Program Manager R&D Projects

Description:

DRS RADA is a global pioneer of RADAR systems for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. We are looking for an experienced Program manager to join our team.

Overview

This position requires strong leadership, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

The Program Manager reports to the team leader of project management. 

The Program Manager has prime responsibility for managing development and production programs, while ensuring that program objectives (technical, financial and schedule) are fully met.

This role covers all stages from marketing support (responding to RFIs/RFPs, engaging with potential customers and expanding offerings for current customers), through product development to production deliveries and successful installation and implementation in the field.

Responsibilities:

LOB Strategy planning & execution

• Participate in the LOB's strategic planning and contribute to the development of products’ roadmap.
• Take major part in the execution of the LOB strategy, and assist in reaching the strategic goals.
• Maintain and expand relationships with strategic partners and customers.

Pre-Sale Activities:

• Work closely with the business development team to engage new customers and manage pre-sales activities.
• Lead responses to RFIs and RFPs and negotiate with customers.

Program planning & execution

• Manage development and production programs within the Line of Business (LOB).
• Develop and implement program plans that define the programs’ goals and objectives, scope, technical, financial, and schedule requirements, coordinating with all relevant organizational entities.
• Monitor and control program progress according to goals, quality, budget and schedule.
• Lead the Integrated Program Teams (IPT) – cross-functional teams to ensure successful program execution.
• Achieve assigned targets in terms of revenue, up-sales and management objectives.
• Coordinate the production planning and execution, from kick-off till completion of deliveries
• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Support configuration control, root cause and corrective action (RCCA) meetings, problem review board (PRB) meetings as program manager with decision authority.

Risks and Opportunities Analysis and Management:

• Identify and analyse potential risks and opportunities associated with customer programs and internal processes.
• Develop risk management plans for the programs and manage the implementation.

Customer Success

• Support customers’ activities, including integrations and testing, to ensure customer success and satisfaction. 
• Manage training preparation and execution.

Regulatory and Contractual Responsibilities

• Work with the legal department to review and negotiate contractual terms and conditions as part of the bid process.
• Negotiate, activate and manage subcontractors and third-party vendors per program plans and goals.
• Ensure compliance with export control and information security requirements and regulations.

Experience and Pre-Requisites:

• BSc degree in relevant fields , MBA an advantage
• At least 5 years of R&D engineer experience
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in program management roles in the defense industry
• Ability to lead in a matrix organizational environment with multiple interfaces
• Strong customer orientation and excellent interpersonal skills
• Comfortable in decision making in under dynamic and uncertain conditions
• Excellent analytical and methodological approach, problem solving skills
• Hands-on, “can-do” approach
• Excellent English, verbal and written communication skills

Willingness to travel to customers’ locations, globally