Associate Director of Programs

job description

kratos defense & security solutions, inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the u.s. Federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting‑edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost‑effective solutions to market.

kratos unmanned aerial systems (kuas), a division of kratos defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high‑performance, cost‑effective, jet‑powered unmanned aerial systems (targets and tactical). As a mid‑tier defense contractor, we’ve demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the u.s. Military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top‑notch jet‑powered subscale targets has established us as a go‑to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

at kuas, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

the associate director of programs will provide leadership and specific direction to one or more program managers and associated cross‑functional support teams to meet and exceed their business area financial, customer, and internal business objectives. The associate director of programs is responsible for the both the execution of the programs within assigned portfolio, as well as for providing strategic direction to ensure that the business area provides sustainable, recurring value.

As such, the associate director of programs must provide both strategic leadership as well as be able to support tactical execution in the areas of proposal direction, preparation, and negotiation, customer relationship development and maintenance, programs execution, performance status and presentations, coordination of resources, customer interface, and logistics support for all programs and projects under the associate director’s purview.

• provides business area leadership and oversight to assigned program managers and cross‑functional support team, develops strategic business area growth strategies, manages portfolio execution to meet contract and company commitments, and champions process excellence to continually improve operations and performance on assigned programs.
• simultaneously provides leadership and guidance to business‑area programs and interfaces with all customers (internal and external) effectively.
• leads program managers and associated cross‑functional team members in the execution of all phases of a program from inception to completion.
• ensures program management leadership of proposal preparation and negotiation on applicable efforts within the portfolio.
• ensures program plans (e.g., budgets, schedules and status reporting) are established and monitored for each program.
• ensures program managers effectively use integrated teams which may include: purchasing, engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, finance, logistics and administrative areas, including program planning & control.
• responsible for the p&l on all business areas programs and meeting contractual requirements.
• communicates with customers at the appropriate level, and mentors portfolio team in appropriate and beneficial customer communications.
• develops in‑depth knowledge of the customer organization and establishes close personal relationships with key decision‑makers.
• ensures the customer perspective is defined, maintained, developed, monitored, and communicated to the director of programs and functional area senior managers and executives.
• conducts professional…