Subcontracts Program Manager

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 103,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense technology firm in Dartmouth, Canada is seeking a Subcontracts Program Manager. This role is responsible for leading the procurement and management of complex sonar subsystems. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in contract management, strong negotiation skills, and a Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline. The position offers a competitive salary range of $103,000-$143,000 CAD annually and comprehensive benefits, including medical coverage and a defined contribution pension plan.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Defined Contribution Pension Plan

Flexible time away

Access to a learning platform

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience with managing subcontracts or related contract and/or programmatic work.
• Experience in the Program Management and Contract Management discipline for major contracts.
• Ability to interact effectively with customers to influence and assure satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee procurement management of sonar subsystems.
• Develop relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Manage subcontractor cost, schedule, performance.

Skills

Managing subcontracts

Customer interaction

Technical issue resolution

Strong negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

Build bold. Deliver impact. Win together.

At General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, we’re not just engineering technology — we’re shaping the future of defence and security. Our teams design and deliver advanced, mission‑critical solutions that enhance national security, strengthen communities, and protect the people we serve.

If you’re looking for meaningful work that contributes to a safer, more secure world, you’ll find purpose here. Every day, your skills will directly impact programs that matter.

Job Description

The Air & Naval (A&N) Division delivers sophisticated, mission‑critical systems for air and maritime applications. Our team specializes in areas such as integrated sonar systems, acoustic signal processing, training and simulation environments, and data management platforms. We work closely with defense partners to deliver reliable, effective, and operationally relevant solutions.

We are hiring a Subcontracts Program Manager (SPM) to lead and oversee the procurement and management of complex sonar subsystems—such as sonobuoys, acoustic processors, transmit/receive arrays, hull‑mounted sonars, torpedo intercept sensors, handling systems, and operator interfaces. The SPM will lead teams to meet program requirements and address technical challenges while maintaining high‑level relationships with subcontractors.

The SPM, reporting to a Senior Subcontract Program Manager, will also play a vital role in both pre and post contract award phases.

Pre‑Contract Award Responsibilities

• Identify and develop relationships with qualified suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring technical capabilities align with program requirements.
• Support Request for Proposal (RFP) development, including evaluation criteria and project management requirements.
• Develop subcontract Statements of Work (SOW) aligned with Prime Contract obligations.
• Review bid responses for schedule, scope alignment, project management plans, and risk posture, with particular attention to technical feasibility.
• Support negotiations and supplier selection recommendations, balancing technical considerations with relationship management.

Post‑Contract Award Responsibilities

• Manage subcontractor cost, schedule, performance, scope, and risk, while leading engineering teams to resolve complex technical issues.
• Coordinate risk mitigation activities with Program Managers and technical leads.
• Monitor subcontract progress and present updates during internal reviews, highlighting technical and integration status.
• Ensure subcontract amendments remain aligned with Prime Contract requirements.
• Prepare estimates for subcontract project management effort and change impacts.
• Liaise with subcontractor Project Managers to resolve issues promptly and maintain delivery momentum, strengthening collaborative relationships and trust.
• Oversee recovery plans to ensure timely, cost‑effective delivery and readiness for system‑level integration, while providing technical guidance to subcontractor teams as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years experience with managing subcontracts or related contract and/or programmatic work
• Experience in the Program Management and Contract Management discipline for major contracts; including management of work, cost, schedule and performance elements of a program.
• Familiarity with project planning techniques and fiscal management
• Ability to interact effectively with customers to influence, negotiate, and assure a high level of satisfaction
• Ability to manage complex technical issues by working effectively with engineering teams, including the ability to analyze, evaluate, and challenge complex technical designs and issues
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline or equivalent experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of project management tools and methodologies as applicable to complex systems integration activities
• NATO Clearance is required for this role

Preferred Experience

• 7+ years experience with managing subcontracts or related contract and/or programmatic work
• Defence, naval or sonar experience
• Experience with medium programs or greater, valued in excess of $20M
• PMP

Additional Information

It is a requirement that General Dynamics Mission Systems-Canada be registered with the Canadian Controlled Goods program and that all of its workforce be security assessed. Successful applicants must meet all applicable security requirements, including but not limited to the ability to obtain and maintain a Canadian government security clearance.

Applicants may be required to meet additional security requirements in order to gain access to technical data, classified areas or information that is subject to international regulations.

You must be eligible to work in Canada.

What We Offer

The hiring range for this position is $103,000-$143,000 CAD annual.

Our goal is to provide a fair and competitive offer based on an assessment of internal equity and your qualifications, including:

• Relevant experience
• Technical and non-technical skills
• Education and certifications

Benefits

At General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, you can enjoy a competitive total rewards package including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your eligible dependents, from day one of employment at no cost to you.
  • Flexible benefit options available (including HCSA).
  • Emergency medical travel insurance.
  • 24/7 virtual health care services.
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) – counselling, life coaching, lifestyle change support, and financial planning.
• Onsite fitness facilities & employee resource groups.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP) with employer contributions after 3 months of service.
  • Access to financial advisors for investment advice and comprehensive financial planning.
  • Voluntary Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) accessible from day one.
• Flexible time away to rest and renew with vacation, holidays, vacation purchase plan and parental leaves (with top up options).
  • Sick leave and disability programs.
• Grow your career your way with free access to a learning platform offering a wide range of courses and resources.
  • Educational Assistance Program to support formal learning.
  • Self-directed mentoring opportunities.
  • Reimbursement for professional and industry‑related memberships and dues.
• Employee discounts on travel, home and auto insurance, as well as services and activities.
  • Free onsite parking.
  • Annual scholarship program for children of GD employees.
  • Employee social clubs and recreational activities.

Why join us?

Purposeful Innovation: You’ll work on innovations that genuinely make a difference. You’ll apply advanced thinking, design expertise, and practical problem‑solving to help equip military and allied forces with leading‑edge systems. You’ll be surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the defence sector, contributing to next‑generation technologies in an environment that celebrates creativity, new ideas, and modern solutions.

Connection: We believe people do their best work when they feel they belong, and their ideas can flourish. Different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking help us innovate and grow. Strong relationships with our teammates help us unite, overcome challenges, and deliver the world‑class quality we’re known for. Here, we are committed to inclusivity and ensures every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.

Challenging and Rewarding Career Pathways: Your career path matters to us. From mentorship and regular check‑ins with your leader to educational support, professional certifications, and continuous training, you’ll have the resources you need to thrive. We encourage internal mobility so you can explore different business areas, broaden your skillset, and expand your network. You’ll be working on high‑profile, impactful projects that challenge your skills, expand your expertise, and allow you to both learn from mentors and guide others along the way.

Accommodation

If you require accommodation during any stage of the application process, please contact Human Resources via [e-mail].

Closing Date

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.