Job Summary

As a Program Manager 3 at Day & Zimmermann, based in our Munitions site located in Texarkana, TX, you will play a pivotal role in directing and overseeing a portfolio of high-value defense programs and projects. This role requires strategic foresight and executive-level leadership to guide cross-functional teams through complex initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and seamless coordination across multiple organizational units. You will lead proposal development efforts, manage contract negotiations, and oversee program execution to meet and exceed scope, schedule, and budgetary targets. By fostering strong stakeholder relationships and implementing robust control mechanisms, you will drive performance accountability, compliance adherence, and outstanding customer satisfaction, reinforcing the company’s position as a trusted defense industry partner.

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to impact defense product strategies at the enterprise level, interface directly with governmental clients, and shape the future of defense capabilities. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to excellence, innovation, and ethical leadership while championing collaboration and continuous improvement within a dynamic, mission-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• You will provide senior management guidance over enterprise-wide defense product lines, ensuring that project execution aligns with overall business objectives and that cost, schedule, risk management, and technical performance metrics meet established standards.
• Act as a key liaison to defense customers, collaborating to define and refine program requirements, identify new opportunities, and cultivate enduring trust and satisfaction through proactive communication and responsiveness.
• Develop and empower high-functioning, cross-disciplinary teams by strategically aligning internal and external resources with corporate priorities to maximize project success and organizational growth.
• Direct all phases of program delivery, from initiation through completion, maintaining rigorous oversight to ensure compliance with cost, schedule, quality, and technical standards while swiftly resolving challenges to maintain performance excellence.
• Employ sophisticated management tools such as Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and resource-loaded schedules to enhance transparency, accountability, and forecasting accuracy, thereby supporting data-driven decision-making.
• Lead comprehensive proposal development efforts and market positioning initiatives, influencing acquisition strategies to strengthen the company’s competitive advantage and presence in the defense sector.

KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Skilled in gathering diverse data, analyzing complex scenarios, and devising innovative, effective solutions to support program objectives and overcome operational hurdles.
• Proficient in developing detailed project plans, coordinating multidisciplinary activities, and ensuring deliverables are completed punctually and within financial parameters.
• Ability to interpret sophisticated technical documentation and apply insights to guide decision-making and program adjustments.
• Deep understanding of how project decisions influence organizational goals, financial outcomes, and strategic positioning within the defense industry landscape.
• Exceptional capability to prioritize workloads, optimize time management, establish clear objectives, and maintain focus under pressure to achieve desired results.
• Strong communication skills and leadership presence are essential to effectively manage cross-functional teams and interact with executive-level stakeholders. Adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning underpin success in this role.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Arts or Sciences (BA/BS) is mandatory, reflecting foundational knowledge essential for program management success.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in program or project management, including at least five years in a leadership capacity managing complex projects, is required to demonstrate proven expertise.
• Experience working within the US Government contracting environment for one year or more is highly desirable, offering familiarity with regulatory requirements, contracting processes, and federal acquisition protocols.
• Demonstrated experience in leading diverse teams, managing budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation plans effectively.
• Strong proficiency with program management tools and methodologies, including Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), is preferred.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills are essential for interfacing with internal teams, external partners, and government clients.
• A commitment to ethical standards, security protocols, and continuous professional development is expected.

Compensation and Benefits

Candidates may be required to satisfy additional job-related requirements, including those established and controlled by third parties, as part of the selection process.

In compliance with this state’s pay transparency laws, the wage range for this role is $107,200 - $160,800. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. (The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements).

We care about our employees and it shows. Our staff receive a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical/Rx, dental and vision coverage; life, AD&D and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; 100% paid maternity leave for up to 12 weeks, parental leave, family leave, other paid time off; voluntary benefits and discount programs to meet our employees’ individual needs including pet insurance for our furry family members!

Essential Functions

• Visual acuity (e.g., needed to prepare and analyze data, to transcribe documents, to view a computer, to read, to inspect objects, to operate machinery
• Manual Dexterity (e.g., picking, pinching, typing, or other working that uses the fingers)
• Walking
• Hearing
• Talking
• Capacity to think, concentrate and focus over long periods of time
• Ability to write complex documents in the [English] language
• Ability to read complex documents in [English] language
• Capacity to express thoughts orally (e.g., accurately, quick and loudly convey spoken instructions to workers)
• Capacity to reason and make sound decisions
• Travel: 10% As Needed