Program Manager

MDA; Halifax; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense contracting firm is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead a Submarine Training Program in Halifax. The role involves negotiating contracts, managing project teams, and ensuring program success. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and over 5 years of related experience, alongside strong leadership and negotiation skills. A SECRET security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in program/project management or leadership in submarine-related programs.
• Experience managing In-Service Support Contracts.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop bids and proposals with customer liaison and cost estimation.
• Negotiate key requirements and program objectives with customers.
• Guide and direct the program team while ensuring program visibility.
• Track and maintain detailed program schedules and progress.
• Assess costs-to-date and develop plans to meet objectives.

Skills

Program/project management experience

Leadership skills

Negotiation skills

Risk management

People skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics

Job description

Position Description

We are seeking dynamic, self-motivated candidates with good communication and people skills, and with a proven background in management to lead a Submarine Training Program which includes two projects; the Submarine Command Team Trainer (SCTT) and the Victoria Class Trainers (VCT) In-Service Support Contracts.

Responsibilities

• Develops bids and proposals, including Customer liaison, solution, cost estimation, and review.
• Negotiates, discusses, and reaches agreement with the Customer with respect to key requirements and objectives of the program, as well as funding, resources, and methods required. In many cases these will be in conflict, and the Program Manager must maintain a diplomatic and persuasive approach to maintain a balance between what can be achieved for the budget and schedule provided, while maintaining the interests of the Company.
• Provides guidance, direction, and decision-making to the program team. Maintains program visibility at the Customer level through regular technical, management, and progress meetings.
• Maintains detailed program schedules tracking program progress.
• Holds frequent and regular assessment of costs-to-date and estimates-to-complete and develops workaround plans, as required, to achieve cost and schedule objectives.
• Ensures staffing levels and competencies match program needs, and organizes and applies the required resources to manage the program in its entirety. This may require negotiation with line managers and other programs for conflicting resource requirements, which should always be done with the Company overall interests in mind.
• Develops a cadre of capable subcontractors and suppliers in conjunction with the supply chain that will ensure meeting supply requirements throughout the life of the program.
• Identifies and manages program risks and opportunities.
• Maintains hands-on control of the program through a process of regular program reviews, staff meetings, and the like.
• Maintains visibility of the program to senior management through monthly program reviews and briefings, as needed, on subjects of importance to the Company.

Requirements (experience/skills)

• Victoria Class Submarine Qualification
• Bachelors degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
• 5 years’ experience of program / project management or leadership in submarine related programs.
• Experience with In-Service Support Contract management.
• Experience with negotiations, risk management, contract management, subcontract management, financials, US ITAR regulations and Canadian Controlled Goods program
• Excellent people and leadership skills.

Comments/Special Considerations

The position is based in Halifax, NS and is expected to include some travel, however the normal daily required workplace is at the customer facility located at CFB Stadacona. Successful candidate(s) must be able to obtain and hold a SECRET security clearance, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program.