Program Manager – Defense Programs

Position SummaryThe Program Manager will lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex Department of Defense (DoD) programs and contracts. This leadership-level position is responsible for ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with customer requirements and organizational objectives.The Program Manager will work closely with senior military leaders, government customers, industry partners, and internal leadership to drive program execution, operational excellence, and business growth. This role will play a key part in supporting Stark's growth strategy toward $200M-$300M in annual revenue, with visibility into a $750M-$1B opportunity pipeline.Candidates with strong industry-side defense program management experience are preferred over candidates whose experience is primarily on the U.S. Government side. Navy program experience is highly preferred.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Planning & ExecutionDevelop and manage comprehensive program plans, schedules, milestones, deliverables, and performance objectives.Define program scope, requirements, timelines, and resource needs.Coordinate resources across manufacturing, facilities, supply chain, engineering, and operations.Support proposals, statements of work, specifications, pricing, and contractual requirements.Drive program execution from initial planning through successful delivery.Customer & Stakeholder ManagementBuild strong relationships with senior military leaders, government representatives, prime contractors, and industry partners.Serve as a trusted customer-facing leader and primary point of contact for program execution.Communicate program status, risks, milestones, and performance to internal and external stakeholders.Manage customer expectations and proactively resolve issues.Ensure all contractual deliverables and commitments are achieved.Cross-Functional LeadershipLead cross-functional program teams and establish clear roles, responsibilities, priorities, and accountability.Coordinate activities across operations, manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, facilities, and other functional areas.Foster collaboration and quickly resolve issues or conflicts affecting program performance.Provide direction, coaching, and support to project team members.Lead program management reviews, executive briefings, progress reports, and customer presentations.Budget & Cost ManagementDevelop, manage, and monitor program budgets.Track labor, materials, overhead, subcontractor, and other program-related costs.Monitor financial performance and take corrective action when necessary.Ensure efficient utilization of resources while maintaining program profitability.Risk ManagementIdentify, assess, and prioritize program risks and opportunities.Develop and implement mitigation and contingency strategies.Maintain active risk registers and monitor risks throughout the program lifecycle.Escalate critical issues and develop timely corrective actions.Compliance, Governance & QualityEnsure programs comply with contractual, organizational, DoD, ITAR, and applicable regulatory requirements.Support CMMC readiness and compliance initiatives.Establish and maintain effective program governance and quality-control processes.Monitor program performance and address quality or compliance issues promptly.Change ManagementEvaluate and manage changes to program scope, schedule, cost, resources, and requirements.Document and communicate approved changes to all affected stakeholders.Assess the impact of changes and develop mitigation plans to minimize disruption.Strategic LeadershipServe as a leadership-level Program Manager with direct visibility to Stark's executive leadership team.Contribute to long-term business and program growth strategies.Lead rapid program ramp-up and expansion efforts.Integrate manufacturing, facilities, supply chain, and operations into overall program execution.Develop long-term relationships with strategic suppliers and industry partners.Apply industry best practices to strengthen supply chain performance and program delivery.Continuous ImprovementIdentify opportunities to improve program execution, operational efficiency, cost, quality, and delivery.Apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive measurable improvements.Continuously evaluate processes and implement best practices across programs.A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt is a plus.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, technical training, and professional experience.PMP, PgMP, or equivalent program/project management certification required.10+ years of progressive Program Management experience within the DoD/defense industry.Demonstrated experience managing large-scale defense programs and contracts at the $100M+ level.Strong preference for industry-side defense program management experience.Navy program experience strongly preferred.Proven ability to manage complex defense contracts, deliverables, schedules, budgets, and customer requirements.Experience working directly with senior military leaders and government customers.Strong understanding of defense manufacturing, supply chain, and operational environments.Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, including MS Project.ERP system experience is beneficial.Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.Core CompetenciesDefense Program & Contract ManagementProgram Planning & ExecutionDoD/Navy Program ExperienceBudget & Cost ManagementRisk & Change ManagementCustomer & Executive Relationship ManagementManufacturing & Supply Chain IntegrationCross-Functional LeadershipProgram Governance & ComplianceLean Six Sigma / Continuous ImprovementStrategic Planning & Business GrowthExecutive Communication & Presentation SkillsSupervisory ResponsibilityThis position does not have direct supervisory responsibility but will provide leadership and direction to cross-functional program teams.Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based with standard physical requirements.Occasional standing, walking, and use of hands and arms may be required.Must have sufficient visual acuity to work with documents and computer screens.ScheduleFull-time | Monday-Thursday | 7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.TravelMinimal travel is expected.Ideal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is a senior defense-industry Program Manager who has successfully led $100M+ DoD programs, preferably within the Navy, and is comfortable operating at both the executive and customer level. This individual should combine strong program execution skills with commercial awareness, manufacturing and supply chain expertise, and the ability to operate in a fast-growing organization.The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who can take ownership, drive accountability, solve complex problems, build customer trust, and scale programs rapidly while maintaining cost, schedule, quality, and contractual performance.