Program Manager

JAMES M. KAURA: **** Loganlinda Drive, Yorba Linda, CA 92886 *******@*********.*** 714-***-****

SUMMARY: Proud Veteran and Program Management Professional with over 27 years of Aerospace & Defense experience and an outstanding record in: P&L responsibility, effectively leading teams in matrix organizations, improving productivity, earned value management (EVMS), Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) development & execution, customer relationship management, working with Foreign Military Sales (FMS) & Foreign Military Financing (FMF) contracts, new design implementation, program management plan development & implementation, working closely with top management, customer needs identification, proposal response preparation, technical presentation delivery, complex contract negotiation, creative problem solving, working multiple projects at the same time, ensuring compliance with FARS, DFARS, & ITAR regulations, and influencing key decision makers. Always thinking, "What if we tried this

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Self Employed Vista, Culver City & Yorba Linda, CA May 2014 to Present

Co-Owner/CEO: Vark Brothers Custom Designs – Car/truck/motorcycle restorations and custom modifications.

Actor: IMDB page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7350804/?ref_=fn_al_nm_2

Writer, Stuntman and Uber Driver

Bal Seal Engineering, Inc. (BSE) Foothill Ranch, CA July 2011 to May 2014

Global Market Manager, Aerospace & Defense:

Negotiated contracts with Tier1 and Tier 2 Contractors for custom-engineered applications of BSE products and related technologies to the Aerospace and Defense Market. Determined customer requirements and matched them with product capabilities, resulting in repeat business and improved customer satisfaction. Directed full life cycle (coordination with Customer, Inside & Outside Sales, Engineering, Production, Quality, Configuration Management and Customer Service Departments) to ensure product/project success and on-time deliveries. Authored Statements of Work, Basis of Estimate documents, Deviations, Waivers and Non-Disclosure Agreements as required. Instrumental in the development of in-house testing equipment and procedures for low-friction seals typically used on gimbal systems. Award winning finalist in the annual BSE Imagineering competition for 2012 with a UAV application concept.

DHL Express Irvine, CA August 2010 to April 2011

Business Development Manager, Government & Defense:

Identified, pursued and acquired profitable business relationships with Defense Contractors, their customers, Military Branches and end users of their products or services to provide economical, reliable and rapid Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain Management solutions. Prospected and analyzed target groups to generate new business opportunities through market research, developing marketing initiatives and using a consultative sales approach. A contributing member of the sales force that won the award for Best Sales Region (Americas) within all of DHL Express.

L-3 Communications, Interstate Electronics Corporation (IEC) Anaheim, CA April 2009 to April 2010

Program Manager III, Navigation Systems:

Directed a cross-functional program team (Engineering, Finance, Procurement, Subcontracts, Manufacturing, Quality, and Configuration Management) for development and production of complex RF/Microwave based GPS receivers for guidance systems, communications, locators, and projectile weapons platforms on programs such as CALNS, JTRS, CSEL, Excalibur, NLOS, MGUE, and PGK. Focused on performance using Earned Value Management System (EVMS) procedures to increase profits. Established open working relationships and positive customer relations with Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and ARDEC to ensure follow-on business. Analyzed program milestones to determine work priorities resulting in on-time or early deliveries. Developed corrective action plans to help streamline corporate processes and improve company efficiency. Worked closely with PCB houses to ensure product was manufactured to print/specifications reducing non-conformance, rework, or returns.

Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing (CWCEC) San Diego, CA October 2008 to February 2009

Program Manager (Contract), VPX6-1952:

Directed elements of product design, staffing, cost limitations, schedules, procurement, suppliers/vendors, quality, logistics, testing, training and acceptance of products for Future Combat Systems (FCS). Established open working relationships and positive customer relations with Rockwell Collins and General Dynamics resulting in repeat business and improved customer satisfaction. Directed a cross-functional program team (Engineering, Finance, Procurement Subcontracts, Manufacturing, Quality and Configuration Management). Utilized Master Schedules to administer successful program execution, ensuring expenditures and labor results were within forecasted budgets. Headed up customer and management briefings to ensure efficient communication, reduce risk and instill confidence with the customer; reinforcing satisfaction and follow-on business.

Cubic Global Defense (CGD) San Diego, CA October 1996 to June 2008

Business Development Manager/Representative, Readiness Systems:

Identified, advocated and pursued business development opportunities/strategies related to the promotion and sale of various products/technologies, to industrial corporations, U.S. government, and foreign government agency customers. Developed and executed opportunity specific capture plans and strategies through research and documentation to ensure best win strategy ensuring ongoing business of product lines on several multi-million dollar contracts. Developed and implemented business area expansion plans, strategies and advertising plans to ensure market penetration. Provided strategic input for new product offerings and cutting edge technological upgrades. Organized and supported marketing efforts for customer and media events around the world.

Deputy Program Manager, Readiness Systems:

While simultaneously acting as a Business Development Manager (BDM), negotiated contracts with industrial corporations, U.S. government and foreign government agency customers resulting in ongoing contracts valued from $100K to $10M. Determined customer requirements and matched them with product capabilities, resulting in repeat business and improved customer satisfaction. Directed a cross-functional Integrated Project Team (IPT) (Engineering, Finance, Procurement, Subcontracts, Manufacturing, Quality and Configuration Management) to ensure program success and increased productivity. Was instrumental in increasing profit margins on contracts by utilizing EVMS and other financial tools to monitor and measure expenditures and labor. Authored Risk Management Plans, Statements of Work, Basis of Estimate documents, Deviations, Waivers and Non-Disclosure Agreements as required.

Senior Lead R & D Technician & Project Engineer, Tactical Engagement Simulation Systems:

While simultaneously acting as a BDM, helped design, build and test precision training equipment. Utilized electrical, optical and mechanical design skills to ensure interface with military hardware. Analyzed system designs using customer technical requirements to estimate and reduce non-recurring engineering costs on proposals. Supported internal research and development efforts, prioritized team activities, supported production and testing schedule for greater efficiency. Directed modifications for system testing and technical procedures. Facilitated training for military units with the systems, creating greater visibility for Cubic and more efficient use of product for end-users.

United States Navy (USN) Locations Worldwide February 1987 to October 1996

Quality Assurance Representative, Shift Supervisor, Lead Avionics Technician: Grumman F-14 Tomcat A/B/D

EDUCATION, TECHNICAL TRAINING, AWARDS, AND NOTABLE SKILLS:

Bachelor of Science in Business Management (Emphasis on Marketing): University of Phoenix, 2006

Program, Project, & Risk Management Training: PMI/PMP, 2003 - 2005

Advanced Avionics, Electronics, Computers, Testing and Integrated Circuits: USN 1988-1993 (ASEET equivalent)

Two-time Navy Achievement Medal Recipient

Familiar with common PC software: Windows, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, Visio and AutoCAD

Acting Workshop for Film and Television: Director, Adam Marcus

MILES 2000 Technical Advisor on “Combat Missions” television series, produced by Mark Burnett

Private Pilot’s License: Single Engine, Land

Conversational French: Ability to read, write and speak

VOLUNTEER WORK AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:

Sunday School Teacher, 5th and 6th Grade Calvary Chapel East Anaheim April 2015 to Present Vacation Bible School/Talent Camp Volunteer Calvary Chapel East Anaheim July 2014 to Present Lighting & Effects Technician Messiah Fine Arts Ministry August 2014

Lighting Technician Center Stage Theater June 2014

Mentor/Teacher, New Beginnings: Dad’s Group Obria Medical Clinics April 2011 to January 2014

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