Vice President of Programs

R2S, a dynamic and fast-growing joint venture between Raytheon and Rafael, is seeking a strategic and results-driven Vice President of Programs to lead execution of major defense programs—most notably the Iron Dome AUR production, Marine Corp Medium Range Intercept (MRIC) and future Air Defense systems. This is a mission-driven leadership role, accountable for the success of key programs, including performance, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Reporting directly to the CEO, The VP of Programs (VPP) will serve as the single accountable executive for P&L performance, customer delivery, and contractual execution, working in close partnership with the VP of Delivery (who owns operations and production) to ensure seamless alignment between program requirements and delivery outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead end-to-end program execution for a portfolio of complex defense programs, ensuring performance across cost, schedule, and technical scope.
• Drive strategic planning, staffing, budgeting, and operational oversight for all programs.
• Shape and implement a long-term program strategy in alignment with customer missions and corporate goals.
• Translate customer and contract requirements into clear delivery objectives, in coordination with the VP of Delivery.
• Own the customer interface, including reporting, decision-making, and alignment across scope, schedule, and financial commitments.
• Own and drive the full R2S proposal process across all functions — from RFP through negotiations to contract award — ensuring cross-functional alignment and customer engagement in partnership with the Contracts Lead
• Lead governance and reporting to Raytheon, Rafael, IMDO, and U.S. Government stakeholders.

Program Execution & Financial Oversight

• Oversee program planning, budgeting, resourcing, risk mitigation, and execution across the portfolio.
• Monitor and report on program financials, forecasts, and P&L performance.
• Ensure compliance with government regulations, contract terms, and internal policies.
• Lead proposal development and scope and pricing negotiations.
• Drive Earned Value Management System (EVMS) compliance and reporting across programs.
• Serve as initial decision authority on contract changes, scope adjustments, and customer-facing commitments.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the senior interface with government customers, building trust and ensuring alignment of expectations.
• Provide clear and timely communication on program performance, risks, and milestones to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate across departments to drive cross-functional execution and accountability.
• Lead customer and partner engagements, PMRs, execution reviews, etc in partnership with Vice President of Product Delivery.

Team Development & Talent Management

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team, including project/program managers, engineers, and support staff.
• Build a high-performing, collaborative culture focused on mission success and continuous improvement.
• Drive hiring, performance management, and professional development aligned with program and business needs.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business Management, or related field.
• Minimum of 16 years of progressive program leadership experience in defense or government programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, high-value programs with full P&L accountability
• Proficiency in DoD acquisition processes, EVMS, and program controls (PMP or DAWIA Level III preferred).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven success leading cross-functional teams and managing government customer relationships.

Preferred:

• Experience managing annual P&L of $150M of greater
• Experience with international programs, foreign military sales (FMS), and joint venture governance.
• Experience negotiating with primes, OEMs, and international partners on multi-hundred-million-dollar defense contracts.
• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Familiarity with security and compliance standards in national defense programs.

Key Competencies

• Visionary Leadership: Inspires and aligns teams around strategic objectives.
• Execution Excellence: Strong focus on results, risk management, and accountability.
• Collaborative Influence: Builds strong cross-functional relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic Problem-Solving: Navigates complexity with data-driven decision-making.
• Clear Communicator: Communicates program goals, challenges, and outcomes with clarity and confidence.
• Financial Acumen: Owns P&L, forecasting, and contract profitability.
• Customer Orientation: Anticipates and delivers on evolving U.S. and allied defense customer needs.

Why R2S?

At R2S, you'll join a purpose-driven team delivering critical defense capabilities on a global scale. We offer:

• A flexible 9/80 schedule and generous leave, including holiday shutdown
• A collaborative, growth-focused culture where innovation is valued
• Competitive compensation and benefits in a mission-oriented environment

Location: Remote

Travel: ~40% (U.S. and occasional international)

Schedule: Flexible, 9/80 work schedule

Clearance Required: Active Secret (U.S. Citizenship required)

This position requires eligibility to obtain a U.S. security clearance. Learn more: U.S. State Dept. Clearance Info

R2S is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.