FEC- Program Management Director

Fairbanks Morse, LLC; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairbanks Morse Defense is seeking a Director of Program & Proposal Management to lead the PMO and Proposal Management teams, delivering programs on time, within budget, and with high quality. The role oversees strategic leadership, collaboration with Sales, and implementation of best practices across defense-related programs.

This position reports to the VP/GM and requires a strong track record in program management within defense or marine industries, with excellent leadership, communication,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years in program management, defense or marine industry.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholders.
• Knowledge of government contracting and compliance is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the PMO and Proposal Management teams to execute strategic programs.
• Plan, execute, and deliver proposals with basis-of-estimate supported by facts and justification.
• Oversee scope, budget, schedule, and quality across programs to meet contractual obligations.
• Drive collaboration between Sales and PMO to align proposals with goals and timelines.
• Establish and track KPIs (OTD, VOC, budget adherence, profitability) and report to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, standards, and contract requirements; mentor team members.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

PM tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What's your calling?

For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense, it's the rapid and effective support to the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We're one of the nation's leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard.

When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it's like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers

About Federal Equipment Company (FEC):

Federal Equipment Company has been a leading supplier of marine deck machinery and specialized weapons and material handling systems. The company, now part of Fairbanks Morse Defense, is rapidly growing.

Director, Program & Proposal Management

Reports To: VP/GM , F EC

The Director of Program & Proposal Management will be responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational direction, and oversight to the Program Management Office (PMO) and Proposal Management . This role will ensure that all programs and proposals are delivered on time, within budget, and with the highest quality, meeting customer and organizational expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Development

• Responsible for creating and driving a strategic vision for the PMO and Proposal Management
• Demonstrate strong leadership skills by mentoring and developing staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability across teams.

Program Planning and Execution

• Establish and Deliver proposals supported with sound Basis-of-Estimate that are driven with facts and justification.
• Lead and manage a team of Program and Proposal Managers to deliver high-quality results, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence in program delivery.
• Develop and implement best practices, processes, and tools to ensure effective and efficient program execution.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of all programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer requirements.
• Ensure programs effectively manage scope, budget, schedule, and quality to meet contractual obligations and customer satisfaction.

Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Establish and track KPIs to measure project success, including EAC (Estimate at Completion) accuracy, on-time delivery (OTD), customer satisfaction (VOC), budget adherence, and profit margins.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on program performance, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management

• Drive c ollaborat ion between the Sales and PMO team s to develop proposal plans, budgets, and schedules, ensuring accurate scope of work and alignment with profit and timeline objectives.
• Manage the transition from proposal to contract execution, ensuring clear communication of requirements to all functional teams.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, partners, and vendors.
• Partner with internal functional departments to ensure resource allocation, risk management, and problem resolution across programs.

Change Agent and Continuous Improvement

• Lead change management initiatives to improve organizational processes, ensuring alignment with overall company goals and customer requirements.
• Drive innovation by adopting and implementing advanced program management tools and methodologies to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.
• Act as a critical leader in driving continuous improvement and operational excellence within the PMO and Proposal Management team .

Soft Skills and Interpersonal Effectiveness

• Possess excellent interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build strong relationships across diverse teams and cultures.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment that encourages innovation, accountability, and mutual respect.

Compliance and Mentorship

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, standards, and contractual requirements.
• Mentor and develop Program and Proposal Managers and other team members, providing guidance and support for their professional growth.
• Mentor other team members, providing guidance and support for their professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in program management, with a proven track record of successfully leading complex programs in a defense or marine-related industry.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams to achieve objectives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on delivering results.
• Proficiency in program management tools and methodologies.
• Knowledge of government contracting and compliance requirements is a plus.