Work/Life Program Manager jobs in Orange, CA

Location: Irvine, United States of America

Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world’s largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

Program Manager

Irvine, CA (Hybrid)

Position Summary

Thales is looking for a Program Manager is responsible for managing the execution of assigned customer program(s) from Sales handover through delivery of the final aircraft and closure of commitment letter items.

In this position you will also be responsible for the cost and schedule performance and risk management for assigned programs. Coordinates with internal Thales organizations, to communicate customer requirements and execute the program with technical accuracy, consistency and profitability as well as managing the communications and relations with customer/s.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Support the bid process for Sales and Bid Management, by developing Program Management bid inputs, identifying risks and coordinating technical responses; Participate in the handover meeting from Sales and Bid Management to Program Management; Coordinate with the functional managers to identify and establish a cross-functional program team in accordance with the established Work Breakdown Structure (WBS; Develop the program Bill of Materials (BOM). Identify risk areas and seek to stabilize the BOM as early in the program as possible in order to satisfy contractual deliveries; Conduct the internal program Kick Off Meeting (KOM) to facilitate communication of the airline customer expectations, and the delivery schedule for parts/services and documentation necessary.
• Ensure Internal Change Orders (ICOs) are released in a timely manner within normal production lead times, to the maximum extent allowed by the customer agreement; Direct and oversee program activities to assure the accomplishment of program objectives in a profitable way that meets or exceeds customer and Thales expectations.
• For new programs, implement the Manage Program (MAP) program tracking tool. Once the MAP is set up, maintain and update of the program MAP on a frequent basis. Ensure that accurate program records are maintained in accordance with current document retention and filing processes; Maintain a program master schedule including key program milestones, technical data deliverables and critical path decision gates; Prepare for, and participate in, program milestone meetings such as Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs), Critical Design Reviews (CDRs), First Article Inspections (FAIs), Program Management Reviews (PMRs) and other applicable meetings.
• Conduct regular program team meetings to review schedule performance, cost performance BOM status, risk areas and customer satisfaction. Risk management is a key role of a program manager inclusive of documentation in accordance with the current risk management tracking tools.
• Routinely assess program financial profit and loss data for the assigned program. Monitor non-recurring cost expenditures to ensure alignment with program budgets and spending plan. Manage budget changes, monitor actual expenditures and estimate financials at program completion as well as the work remaining to complete the program. Coordinate closely with finance; Assist the Finance Department in the receipt of Purchase Orders (POs) from airline customers and aircraft manufacturers. Ensure POs are received in advance of committed shipping dates to avoid potential revenue gaps and customer satisfaction issues.
• Correspond directly with the external airline customer, aircraft manufacturer and seat supplier as directed and approved by the supervising Program Manager. Ensure all correspondence is high quality, accurate and timely and respects the intellectual property agreements in place; Close the project (archiving documents, closing expenditure authorizations) by capitalizing and sharing the enterprise experience.
  
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline from College or university or related program management experience.
• A minimum of 3 years of project management experience; Demonstrated customer facing skill set with high level decision makers; Must be able to work in a fast paced environment while maintaining accuracy and efficiency; Familiarity with SAP, Primavera, Microsoft Project tools; Well versed and have hands on experience to demonstrate competence on below aspects of Project Management in a fast paced international business environment where daily decision making and actions are required.
• Project Planning - able to consolidate and document the fundamental components of a project such as requirements, scope, schedule, resource planning, budgets, risks and quality requirements to produce a quality change order; Customer Relations Management - understand the customer through the hard and soft information that is received to ensure that the bid/project deliverables mirror the customer’s vision and philosophy as closely as possible.
• Budgeting and Cost Control - develop and agree project budgets. It comprises of the estimation of costs, setting the agreed baseline budget and the management of actual and forecast costs against the baseline budget. Manage costs within the agreed budget and accurately analyzing and managing variances.
• Schedule and Resource Management – prepare and maintain schedules of activities, phases and milestones for projects, taking account of dependencies between activities and resources constraints. It also requires the robust monitoring and reporting of progress against the baseline schedule and forecasting project completion; Risk and Opportunity Management - identify risks throughout the project lifecycle using a number of techniques, assess probability and impact of risks with subject matter experts and create mitigation plans.
• Change Control - capture and evaluate all requests to alter baselines (requirements, scope, schedule, costs etc.) of projects. Apply a formal change control process in agreement with customer; Project Governance – apply of Thales project management processes and procedures to ensure consistent delivery of projects which includes understanding and adherence to governance processes, establishing clear roles and responsibilities and conducting robust internal and independent project review; Demonstrates accountability and leadership competencies to lead teams as wells as individual business results.
  
  
  

If you’re excited about working with Thales, but not meeting the requirements for this position, we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

Special Position Requirements

• Schedule: Core business hours, Monday through Friday with an opportunity to work 9/80; may be required to work outside the core business hours. Requires flexibility with to manage international customer.
• Physical Demands: The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Travel: Up to 50% domestic and international travel depending on the specific customer. Valid passport is required.
• Regulatory Compliance Requirements: None.
  
  
  

What We Offer

The anticipated TTC range for this role is $111,416.76 - $231,478.52 USD Annual. The Company reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s status protected by local, state, or federal law.

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

• Elective Health and Dental plans.
• Retirement Savings Plan with a company contribution and a match, and without vesting period.
• Company paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave.
• Company provided Life Insurance.
  
  
  

Why Join Us?

Say HI and learn more about working at Thales click here.

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com.