Vice President of Program Management

American Rheinmetall; Vienna (VA); Hybrid; USD 171,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Education reimbursement

Job summary

American Rheinmetall in Vienna, Virginia, is seeking a Vice President of Program Management to oversee the successful planning and execution of their programs. This leadership position ensures that projects are delivered within budget and on time while managing a team of program managers.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in U.S. DoD program execution, excellent leadership skills, and a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field.

The role offers a competitive salary starting at $190,000 along with hybrid work arrangements and extensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Ten years of experience in U.S. Government or defense industry project and program management.
• Strong understanding of acquisition processes and contracting practices.
• Proficiency with project management and planning tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of all programs and implement performance objectives.
• Manage program management plans and ensure compliance with requirements.
• Direct and supervise project plans and monitor progress.

Skills

U.S. DoD program execution

Project management tools (MS Project)

Government regulations knowledge

Leadership abilities

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At American Rheinmetall Munitions, we believe in satisfied customers and healthy, engaged employees. We listen to our customers and develop transformational technology that delivers critical lethality capabilities to our Warfighters while also providing challenging and fulfilling careers to our employees.

About the Company

We are a leader in the design, development, and production of critical soldier lethality solutions, including large and medium caliber ammunition families, long‑range artillery, and mortar and infantry systems. We are dedicated to supporting today’s highest military modernization priorities and committed to delivering unmatched advancements in munitions technologies that empower and protect the members of our U.S. Armed Forces and ensure their safe return home.

Job Summary

The Vice President of Program Management is a key strategic senior‑leadership position responsible for the successful planning, execution, and delivery of American Rheinmetall Munitions’ full portfolio of programs and contracts. The VP oversees program managers, ensures programs are delivered on time, within scope, within budget, and in accordance with contractual requirements, and governs program strategy, resource planning, and financial performance.

Compensation and Benefits

Minimum Salary $190,000 with hybrid schedule of 3 days per week onsite.

Competitive benefits include health insurance, company‑paid and voluntary life insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and education reimbursement. EEO, including veterans and people with disabilities.

Financial Responsibility

The VP is responsible for cost estimation, budgeting, ongoing cost monitoring, billing of labor hours, and achieving profitability targets during program execution.

Essential Functions

• Provide executive oversight of all programs and implement performance objectives in terms of cost, schedule, technical performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
• Manage the creation and execution of program management plans in accordance with contractual requirements.
• Ensure disciplined program execution by allocating, coordinating, and monitoring internal and external resources.
• Ensure all aspects of the program portfolio are delivered on time, within scope, within budget, and in accordance with contractual, technical, and quality requirements.
• Direct and supervise detailed project plans to monitor and track progress, including integrated master schedules, contract work breakdown structures, and other program management tools.
• Lead the Program Management team by example, ensuring adherence to company processes, operating procedures, contractual obligations, and disciplined execution standards.
• Develop and refine the organizational structure within the Program Management department to promote clear responsibilities, accountability, professional development, and opportunities for team members.
• Determine staffing requirements, recruit personnel in cooperation with Human Resources, assign performance objectives, allocate resources, and evaluate performance.
• Serve as the final adjudicator of requirements for compliance and configuration management.
• Oversee change impact analyses for engineering change proposals, evolving requirements, and developmental program changes.
• Support final review and approval of program‑related customer, partner, or internal documents and statements in accordance with contractual, legal, and company requirements.
• Report program status, risks, issues, opportunities, and recommended actions to the CEO and senior management.
• In conjunction with the Chief Financial Officer or Controller, support strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, cost planning, and program financial performance activities.
• Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, contracts, supply chain, finance, business development, and other functional leaders to manage technical requirements, execution plans, resources, and program deliverables.
• Manage internal and external relationships with customers, stakeholders, suppliers, industry partners, third parties, and Rheinmetall affiliates to ensure program performance is optimized.
• Ensure the Program Management department provides exceptional customer service and supports future business development by successfully managing customer relationships and performance.
• Minimize program risks by performing risk assessments and developing, implementing, and monitoring risk‑mitigation strategies.
• Promote continuous improvement of program management processes, tools, operating procedures, reporting methods, and execution efficiencies.
• Participate in the capture of future programs by assigning program management support for bids, proposals, estimates, reviews, and customer engagements.
• Support collaboration across the organization and with overseas colleagues to provide all stakeholders with the necessary information.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the CEO.

Supervisory Responsibility

This role supervises multiple Program Managers and Project Managers administratively and operationally, assigning clear duties, responsibilities, objectives, and performance expectations to subordinates; developing the Program Management team; promoting accountability and teamwork; and evaluating performance in accordance with company policies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong understanding of U.S. DoD program execution, acquisition processes, contracting practices, and terminology.
• Proficiency with project management and planning tools such as MS Project, integrated master schedules, work breakdown structures, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of government regulations as they relate to defense products, including ITAR, ATF, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ability to lead effectively, motivate teams, and develop high‑performing cross‑functional organizations.
• Practical, hands‑on leadership style with the ability to operate independently, take initiative, balance analysis with action, and pursue increased responsibilities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with external and internal customers, leadership, suppliers, affiliates, and stakeholders.
• Strong consultation, diplomacy, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to explain complex concepts clearly to audiences with varying levels of technical or programmatic knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to promote collaboration and facilitate teamwork across the organization and with external service providers.
• Tactful, diplomatic, and capable of working with integrity, honesty, and respect for others.
• Strong listening skills and customer focus, understanding customer concerns and responding promptly and effectively.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including to Rheinmetall locations, customer sites, production facilities, and test locations.
• Intermediate keyboarding, computer usage, and operating controls skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance, if required.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline such as engineering, physical science, computer science, information technology, or business.

Experience

• Ten years of U.S. Government or defense industry project and program management experience.
• Experience delivering complex defense programs from planning through execution, production, delivery, and closeout.

Background Prerequisites

Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, and controlled substance testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree.
• Program Management Professional certification, Defense Acquisition University certification, or equivalent program management certification.
• Experience in capture, bid and proposal support, contract negotiations, program planning, and delivery.
• Experience in military ammunition programs, munitions production, defense manufacturing, or contract management.
• Experience working with Rheinmetall affiliates, international partners, or foreign‑owned defense companies.
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma, systems engineering, earned value, and continuous improvement principles.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

With or without reasonable accommodation, this position requires the physical and mental capacity to perform all essential functions. The demands of the job include:

• Majority of work performed in an office environment.
• Occasional visits to industrial production facilities that may have excessive noise and require long periods of walking or standing.
• Occasional exposure to production environments, test ranges, or other operational areas requiring personal protective equipment.
• Ability to see, hear, speak, and write clearly in order to communicate with employees, customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required, up to 25%.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.