Senior Director, Program Management

Description

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 4,000+ space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there.

Summary Description

The Senior Director, Program Management provides strategic leadership, functional direction and operational oversight for the Program Management organization within Satellite Systems. Working in a matrix organization, the Senior Director is accountable for the successful execution of the program portfolio, ensuring customer commitments and business objectives are achieved in terms of technical performance, quality, schedule and financial results.

The Senior Director establishes Program Management governance, standards and capabilities, maintains executive visibility of program performance, risks and opportunities, and leads corrective actions for programs facing significant execution challenges. The Senior Director also develops the Program Management organization, ensuring the appropriate capacity, talent and competencies are available to support current and future business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Execution – Provide leadership and oversight for the successful execution of the program portfolio, ensuring contractual commitments and technical, quality, schedule and financial objectives are achieved.
• Program Governance – Establish effective program governance, reviews, performance indicators and escalation mechanisms to maintain visibility and accountability across the portfolio.
• Financial Performance – Oversee program financial performance, including revenue, profitability, cost performance and forecasts; ensure timely corrective action when results deviate from plan.
• Risk & Opportunity Management – Maintain visibility of major program risks and opportunities and ensure effective mitigation and action plans are established and executed.
• Program Recovery – Identify execution challenges early and lead the development and implementation of recovery plans for programs requiring management intervention.
• Resource & Capacity Planning – Ensure adequate Program Management capacity and provide program requirements and priorities to support workforce, manpower and organizational planning.
• Cross-Functional Leadership – Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Supply Chain, Contracts, Quality and Product Development and other functions to align priorities, resolve issues and meet program commitments.
• Proposals & Business Support – Provide Program Management leadership for major proposals, ensuring proposed execution strategies, schedules, risks, resources and program baselines are credible and executable.
• Process Improvement – Lead continuous improvement of Program Management processes, standards, tools and practices to improve predictability, efficiency and competitiveness.
• Talent Acquisition & Development – Lead the recruitment, coaching, development and performance management of Program Managers and maintain appropriate succession plans.
• Program Management Capability – Develop the competencies and organizational capabilities required to successfully manage increasingly complex programs and future business.
• Leadership Team Contribution – Participate actively in the Satellite Systems leadership team and contribute to the development and achievement of overall business objectives.

Leadership and Management

• Provide strategic direction for the Program Management function aligned with Satellite Systems objectives.
• Establish a culture of accountability, collaboration, transparency and execution excellence.
• Lead through influence across a matrix organization and align functions around program priorities and customer commitments.
• Develop a strong Program Management organization with the leadership and business capabilities required for current and future programs.
• Exercise sound judgment and provide leadership in resolving complex program, customer and organizational issues.

Key Competencies

• Leadership – Build, lead and develop high-performing Program Management teams.
• Business & Financial Acumen – Understand the relationship between program decisions, revenue, profitability, risk and long-term business performance.
• Program Execution – Drive predictable performance across complex, multidisciplinary programs.
• Customer Focus – Build effective relationships and maintain credibility with customers and senior stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking – Anticipate business and organizational needs and translate them into priorities and actions.
• Decision Making – Make timely, fact-based decisions in complex situations with competing priorities.
• Communication & Influence – Communicate effectively with executives, customers and multidisciplinary teams and influence stakeholders within a matrix organization.
• Continuous Improvement – Drive improvements in governance, processes, tools and organizational effectiveness.

Required Work Experience and Skills

• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in Program Management, Engineering, Operations or related technical and business fields within complex, high-technology environments.
• Significant experience leading complex programs, managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of program financial management, planning, forecasting, risk management and performance management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including communication with senior executives and customers.
• Fluency in English and French.

Special Considerations:

Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the Reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP), and be able to obtain higher clearances.

Benefits Statement:

MDA Space offers competitive compensation and benefits to its employees at all of its locations. As a member of the MDA Space team, you and your eligible dependents can enroll in a benefits plan that provides a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care, including: health care plans supplemental and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans and an employee assistance program and to their family.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and candidates with respect and dignity. If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.