Principal Program Manager

With a focus on customer satisfaction, the Principal Program Manager manages multiple new or ongoing key customer contracts which represent a higher level of complexity, technical requirements, and/or represent substantial current/future revenue. Leads cross functional teams to complete projects and provide deliverables within contractual requirements, while maintaining or exceeding budgeted financial performance. Identifies necessary materials and resources, develops, and drives project schedules, and actively works to resolve internal and external risks. May also be responsible for other, less complex programs or new product introductions which have the potential for expanding Coherent Aerospace & Defense business. Acts as the primary customer interface for all assigned programs. Leads the development and booking activities for potential follow-on or new contracts with assigned customers. May also be responsible for identifying, developing contacts, and booking new business within current markets.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• In partnership with Engineering and Operations, determines necessary resources, materials and capacity for assigned programs. Develops outcome-driven Statements of Work, budgets and program schedules to meet contractual objectives, necessary milestones and desired financial performance.
• Proactively identifies areas of risk and takes appropriate action to mitigate these risks using risk management processes.
• Drives program schedules to ensure on time delivery. Works with Engineering and Operations to develop schedule recovery plans when necessary.
• Tracks program budgets on a regular basis. Actual costs incurred, cost commitments and estimated cost at completion are reviewed and updated timely and accurately. Works with Finance partner to develop monthly EAC’s on each program. 
• Provides monthly reports on program performance, including schedule, quality, and profitability, in sufficient detail to support discussions with multiple levels of management.
• Maintains regular and professional contact with the customer throughout the life of the program. Ensures the customer is promptly informed of issues which may affect quality or delivery, as well as concerns related to increased scope and additional funding requirements.
• Customer requests and concerns are explored, weighed, and presented appropriately to management/departments to be addressed.
• When necessary, facilitates the partnering of Engineering and/or Operations with the customer to improve upon the design and manufacturability of the product.
• Capable of leading all aspects of customer interchange meetings.
• Leads and mentors the Integrated Product Team and works collaboratively with Technical Managers to ensure program cost, schedule and technical performance objectives are satisfied.
• Effectively documents and maintains contract files with all communications that clearly describe the history, progress and key decisions related to a program.
• Monitors customer report cards for accuracy and addresses discrepancies for customer correction in a timely manner.
• Mentors and guides other Program Managers. May act in a team lead role at the discretion of the manager. 
• May act as an assigned Product Manager to formulate business plans to develop and expand product lines with full P&L responsibilities. 
• Partners with Sales and Engineering on RFQs for large programs; is involved with all costing, quoting and customer discussions from the initiation of the RFQ through final contract definitization.
• Assists in developing strategies for pricing and negotiations on key contracts. May also make suggestions as to the allocation of costs within approved processes. Submits/presents recommendations to management and corporate with necessary analysis and justifications.
• May lead proposal and negotiation efforts with key customers for new, add-on and multi-year contracts. Has the authority to negotiate down to pre-authorized limits.
• Leverages customer relationships to obtain follow-on and new business which supports the critical financial goals of the organization. 
• Utilizes knowledge of assigned customers’ business and the marketplace, researches and suggests “white space” areas for exploration or expansion of sales opportunities in support of the sales organization. 
• Conducts customer follow-up and relationship development of “best fit” partners for Coherent Aerospace & Defense capabilities to support ongoing and future business opportunities.

Education & Experience

• BS degree in Business, Operations Management or technical field such as Engineering. Equivalent experience and certification may be substituted for education.
• Minimum of 9 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 7 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 4 years’ experience; or equivalent experience. 
• Able to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance. Current active US Security Clearance and Defense or Aerospace experience highly preferred.
• PMP Certification preferred. 

Skills

• Ability, flexibility, versatility and comfort level for working with multiple individuals and personalities.
• Strong communication skills and business acumen. Must be able to judge situations with regard to the larger business picture as well as the immediate need. Must be able to structure internal and external communication accordingly.
• Strong planning and leadership ability to coordinate and get tasks accomplished through indirect reports. Adaptability and change management skills, flexibility, versatility and comfort level for working with multiple individuals and personalities.
• Ability to persuade and motivate others. Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to identify, negotiate and manage appropriate contract types (i.e. FFP, T&M, CPFF) to support customer needs and mitigate internal risk.
• Thorough understanding of production and financial reporting/systems with regard to program/project management (budgeting, EAC's, etc.).
• Ability to train, coach and mentor other program managers. Demonstrated ability for leadership, coordinating technology development, negotiating technology transfer, business development, creation of and/or leadership of inter-company teams, assistance with product sales and service.
• Advance skills using Microsoft Project and other software tools required to effectively communicate with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Understands supports and strives to continuously improve the Coherent business policies, procedures and systems in place.

Working Conditions

• Office Environment. Sedentary work.

Physical Requirements

N/A

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.