ability to develop operations strategy and goals in alignment with overall company objectives

Demonstrated success and leadership of program execution and operations

Demonstrated ability to partner with customers and senior leadership team resulting in high levels of performance and customer satisfaction

Solid presentation skills and the ability to communicate, influence, and gain commitment of stakeholders

Excellent knowledge of the customer organization and close personal relationships with key decision-makers

Supervisory and administrative skills including the ability to select, appraise, motivate, and develop subordinates and supporting staff

Ability to meet eligibility requirements for obtaining and maintaining at least a Top Secret clearance

Ability to make good judgement decisions to plan and accomplish goals

Ability to successfully work to reach company goals in an environment with a wide degree of creativity and latitude

Polished oral and written communication skills EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Bachelor's degree in related field

15+ years of progressive experience in the aerospace/defense industry with increasing responsibility in management positions with excellent contract performance and demonstrated employee management skills

Demonstrated responsibility for leading multi-disciplined teams on complex/large defense programs in a senior leadership role

Proficient in desktop computer applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Demonstrated accountability in a leadership role with ultimate profit and loss (P&L) responsibility

Demonstrated leadership of support organizations Preferred:

MBA or advanced technical degree preferred

Program Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Office and/or Manufacturing environments

Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time

Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10-key, phones)

May work extended hours or weekends

Standing, walking, lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs.

May work in non-temperature controlled environments TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

0-25% To customer sites and Kratos sites