Operations Program Manager

Trident Systems Inc is seeking an experienced Operations Program Manager to lead day-to-day operations execution of activities that support the Space Electronic Systems division. This role reports directly to the Trident Operations Director in Chantilly and Fairfax, VA.

• Program Management: Plan, execute, and oversee multiple operational programs, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and timely delivery of objectives.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Facilitate communication and coordination between departments, including production, supply chain, quality, and engineering, to ensure seamless program execution.
• Performance Monitoring: Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of programs. Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on program status, risks, and outcomes.
• Resource Management: Allocate resources effectively, including personnel, equipment, and budget, to meet program objectives. Ensure that teams are properly staffed and supported to deliver results.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the successful completion of programs. Address any issues that arise during program execution.
• Stakeholder Communication: Maintain clear and consistent communication with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring that expectations are met and that all parties are informed of program progress.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring that all financial targets are met and resources are used efficiently.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality. Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies as appropriate.
• Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the operations department. Lead initiatives to optimize processes and enhance operational performance.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in any Engineering, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree or MBA is preferred.
• Experience: At least 5-7 years of experience in engineering, operations, program management, or a related field within a design or manufacturing environment. Proven experience in managing complex, cross-functional projects.

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Certifications: PMP, Lean Six Sigma certification, or equivalent is a plus.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with Space Flight products, ERP systems, project management software, and data analysis tools.

This role is primarily based in a manufacturing environment and may require occasional travel to other sites. The position may require extended hours or weekend work to meet project deadlines.

• Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills.
• Experience performing and working in a dynamic and high-visibility role.
• Self-motivated and capable of performing tasks with minimal guidance.
• Track record of leading teams to firm up ambiguous requirements and stand-up processes/structure to execute new product offerings.
• Experience with space EO payloads, test plan development, astronomy, physics, electronics, software, and/or remote sensing preferred.
• Ability to lead teams to the completion of program and project milestones.
• Excellent organizational and managerial skills.
• Demonstrated ability through work experience to partner across departments to achieve results.
• Thorough understanding of policies and practices.
• Accomplished in setting long-term goals, communicating them to the team, and obtaining buy in from employees.
• Skillful in organizing multiple efforts to accomplish goals.
• Ability to support travel or off-site work as needed.

Trident Values:

• Integrity—The inherent complex of attributes that determine a person or organization's moral and ethical actions and reactions.
• Passion/Energy/Innovation—An internal ambition or drive that is displayed through innovative ideas and dedication. Using original and creative thinking to make improvements and/or develop and initiate new approaches.
• Candor/Respect—Is open and honest with the exchange of ideas and opinions. Respects the contribution of others. Communicates with respect.
• Quality/Performance—Quality of work product including; completeness, accuracy, timeliness, and correctness.
• Innovation/Results Oriented—Understanding of customer needs. Customers are those groups or individuals, internal or external whom you support on a daily basis. Knowing what results are important, focusing resources to achieve them in alignment with the goals of the organization.
• Teamwork/Communications—Developing, maintaining, and fostering positive relationships and partnerships with all Trident employees and clearly conveying and receiving messages to meet the needs of all. This may involve listening, interpreting, formulating and delivering verbal, non-verbal, written, and/or electronic messages. Co-operatively and productively with others to achieve results.

Business/Technical Competencies:

• Problem Solving/Judgment—Ability to assess options and implications, in order to identify a solution.
• Business Situational Awareness—The structure and culture of Trident organizations and the personal willingness and ability to effectively adapt to and embrace change.
• Self-Awareness/Adaptability—Reflecting on past experiences in order to manage and continually improve our own performance.
• Science/Engineer/Business Fundamentals—Knowledge of the fundamentals of scientific, engineering, and/or business principals.
• Application—Ability to apply relevant knowledge and experience on the job.

Management Competencies:

• Employee Training & Development—Consistently makes an effort to develop and train direct report employees. Works with employees to define their career path within Trident.
• Leadership—Positively influencing people and events in a leadership role. Ability to lead a group of people in a positive manner towards success. Delegates authority appropriately. Makes timely informed decisions. Acts in the best interest of the company. Sets exceptional example for others.
• Contracts Management—Successfully manages SOW, contract deliverables, and other key technical and business clauses for pending contracts. Ensure contract compliance. Recommend changes to contracts as required.
• Service & Product Line Management—Coordinates supporting deliverables and measurable milestones for each related project. Identifies IR&D and capital investments as required.
• Fiscal Responsibility—Manages profits, losses, and budget in support of organizational objectives.
• Strategic Thinking—Takes a broad scale, long term view, assessing options and implications.
• Customer Relationships—Understands customer organizations; maintains tactical relationships with and promotes Trident capabilities to customer organizations. Maintain relationships with key customers as their careers take them to different organizations.
• Marketing/Sales/Proposals—Identify/develop follow-on work. Maintain strong business situation awareness for each assigned business area.
• Project Planning & Execution—Manages & executes projects. Monitors the technical quality of work conducted and deliverables produced.
• Organization/Staffing/Resource Management—Forecast staffing needs for all projects prior to award.
• Risk/Issue/Opportunity/Quality Management—Monitors project execution with regard to risk, issues and opportunities that may arise. Refers significant decisions on change to corporate where appropriate. Monitor implementation of quality assurance measures.
• Corporate Compliance/Policy & Process—Monitor adherence to company policy and process guidelines.