At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage innovative programs in Electro-Optic and Navigation Systems for defence applications.
- Company: Join Safran Optics 1, a leader in defence technology with a mission-driven culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for travel and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that supports military personnel and drives technological advancements.
- Qualifications: 3+ years experience in relevant fields and a degree in Engineering or related discipline.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
- Manage and/or assist in the management of programs associated with the development, introduction/ transition to production, and delivery of Electro-Optical and Navigation products for defense applications.
- Lead development and detailed implementation of program plans, ensuring execution and performance is in accordance with contractual requirements and business objectives.
- Provide programmatic leadership and technical oversight to cross-functional program development teams through effective management of scope, risk, budget, schedule, quality, and resources.
- Serve as a direct customer interface, nurturing close customer relationships, proactively addressing challenges and pursuing opportunities to strategically expand the business.
- Lead and/or support program capture/ proposal development efforts.
- Other duties and responsibilities assigned, as may be required by the Company.
- Three (3) or more years of relevant experience in related or applicable fields.
- Bachelor degree in Engineering, Physics, Math, Science, or related discipline.
- Ability to manage technology-intense development efforts and lead cross-functional program and engineering development teams.
- Experience developing and delivering complex integrated system hardware.
- Demonstrated understanding of program/product life-cycle management, stage-gate management and best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and apply integrated master plans and schedules, risk and opportunity management, and effective monitoring and control.
- Proactive, systematic, and methodical approach to addressing challenges.
- Willingness to learn and support others.
- Must work well and thrive in deadline driven, fast-paced environments.
- Strong communication, negotiation, collaborative problem solving, and conflict management skills; ability to influence, motivate, and drive without authority.
- Experience with USG and DoD customer base.
- Must be a US Citizen as the position requires the ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance.
- Relevant experience in Capture Management and development of competitive proposals for the defense customers.
- Relevant experience in managing programs pursuing development of products for defense applications.
- Master’s Degree strongly preferred.
- Existing Program Management Certification (e.g., PMP Certification or equivalent).
- Working knowledge of Earned Value Management.
- Working knowledge of Systems Engineering practices.
- Experience developing and introducing/ transitioning products, from early concepts to low rate initial production.
- Relevant background in one or more of the following: Electro-Optical Systems such as laser systems, imaging systems, and night vision systems; Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Systems; and Navigation Systems.
- Experience working in a fast-paced, multi-customer environment; international customer experience is a plus.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite including MS Word, MS Project, MS Outlook, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint.
- Experience working in an ITAR environment.
- Experience in DoD acquisition and contracting.
- Active Secret security clearance.
- Up to 30% - Frequent travel between facilities and customers in the United States, along with some international travel.
Program Manager in Bedford employer: Site Name
At Safran Optics 1, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where individual contributions are recognised and celebrated. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our focus on STEM education initiatives and community engagement, ensuring that our team not only supports those who serve but also develops their skills in a fast-paced, technology-driven setting. Join us in making a meaningful impact while advancing your career in the defence sector.
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We think this is how you could land Program Manager in Bedford
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We think you need these skills to ace Program Manager in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at Site Name
✨Master the Case Study Game
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