Director, Programs (Tampa, FL)

The Director of Programs for Tactical Systems is responsible for profit and loss across a portfolio of technical development and/or production programs. This role provides strategic leadership to a multidisciplined team, ensuring on-time and on-budget contract execution while aligning portfolio objectives with corporate goals. The Director fosters team compliance with AEVEX and industry standards through mentorship, training, and team building. Exceptional communication skills are essential to promote alignment with organizational vision, clarify roles and responsibilities, and set clear expectations. Success in this role requires the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, make sound decisions with incomplete information, remove organizational barriers, and balance customer priorities with financial and technical objectives. The Director also plays a critical role in growing the business by supporting strategic captures, developing customer relationships, and identifying opportunities for portfolio expansion.

Responsibilities

Responsible for profit and loss across a portfolio of technical development and/or production programs; Provide strategic leadership to a multidisciplined team, ensuring on-time and on-budget contract execution while aligning portfolio objectives with corporate goals; Lead, mentor, and manage a professional program management team and support personnel across all contracts; Ensure program managers and support staff have the training, direction, and qualifications to succeed both personally and professionally; Drive execution across multiple programs to achieve financial, schedule, technical, staffing, and customer satisfaction objectives while proactively identifying and mitigating risks before they impact performance; Conduct monthly Program Management Reviews (PMR) for all programs within the portfolio and provide summary status to senior leadership; Develop and maintain deep understanding of contract scope, customer priorities, financial performance, execution risks, and strategic opportunities across the portfolio; Responsible for oversight, review, and analysis of Annual Operating Plans (AOP) and updated forecasts for each program under their direction; Participate in business development efforts including proposal/RFI writing/review, identifying opportunities, participating in the capture process, and pipeline management; Ensure compliance with the AEVEX Quality Management System (QMS) and applicable Government standards for all portfolio efforts; Forge strong relationships with both internal and external customers to build trust through transparency and open dialogue; Partner with Engineering and Business Development to influence the IRaD roadmap, ensuring investments align with customer needs, emerging technologies, and future growth opportunities; Foster team compliance with AEVEX and industry standards through mentorship, training, and team building; Support strategic captures, develop customer relationships, and identify opportunities for portfolio expansion

Requirements

Security Clearance-Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required; Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal; Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical and business problems while making timely decisions in rapidly changing environments; Strong organizational skills with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining focus on execution; Demonstrates professionalism and integrity at all times; Strong business acumen with experience managing program financial performance, forecasting, profitability, and risk; Proficient in project schedule planning and analysis; Proficient in Microsoft Office suites (Excel, PowerPoint, Project, etc.); Excellent presentation skills; Provides strategic direction while remaining actively engaged in solving execution challenges alongside program teams; Directs and provides expert knowledge in the strategic function of the department; Develops short and long-term people and organizational strategy in alignment with AEVEX goals and direction; Leads with impact & influence. Establishes credibility, effectively persuades and develops others, and achieves important objectives collaboratively; Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent; Champions AEVEX’s culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals; Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management; Maintains transparent communication. Appropriately communicates organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, and regular interpersonal communication; Ability to develop and mentor/coach others; Strong relationship building and negotiation skills; Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent training; 10+ years program management experience including 10+ years managing a team; Experience working with streamlined Acquisitions programs and ability to appropriately tailor processes while maintaining disciplined execution; Experience supporting business captures, customer engagements, proposal development, and strategic growth initiatives; Experience successfully leading customer-funded development or production programs in defense, aerospace, or other highly technical industries; Strong background in DoD systems development with emphasis on manned/unmanned aircraft, manned/unmanned maritime vessels, or communication systems

Nice to have

DoD program experience

Benefits

401(k)-retirement plan; comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company; professional development funds; Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees