Vice President of Program Operations and Maintenance

RHH202502

Vice President of Program Operations and Maintenance

Defense

THE COMPANY

Our client is a U.S. subsidiary of a publicly traded, leading global defense and security company. As a “prime” aerospace and defense company, their U.S. products and services are made for America. The company is currently experiencing rapid expansion in its locations across the U.S. By increasing domestic manufacturing capabilities, they are creating a stronger national defense, fostering local workforce development, creating high-quality jobs, and building deep connections to local communities.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Vice President of Program Operations and Maintenance will lead a major program in one of the company’s divisions. This role requires technical expertise, leadership skills, executive presence, and strategic thinking. The role offers advancement opportunities. Progression across levels requires the ability to execute identified knowledge, skills, and abilities in increasingly complex ways to meet increasingly complex project/program requirements with regard to cost, schedule, duration, headcount, resources, and subcontract management.

This position reports to the Division Vice President / General Manager, with three direct reports and 50+ matrixed reports. The program is in the early stages of development and will grow rapidly over the next several years.

JOB DEFINITION

The VP of Program Operations and Maintenance will oversee the company’s projects and programs’ cost, schedule, and technical performance. They will set up and execute comprehensive and integrated training, depot support, spares, maintenance, and repair programs for the division’s diverse portfolio. The successful candidate will lead across a matrixed organization and hire and manage key personnel to ensure successful program/project execution. They will also work closely with the larger company’s international personnel to perform a transfer of technology and other critical know-how.

SKILLS

The VP of Program Operations and Maintenance will oversee the program using their leadership ability, organizational skills, and knowledge of program/project management principles and concepts. They will be responsible for generating a positive financial return for the organization.

Program profit and loss (P&L) responsibility.
Develop and manage a program plan by coordinating with customers, programs, engineering, operations, manufacturing, and other internal and external stakeholders.
Develop and manage the program’s financials, including estimating and maintaining annual budgets, controlling costs, and communicating issues.
Set goals, strategies, and objectives to ensure smooth day-to-day operation.
Monitor projects/programs from development through production and delivery.
Responsible for communication across functional disciplines, resulting in successful project/program completion within a defined schedule and budget constraints.
Regularly report to senior leadership and maintain effective communication with the broader organization.
Work across geographically diverse infrastructure to deliver complex solutions.
Work closely with the customer to ensure alignment on program commitments, including regular briefings and program reviews.
Develop and fulfill a transfer of technology (ToT) program to include supply chain, logistics, training, engineering, and manufacturing elements.
Effectively develop and manage relationships and cooperate with key industry partners.
Effectively manage the financial performance of the assigned local operations.
Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
Interface with contracts, finance, configuration management, quality assurance, integrated logistics support, and purchasing organizations across multiple company sites.

Leadership and Management:

Hire, train, mentor, and grow the Program Management team.
Assign and monitor the work of technical personnel supporting a project/program by delivering cross-functional instruction.
Set clear expectations, establish performance targets for the program/project team, and deliver on those objectives.

BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE

Demonstrated success as a program leader, excellent interpersonal attributes, and strong communication skills.
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in program leadership, with a preferred focus on O&M.
Experience with large defense and/or aerospace complex platforms and customers is preferred.
A strong and relevant professional network is highly desired.
Must have experience with federal and/or defense contracting processes, including EVMS, ECP/RFV, FAR, OTAs, SAPs, CRADAs, WPP, etc.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent organization and time management skills, attention to detail while tracking multiple interdependent functions, and ability to follow up on action items and requests.
Must be self-motivated and enthusiastic, possess a strong work ethic, and constantly desire to learn.
Must hold or be able to obtain U.S. DoD SECRET security clearance; TS/SCI is a plus.
Ability to effectively multi-task and work well in a fast-paced environment.
Strong business acumen and effectiveness working well with all levels of people in the organization.
Experience working under an SSA for a Foreign Owned Controlled and Influenced (FOCI) organization is a plus.
Willingness to model positive behaviors and do what is needed to help make an effort to succeed.
Ability to travel 30% domestically and internationally.

Education:

A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related discipline is required. Master’s degree/MBA is preferred.

If you have these qualifications and are looking for a challenging career, please submit your Resume using the button below.

Todd Hohauser

CEO & Lead Consultant

Kate Scott

Director, Executive Recruitment