Job Title: Head of Programs
Department: Office of Programs
Reports To: President
FLSA: Salary - Exempt
Prepared By: Human Resources
Prepared: December 2025
Position Overview
The Head of Programs for leading the office of programs consisting of the team responsible to implement projects from inception through the entire lifecycle. The Head of programs establishes the methodology and standardize processes to manage project and program data utilize in planning, execution, and delivery of defense-related projects from concept development through the entire product life cycle. This role oversees the individuals leading the implementation of projects. This person ensures cross-functional accountability to schedule, cost, technical, and quality performance while maintaining strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal cross-functional teams. The Head of Programs will provide process direction, monitor and develop project managers and work closely with engineering, manufacturing, finance, quality, and supply chain groups ensuring program success in a dynamic, small-company environment.
Key Responsibilities
Establish Standardized Program Management System
Develop methods, procedures, tools, and data sharing necessary to meet program lifecycle objectives
Assure project management continuity across all programs. Facilitate clear communication to stakeholders and oversee the planning coordination between departments.
Program Leadership & Execution
Lead all phases of program management including planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and execution.
Develop and maintain detailed program plans, Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), and performance metrics.
Ensure all program requirements are met in accordance with contract, technical specifications, and regulatory standards.
Customer & Stakeholder Management
Serve as primary point-of-contact for government customers and prime contractors.
Assure continuity between company financial forecasts and program deliverables.
Assure project managers compliance to FAR, DFAR, security and customer contract and security rules, regulations, and directives.
Manage client expectations, provide regular program status updates, and support contract reviews, audits, and meetings (IPTs, PMRs, PDRs, CDRs, etc.).
Build strong relationships to support long-term business growth.
Financial & Contract Management
Assure project managers manage budgets, forecasts, cost tracking, and Earned Value Management (if applicable). Provide oversite and mentoring to develop the project managers and assure customer satisfaction.
Identify scope changes, lead change proposal efforts, and ensure documentation aligns with FAR/DFARS standards.
Ensure program profitability and alignment with business objectives.
Technical & Manufacturing Coordination
Collaborate closely with engineering teams to translate customer requirements into actionable technical plans.
Support manufacturing by coordinating technical data, production schedules, configuration management, and quality assurance needs.
Monitor engineering and manufacturing progress, resolving issues that impact cost, schedule, or performance.
Risk Management & Compliance
Manage the risk management process on programs.
Assure issues are addressed in a timely manner.
Ensure compliance with ITAR, export controls, security requirements, and company policies on all programs.
Support internal and external audits as needed.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelors degree in engineering, Business, or related field.
4+ years of program or project management experience in aerospace/defense, engineering, or manufacturing environments.
Understanding of DoD program requirements, contracting (FAR/DFARS), and government customer expectations.
Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
Experience managing cross-functional technical teams.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
Preferred
PMP or DAU/Defense Acquisition credentials.
Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM).
Familiarity with manufacturing operations, configuration management, and quality systems (AS9100, ISO, etc.).
Experience delivering hardware-based systems or components to defense customers.
Horstman Inc. US is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a government contractor. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or other category protected by law.
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