Defense Vehicle Program Manager

We are seeking a seasoned Defense Vehicle Program Manager to lead and mentor a high-performing program management team. As a key advisor to the Chief Program Engineer (CPE), you will drive key processes and ensure on-time delivery of Ford's world-class commercial solutions to tactical defense applications.

The successful candidate will have direct experience with DoD acquisition, government contracting, and/or defense/military ground vehicle development. This is a critical role that requires strong collaboration, decision-making skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end execution of the program from capture through delivery and sustainment using established gated processes.
• Own program imperatives (scope, schedule, cost, resources, risk, quality) and establish standard operating mechanisms.
• Champion and continuously improve program processes, ensuring adherence to gated program cadences and governance reviews.
• Lead program decision forums with the CPE, clearing scope, schedule, cost decisions and accountability for closure.
• Drive launch and quality disciplines to ensure on-time, on-cost delivery.
• Partner with the CPE to identify, quantify, and mitigate program risks and issues.
• Develop contingency plans and gap-closure actions with clear owners and dates.
• Serve as a primary interface to government and defense industry partners, leading day-to-day interactions and formal program reviews.
• Represent the program in business development and capture activities.
• Foster a culture of safety, defense-specific compliance, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Directly lead, mentor, and develop program management staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical/business field.
• Demonstrated experience in the defense sector and/or defense ground vehicle programs.
• Experience with DoD acquisition programs, defense contracting, or comparable government/defense platform experience.
• Program or project management leadership of complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Working knowledge of the defense sector, spanning DoD acquisition processes, business development, and engineering.
• Familiarity with defense compliance and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong business acumen with demonstrated ownership of program financial outcomes.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care
• Family building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time