Program Director (Creative Design)

Location: Virginia, United States of America

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.

Knowing what Thales does today, means asking where technology is taking us tomorrow. We are creating the waves of digital transformation that will cary our customers into the future. Where these transformations intersect and interfere is where the most interesting and innovative tomorrows are being built. Thales operates at the intersection of these technologies to find every tomorrow.

Program Director

Greater DC Area and or Greater Kansas Area (Hybrid)

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a Program Director, who will be responsible for supervising and managing a complex and critical US Federal Government program. This role carries overall responsibility for delivery activities and serves as the primary program interface and point of contact with the customer.

In this position, you will leverage a strong background in program and project leadership to ensure successful execution, while acting as a self-motivated, critical thinker who drives results across all aspects of program delivery.

Regulatory Compliance Requirements

• SUI Regulatory Compliance Requirements - Sensitive Unclassified Information.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Manage interfaces with the US Federal Government Program Office to ensure all deliverables are met on time, within budget, and in compliance with Thales program management methodology and governance frameworks.
• Lead and motivate a high-performing cross-disciplinary team across multiple locations, providing direction, coaching, support, and delegation, while overseeing staffing levels, required skills, and future workload needs.
• Develop and control program schedules, Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), cost, scope, risk registers, and performance objectives to achieve approved financial and delivery baselines.
• Prepare and present clear, concise program review reports and status updates to senior management and customer representatives, including Estimate to Complete (ETC) reviews and progress reports.
• Identify, estimate, capture, and execute change orders and new program scope opportunities; manage risk and opportunity processes, including mitigation strategies, financial implications, and lessons learned.
• Implement effective processes, financial controls, and quality systems to deliver program commitments without overruns, while ensuring professional development of program staff through performance reviews and action plans.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business administration, or other relevant area with 10+ years of program management experience, including 5+ years supporting large, complex US Federal Government programs and 5+ years managing teams delivering production and customer delivery programs.
• Proven ability to interact with senior management to present, explain, and adjust strategies based on input, and to manage appropriate responses to the US Federal Government on all program aspects.
• Deep understanding of US Government cost accounting practices (indirect and direct cost structuring), contract types, and their implications on bid strategy and program execution.
• Hands-on capability to develop proposal sections as needed, with extensive experience in matrix management, influencing through indirect leadership, and working in global, multi-national, and multicultural business environments.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to perform under pressure in dynamic environments with initiative, motivation, and sound logic to recommend solutions to a wide range of problems.
• A self-starter, team player, and moderator with a strong sense of rigor, able to foster collaboration while ensuring strategic thinking and disciplined program execution.
• Eligible for Public Trust Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience with Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisitions Regulations (DFAR).

Special Position Requirements

• Schedule: 5/40 work schedule.
• Travel: Domestic and international travel is required; approximately 30% of the time.

If you're excited about working with Thales, but not meeting the requirements for this position, we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

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This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

We are an equal opportunity employer, including disability and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com.

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including – but not limited to – the employee's career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company's annual salary budget, the customer's program requirements, and the company's internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's status protected by local, state, or federal law.

(For Internal candidate, if you need more information, please reach out to your HR Shared Service, 1st Point) 

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

•Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance

•Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period

•Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off

•Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program