Senior Program Manager

JOB SUMMARY : The Senior Program Manager is responsible for leading the execution of complex hardware and software development programs, from concept through delivery and close-out. This role ensures performance within contract scope, budget, and schedule while managing risk, driving cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Reporting to the Senior Program Director, the Senior Program Manager plays a key role in delivering successful outcomes across high-value, high-visibility transportation or infrastructure programs typically valued between $15$50 million. This position exercises substantial autonomy and decision-making authority, working under limited supervision to lead programs through all phases of the lifecycle.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : - Program Execution : Lead the execution of assigned programs in accordance with contractual commitments, internal policies, and lifecycle best practices. Drive performance across technical, schedule, and financial metrics.- Customer Interface : Serve as the primary point of contact for customers. Build trust and maintain strong relationships through transparent communication, proactive issue resolution, and continuous engagement.- Cross-Functional Leadership : Integrate and lead multidisciplinary teams spanning engineering, procurement, subcontracting, manufacturing, test, quality, and installation. Drive alignment and execution across all stakeholders.- Requirements & Compliance Management : Oversee requirement development, traceability, and validation to ensure contractual compliance. Ensure linkage to CDRLs, test procedures, and verification activities.- Financial Performance : Actively manage program financials, including cost-to-complete, ETC, EAC, and cash flow. Apply earned value principles and monitor performance metrics such as CPI and SPI to control deviation and mitigate risks.- Risk & Opportunity Management : Identify and mitigate risks, escalate critical issues promptly, and implement risk reduction strategies. Drive identification and capture of opportunities for program growth, improvements, and efficiencies.- Contract & Change Management : Support the development of change orders and contract modifications in coordination with contracts, legal, and finance teams. Support the Senior Program Director in identifying potential entitlements under the contract, recognizing deviations that may warrant cost or schedule recovery.- Proposal & Business Development : Support the creation of proposals, technical approaches, cost estimates, and statements of work for new opportunities and follow-on business.- Mentorship & Collaboration : Mentor junior program staff and contribute to developing a high-performance program management culture. Collaborate with the Senior Program Director and broader leadership to drive organizational success.In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed, the job holder is required to perform other duties assigned by their manager from time-to-time, as may be reasonably required of them.BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE : - Bachelors degree- Twelve (12)+ years of related experience or 8 years and a Masters degree.- Demonstrates ability to manage and align multiple disciplines or large departmental- Certifications : PMP certification is desirable.Skills & Competencies :- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex, high-stakes programs through the full lifecycle.- Strong financial acumen and command of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles.- Solid understanding of contract terms, subcontractor oversight, and change order management.- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.- Familiarity with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS) and project scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).- Strong risk management and problem-solving abilities.Other : Familiarity with government procurement and contracting standards is expected. Transportation industry experience is desirable but not essential. (ref:hirist.tech)