Lead – Program Manager

Lead, Program Manager 

L3HARRIS WESCAM Division

Reference #: 40197

Waterdown, Ontario

About L3HARRIS WESCAM

As a subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies and within the Integrated Mission Systems Segment, the WESCAM division develops the most advanced optical sensor and targeting systems for global defense and military sectors, National Security, Search & Rescue and Airborne law enforcement agencies. From long-range covert surveillance missions to search and rescue operations, our MX-series systems, and the mission systems solutions they are a part of, produce stabilized high-magnification electro-optical and infrared images from airborne, marine and ground based platforms, enabling our customers to see first and act first.

About the Role

Directs all phases of programs from inception through completion. Drives program execution in order to achieve key business and financial objectives for orders, revenue recognition, operating income, and free cash flow for new, continuing, or current programs. Responsible for the cost, schedule and technical performance of company programs or subsystems of major programs. Participates in the negotiation of contract and contract changes. Coordinates the preparation of proposals, business plans, performance Statement of Work (SOW) and specifications, operating budgets and financial terms/conditions of contract. Acts as primary customer contact for program activities, leading program review sessions with customer to discuss cost, schedule, and technical performance. Establishes design concepts, criteria and engineering efforts for product research, development, integration and test. Expands the product line with the customer. Establishes milestones and monitors adherence to master plans and schedules, identifies program problems and obtains solutions, such as allocating resources or changing contractual specifications. Directs the work of employees assigned to the program from technical, manufacturing and administrative areas.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Lead planning and/or implementation of more complex projects.
• Effectively communicate project expectations to project team members and stakeholders in a timely and clear fashion.
• Facilitate the definition of project goals, tasks, and resource requirements; resolve or assist in the resolution of conflicts within and between projects or functional areas; develop methods to monitor project progress; and provide supervision if necessary.
• Manage project budgets.
• Facilitate the definition of service levels and customer requirements.
• Interact regularly with existing or potential clients to determine their needs and to develop plans for delivery. Advocate on behalf of clients and represent clients' needs as appropriate to senior management.
• Work cross-functionally to solve problems and implement changes.
• Follow a defined, agreed upon project management processes.
• Present oral and written reports defining plans, problems, and resolutions to appropriate levels of management.
• Ensures assigned projects are delivered within scope, schedule, budget and quality levels consistent with partner/customer expectations.
• Negotiate project scope changes with customers.
• Manages project close-out activities.
• Identify follow-on or related new project opportunities.
• Understand relationship between project and Company strategic objectives and maximize leveraging activities.
• More specifically:
  • Define and document project scope, goals and deliverables in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders.
  • Draft and submit budget and recommend subsequent budget changes where necessary.
  • Set and continually manage project expectations with customers, team members and other stakeholders.
  • Identify and manage project dependencies and critical path.
  • Plan and schedule project timelines and milestones using appropriate tools
  • Develop and deliver progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation, and presentations
  • Perform Risk Management and Mitigation in a pro-active fashion.
  • Review and approve all purchase orders, subcontracts as well as changes to the main contract documents.
  • Perform lessons learned when required
• Accountable for maintaining the target Gross Margin
• Accountable for project scope, quality in accordance with contractual obligations.
• Accountable for project schedule.
• Accountable for revenue and cash
• Provide mentoring, coaching and direction setting to team members and junior project managers. Ensure direct report training and development
• 25% Travel may be required to support proposal activity and project execution.

Required Capabilities 

• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong project management skills including earn value management.
• Solid understanding of electromechanical systems, optics, aerospace products or similar technologies
• Ability to coordinate activities inter-company and with multiple departments such as Engineering, Operations, Finance, Customer Service, etc.
• Knowledge of contract terms and conditions and sub contract management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong drive and resilience.
• Action and result oriented.
• Ability to build strong relationships with people at all levels.
• A willingness to see things through to the end.
• A team player who is comfortable working with other professionals.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Willingness to take on project ownership and accountability.
• Demonstrated aptitude for effective leadership

Desired Education and Experiences 

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum 9 years of experience with increasing levels of responsibility, including experience successfully managing various projects.
• Outstanding grasp of program management concepts and processes.
• PMP certification desired

*This posting is for a current vacancy.  In the province of Ontario, Canada, the pay range for this position will be $125,000 to $175,000