SES Space & Defense is a trusted partner ensuring mission success for our customers by blanketing the globe with multi orbit end to end satellite and technology solutions which provide reliable, secure, and high bandwidth connectivity. We strive to be the only solution when success is critical, and we will take care of our employees because we recognize they are our competitive advantage. The SES S&D Team, along with our customers and partners, will achieve success through integrity, honor, and commitment. 

The Director of Program Management is an operational leadership role responsible for overseeing the successful execution of complex, cross-functional programs across the organization. This individual will lead a team composed of direct reports and/or matrixed team members, ensuring that initiatives are aligned with corporate strategy, delivered on time and within budget, drive measurable value and consistency in program and project management practices. The Director will be accountable for building program management capability, fostering a high-performance team culture, providing executive-level reporting and insight into program outcomes, and championing continuous improvement initiatives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

Program Leadership & Execution

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for planning, execution, and delivery from initial design through launch and operational transition.
• Own program performance, including scope, schedule, cost, risk, quality, and technical execution.
• Lead the development, baseline, and management of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
• Ensure timely execution of all program phases, including Hot Start (if applicable), design, manufacture, test, integration, and deployment.

Financial Management

• Manage program profit & loss (P&L), including budgets, forecasts, estimate-at-Completion (EAC)/Estimate-to-Completion (ETC), revenue recognition, cash flow, and margin performance.
• Conduct monthly financial reviews and quarterly bottoms-up EAC updates.
• Develop and execute recovery plans when financial or schedule variances emerge.
• Ensure cost control, disciplined reserve management, and accurate revenue recognition.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary customer interface, maintaining strong relationships, managing expectations, negotiating program changes, and ensuring timely communication of risks and progress.
• Lead formal customer reviews.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level briefings and program status reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Subcontractor, Vendor & Partner Management

• Manage major subcontractors (e.g., payload, bus, ground infrastructure, software, testing, integration partners) including statement of work (SOW) definition, performance monitoring, milestone tracking, and risk mitigation.
• Ensure subcontractor deliverables meet contractual and technical requirements.
• Oversee subcontract negotiations, modifications, performance challenges, and team integration.

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

• Lead integrated product teams (IPTs) across engineering, operations, systems engineering, supply chain, contracts, finance, and product development.
• Ensure alignment of cross-functional priorities and rapid issue resolution.
• Foster a culture of accountability, clear communication, and high performance.
• Manage conflict resolution using his strong negotiation ability, influence, and professionalism.

Risk, Issue & Opportunity Management

• Establish and maintain a program risk and opportunity management framework.
• Proactively identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and drive accountability for risk closure.
• Manage configuration control, change processes, and program baseline integrity.

Compliance & Contract Management

• Ensure compliance with all contractual requirements, government regulations, export controls, and quality standards.
• Oversee timely delivery of Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), data packages, and program documentation.
• Lead negotiations for contract mods, engineering change proposals (ECPs), and extensions.

Organizational Development & Process Improvement

• Mentor program managers and project leads; build strong future leadership pipelines.
• Contribute to the development of program management processes, tools, templates, and best practices.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance execution efficiency and predictability.

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in business, management, engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree (MBA or related field) preferred.

• PMP or other industry-recognized program management certification is preferred. Candidate must obtain PMP within 6 months of assignment. ITIL certification above Foundation preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in program/project management, with at least 6 years managing complex aerospace/defense, satellite, or high-technology programs.
• Proven track record of successfully managing enterprise level, multi-million-dollar, multi-year government programs.
• Active understanding of satellite communications systems, payloads, ground systems, and/or space segment development preferred.
• Experience leading integrated teams and multiple subcontractors in a matrixed environment.
• Strong financial acumen, including earned value management (EVM), forecasting, margin management, and contract management.
• Strong understanding of program and portfolio management principles, methodologies, and tools (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, SAFe).
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution, cross functional collaboration, and risk management skills.
• Experience in a highly regulated or technology-driven industry.
• Demonstrated experience in change management frameworks and organizational development principles.
• Proficiency in project management software and reporting tools.
• Active U.S. SECRET or higher security clearance preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 suite, including MS Project or other Gantt software

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Is a strategic thinker with the ability to align complex program initiatives to high-level business goals.
• Demonstrates outstanding leadership skills, fostering team cohesion and mentoring future leaders.
• Thrives in dynamic environments, managing ambiguity while maintaining focus on execution and results.
• Promotes a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and is committed to continuous improvement and organizational change with the ability to methodically and consistently convert Lessons Learned into organizational capability.

SES Space & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.  #LI-Hybrid #LI-DR1