Job Information
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. Director, Development Programs in Tehachapi, California
Job Descriptions:
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The Director, Development Programs is responsible for the leadership and management of the overall execution of the business unit. The Director, Development Programs provides overall leadership, direction, and guidance to the operational activities of the organization focused on execution of the business, our contracts, and internal projects to achieve on-time delivery of compliant, high-quality products (hard and soft), and with the ultimate objective of achieving the company goals; short-term, annual, and long term.
The Director, Development Programs reports to the Kratos Division President and is responsible for leading and directing business unit Finance, Programs, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and HR functions. The Director will interface with the Division President and corporate business functions regularly (to include monthly Operations Reviews and Program Management Reviews), and will operate in a hands-on manner across the business unit to ensure its success. The Director is responsible for continuously promoting the company’s (and Directors’) vision and culture across the organization.
Key Characteristics:
Strong leader that the team will want to follow and support
Demonstrated drive and initiative to lead the team and drive sound business decisions that enable successful execution and growth.
Strategic thinking and effective application of strategies
Strong mentorship capability
Structured program management capability and ability to distribute this consistently among staff
Effective decision maker
Relationship builder (internal and external)
Program financial experience with DoD programs of $25M or more
Technical, cost, and schedule Program management experience (Development, Transition to Production, and ongoing Production)
Polished Public speaking ability
Substantial P&L experience
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The primary roles of the Director fall into the following five broad categories:
Drive the successful performance and delivery of the organization – lead and drive execution across the programs and products development/production including:
Supply chain, engineering, program management and manufacturing
Shape and develop the organization to support execution of the annual and longer-term company plans
Ensure proper structure in business areas and departments to achieve the company goals
Lead managers to evaluate and take actions that are consistent with your execution expectations
Mentor direct reports and other personnel in the organization
Challenge basic assumptions underlying each area’s operations
Act as a sounding board for managers
Manage business unit’s performance against AOP goals
Deliver on time and on budget
Advise the Division President on strategic operations development and key corporate planning issues that relate to and impact the operations of the company
Determine resource allocation among areas
Keep the Division President informed about business activities, performance, opportunities, and recommended courses of action
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- Yes
Required Experience:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Required:
Extensive leadership capability in multi-tiered organizations
Deep understanding of Program Management, planning, and financial controls
Extensive capability in general business / personnel management and problem resolution
Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards
Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors
Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary
Ability to adhere to workplace rules
Ability to efficiently and effectively assess performance, set strategies aligned with the business, and to drive continuous improvements and solutions into the operations of the business
Ability to identify and analyze the key data, measurements, metrics, and other information to reach accurate / effective conclusions
Ability to think analytically and produce accurate analysis, while applying good judgment to conduct assigned responsibilities accurately and effectively
Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with senior leadership team to achieve business unit and company overall goals
Demonstrated use and understanding of Earned Value and other performance management methods
Maintain the highest level of ethical behavior and core values
Knowledge of defense contracting arena and operating requirements in that environment
Knowledge of and experience with both domestic and international defense contracts and practices
Knowledge of ITAR, FAR, DFAR regulations and government acquisition processes
Ability to motivate and maintain effective working relationships with staff and partners
Ability to develop operations strategy and goals in alignment with overall company objectives
Demonstrated success and leadership of program execution and operations
Demonstrated ability to partner with customers and senior leadership team resulting in high levels of performance and customer satisfaction
Solid presentation skills and the ability to communicate, influence, and gain commitment of stakeholders
Excellent knowledge of the customer organization and close personal relationships with key decision-makers
Supervisory and administrative skills including the ability to select, appraise, motivate, and develop subordinates and supporting staff
Ability to meet eligibility requirements for obtaining and maintaining at least a Top Secret clearance
Ability to make good judgement decisions to plan and accomplish goals
Ability to successfully work to reach company goals in an environment with a wide degree of creativity and latitude
Polished oral and written communication skills
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in related field
15+ years of progressive experience in the aerospace/defense industry with increasing responsibility in management positions with excellent contract performance and demonstrated employee management skills
Demonstrated responsibility for leading multi-disciplined teams on complex/large defense programs in a senior leadership role
Proficient in desktop computer applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Demonstrated accountability in a leadership role with ultimate profit and loss (P&L) responsibility
Demonstrated leadership of support organizations
Preferred:
MBA or advanced technical degree preferred
Program Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Office and/or Manufacturing environments
Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time
Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10-key, phones)
May work extended hours or weekends
Standing, walking, lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs.
May work in non-temperature controlled environments
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
- 0-25% To customer sites and Kratos sites
Keyword: Director, Development Programs
Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class.
All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.
EEO Is The Law (http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf)
Disability Accessibility Accommodation
If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.
Pay Transparency
The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.
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From: Kratos Defense