Program Manager, Government Programs

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS); Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

401K plan with company match

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Job summary

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is seeking a Global Government Program Manager in Houston to lead development, execution, and growth of ABS products and services for government clients. You will coordinate with internal departments and external stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes and compliance with contractual requirements.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field and 3+ years in the marine industry, with a preference for a master’s degree and credentials

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant discipline and at least 3 years in the marine industry.
• Master’s degree in Project Management, Engineering Management, MBA, or related field preferred.
• 2–5 years managing cross-functional projects and a solid understanding of ABS business model.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients on assigned programs.
• Lead day-to-day execution of all assigned projects or programs.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure transparency and customer satisfaction.
• Provide oversight to meet cost, schedule, performance, and contractual requirements.
• Prepare timely reports and manage program documentation from initiation to completion.
• Review and influence projects to ensure adherence to ABS quality requirements.
• Perform on-site client visits as necessary and manage contractual issues.

Skills

English fluency

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Budget management

Contract management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or relevant discipline

Master’s degree in Project Management or related discipline

Job description

Job Description

A Global Government Program Manager serves as the primary point of contact for the client and is responsible for leading the development, execution, and in-service growth of ABS products and services. The Global Government Program Manager provides program and contract focus, as well as timely appraisal to management, on work progress, schedule, budget, and technical problems, and recommends corrective actions to improve performance. Global Government Program Managers portfolio may include projects such as US Government projects (ITAR sensitive), International Government projects, key strategic commercial projects that support a government activity, as well as digital strategy focus areas such as the modernization of classification and cybersecurity. The Global Government Program Manager, work with internal stakeholders (ABS functional departments) in addition to external stakeholders (government agencies, shipbuilders, design agents, and operators) to ensure a successful outcome of assigned activities. Depending on business needs, this position could be assigned to several projects concurrently and may also be assigned to perform specific business development, client management, and contract management related functions to support ABS and the ABS Global Government Team.

Job Description

A Global Government Program Manager serves as the primary point of contact for the client and is responsible for leading the development, execution, and in-service growth of ABS products and services. The Global Government Program Manager provides program and contract focus, as well as timely appraisal to management, on work progress, schedule, budget, and technical problems, and recommends corrective actions to improve performance. Global Government Program Managers portfolio may include projects such as US Government projects (ITAR sensitive), International Government projects, key strategic commercial projects that support a government activity, as well as digital strategy focus areas such as the modernization of classification and cybersecurity. The Global Government Program Manager, work with internal stakeholders (ABS functional departments) in addition to external stakeholders (government agencies, shipbuilders, design agents, and operators) to ensure a successful outcome of assigned activities. Depending on business needs, this position could be assigned to several projects concurrently and may also be assigned to perform specific business development, client management, and contract management related functions to support ABS and the ABS Global Government Team.

What You Will Do

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients on assigned programs.
• Act as liaison between the client and all departments within ABS.
• Review bids and proposals to ensure they meet company policy and customer solicitation requirements.
• Lead the day-to-day execution of all assigned projects or programs.
• Collaborate with all internal functional departments to facilitate transparency across the program, ensure continued customer satisfaction, and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, standards, and contractual requirements.
• Execute the project or program by providing oversight to achieve cost, schedule, performance, and contractual requirements; ensuring adequate and timely resources are provided to execute the program successfully; identifying program issues and risks and implementing mitigation actions; maintaining prescribed financial controls; and ensuring continued customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Manage risks and issues and direct/take corrective measurements.
• Manage the program from contract/project award through completion.
• Participate in Program Management Reviews to communicate achievements, challenges, and measurement of progress to internal and external stakeholders as needed.
• Manage stakeholders’ communication and prepare communications and updates for management as needed.
• Prepare technically accurate and timely reports related to the project or program.
• Manage the main project documentation from project initiation through completion in accordance with the assigned program contractual requirements.
• Ensure that invoices are properly prepared in accordance with contractual terms and are issued to clients in a timely manner.
• Stay actively informed concerning technical, business and management developments affecting present and potential customers and communicate this information promptly to the appropriate managers.
• Prepare and submit time charge records, expense reports, and invoice approvals in a timely manner in accordance with company and contract procedures.
• Review and influence projects to assure projects are executed in accord company’s quality requirements.
• Performs on-site client visits as necessary.
• Influence company performance by providing direction to professional or technical staff on contractual matters.
• Identify contract issues and respond to a variety of complex inquiries while providing leadership in developing innovative solutions.

