Program Planning & OPS Manager V

General Atomics; Poway (CA); Hybrid; USD 158,000 - 277,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Relocation assistance available

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is seeking an experienced Program Planning & Operations Director to lead the planning, budgeting, scheduling, and coordination of operational activities across the organization.

In this role, you will translate business priorities into actionable plans, align resources to strategic objectives, and drive operational performance across complex programs and teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master's in business, finance, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Fifteen+ years of progressively responsible project or program administration experience.
• Nine+ years managing operations in an engineering or scientific environment.
• Experience in project planning, scheduling, progress monitoring, and performance reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of operational plans, budgets, and schedules.
• Direct and coordinate operational activities to achieve business, financial, customer, and organizational objectives.
• Translate strategic priorities into practical, measurable actions and implementation plans.
• Drive the development and continuous improvement of efficient, integrated operational processes and shared management services.
• Serve as a key liaison among program and project management, technical teams, and administrative service departments.
• Oversee the development and implementation of operating procedures aligned with strategic business and administrative objectives.
• Evaluate cost and service structures, productivity measures, and delivery methods to identify improvement opportunities and achieve performance targets.
• Establish mechanisms to monitor progress, identify risks, and resolve issues in partnership with program managers, project teams, and administrative functions.
• Develop and implement solutions that support budget, schedule, quality, customer, and company objectives.
• Assess complex operational issues, communicate recommendations to all levels of management, and facilitate effective decision‑making.
• Determine customer requirements and translate them into organizational plans and priorities.
• Lead the recruitment, retention, and development of management and professional talent needed to meet business objectives.
• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, company policies, and other requirements.
• Promote a safe work environment in accordance with established procedures and practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Presentation

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business/administration or related field

Equivalent experience

Job description

57325BR

Job Summary:

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

We are seeking an experienced Program Planning & Operations Director to lead the planning, budgeting, scheduling, and coordination of operational activities across the organization. In this role, you will translate business priorities into actionable plans, align resources to strategic objectives, and drive operational performance across complex programs and teams.

You will partner with program and project managers, technical teams, and administrative functions to address high-priority challenges and develop solutions that support cost, schedule, quality, customer, and business objectives. This position offers the opportunity to influence organizational strategy, improve integrated business processes, and lead through subordinate management. In this role, you will help shape how complex programs are planned and executed, improve the way teams work together, and directly influence the organization’s operational and financial performance. Your leadership will help ensure that resources, processes, and priorities remain aligned with customer needs and strategic business goals

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and execution of operational plans, budgets, and schedules.

• Direct and coordinate operational activities to achieve business, financial, customer, and organizational objectives.

• Translate strategic priorities into practical, measurable actions and implementation plans.

• Drive the development and continuous improvement of efficient, integrated operational processes and shared management services.

• Serve as a key liaison among program and project management, technical teams, and administrative service departments.

• Oversee the development and implementation of operating procedures aligned with strategic business and administrative objectives.

• Evaluate cost and service structures, productivity measures, and delivery methods to identify improvement opportunities and achieve performance targets.

• Establish mechanisms to monitor progress, identify risks, and resolve issues in partnership with program managers, project teams, and administrative functions.

• Develop and implement solutions that support budget, schedule, quality, customer, and company objectives.

• Assess complex operational issues, communicate recommendations to all levels of management, and facilitate effective decision‑making.

• Determine customer requirements and translate them into organizational plans and priorities.

• Lead the recruitment, retention, and development of management and professional talent needed to meet business objectives.

• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, company policies, and other requirements.

• Promote a safe work environment in accordance with established procedures and practices.

• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Fifteen or more years of progressively responsible project or program administration experience, including at least nine years managing operations in an engineering or scientific environment.

• Demonstrated expertise in project planning, scheduling, progress monitoring, and performance reporting.

• Extensive experience identifying, analyzing, and resolving complex organizational and operational challenges.

• Experience developing and implementing operational plans, budgets, schedules, processes, and performance measures.

• Strong leadership, communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to interpret, explain, and communicate highly complex operational issues to technical and non‑technical audiences.

• Ability to make sound decisions involving significant organizational, financial, schedule, and resource considerations.

• Ability to work effectively with executives, program managers, technical teams, and shared‑services organizations.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, cross‑functional environmen

Job Category:

Administrative

Experience Level:

Management

Workstyle:

Hybrid

Full‑Time/Part‑Time:

Full‑Time Salary

Pay Range Low:

158,000

Pay Range High:

276,500

Travel Percentage Required:

0% - 25%

Relocation Assistance Provided?:

Yes

US Citizenship Required?:

Yes

Clearance Required?:

No

General Atomics is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. In accordance with applicable federal law, General Atomics takes affirmative action to employ and advance the employment of qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. U.S. Citizenship is required for certain positions. To learn more, please review the EEOC’s "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" poster.