What You Will Need

Education and Experience

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant discipline and at least 3 years of experience in the marine industry or related industry
• Preferably a master’s degree in Project Management, Engineering Management, MBA, or other relevant disciplines.
• At least two (2) to five (5) years of industry experience with a significant understanding of the ABS business model and demonstrated experience in managing cross-functional projects preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to speak and write English fluently to conduct detailed business and technical communication at a professional level.
• Exceptional knowledge and handling of project management methodology and techniques.
• Ability to multitask and manage a portfolio of cross-functional programs and projects – work prioritization, planning, collaboration, and management.
• Proven track record of taking ownership and driving results.
• Demonstrated leadership with the ability to effectively lead and work with a variety of organizations, management, levels, cultures, and personalities.
• Realization of financial aspects of approved business plans and budgets pertaining to the program.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to investigate the details and interpret the impact of key business drivers. Superior problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent business judgment, including the ability to assess the reasonableness and likelihood of success of various business scenarios.
• Strong commitment to ethical business practices, in full accordance with ABS Operating Principles and Mission as well as corporate policies.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to speak well in a group and/or client-facing environments.
• Ability to develop a working knowledge of ABS Rules, Guides, statutory regulations, and related instructions, as well as the ABS Employee Safety policy.
• A significant understanding of the ABS business model and demonstrated experience in managing cross-functional projects.
• Working knowledge of the ABS Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Management System.

Country Requirements

For U.S. Government Programs, must be a U.S. citizen or ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliant. Preferred is to possess or the ability to obtain a security clearance for the program(s) being supported.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to a Portfolio Manager, Director, or Vice President.

About Us

We set out more than 160 years ago to promote the security of life and property at sea and preserve the natural environment. Today, we remain true to our mission and continue to support organizations facing a rapidly evolving seascape of challenging regulations and new technologies. Through it all, we are anchored by a vision and mission that help our clients find clarity in uncertain times. ABS is a global leader in marine and offshore classification and other innovative safety, quality, and environmental services. We’re at the forefront of supporting the global energy transition at sea, the application of remote and autonomous marine systems, cutting-edge technical solutions, and many more exciting advancements. Our commitment to safety, reliability, and efficiency is ever-present, guiding our clients to safer and more efficient operations.

About Our Benefits

ABS Bureau proudly offers a variety of industry-leading benefits designed to enhance the life and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include, but are not limited to, medical insurance (PPO and HD), dental and vision insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, disability leave programs, parental leave program, paid holidays, and paid vacation time. The Company provides an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) that offers support in personal wellness, including work-life services. ABS Bureau also offers a 401K plan with a generous company match, subject to plan requirements.

Equal Opportunity

ABS Bureau is committed to the equal employment opportunity of its employees and prohibits discrimination against any employee or qualified applicant based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status or veteran status, or other non-work-related characteristics that may be protected under the law of the Federal Government or specific state employment laws.

Notice

ABS and Affiliated Companies (ABS) will not pay a fee to any third-party agency without a valid ABS Master Service Agreement (MSA) authorized and signed by Human Resources. Any resume, CV, application, or other forms of candidate submission provided to any employee of ABS without a valid MSA on file will be considered property of ABS, and no fee will be paid.

Other

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job of the incumbent. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making a fair decision regarding the pay structure of the job. #ogjs