Program Manager - Defense - Hampton, NH

Job Title

Lead strategic proposal efforts on high-impact aerospace programs.

Job Description

This role requires a highly collaborative and commercially minded leader capable of influencing stakeholders, facilitating risk-based decision making, and translating complex customer requirements into actionable program strategies. The individual will also be responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen proposal planning processes and improve execution performance across the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading proposal planning efforts from opportunity assessment through final submission, ensuring all functional deliverables are completed, aligned, and incorporated into executable program plans.
• Developing and validating resource-loaded schedules, manufacturing strategies, execution assumptions, resource requirements, and operational readiness plans for new business opportunities.
• Facilitating cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Business Development to ensure proposal commitments reflect organisational capabilities.
• Driving risk identification, mitigation planning, and execution feasibility assessments covering technical, operational, schedule, staffing, and supply chain considerations.
• Supporting strategic bid/no-bid decisions through detailed evaluation of customer requirements, program risks, commercial objectives, and execution constraints.
• Championing continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing program outcomes, capturing lessons learned, and enhancing proposal planning methodologies, governance processes, and execution readiness standards.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

This individual will combine strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and technical understanding to drive successful business capture efforts while ensuring programs can be delivered efficiently and profitably. They will thrive in fast-paced environments, demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, and bring a disciplined approach to program planning, scheduling, and risk management.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Program Management, or a related discipline, with significant relevant industry experience.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional proposal development, program planning, business capture, or execution readiness activities.
• Strong understanding of program scheduling, resource planning, cost estimating, risk management, and operational readiness assessments.
• Demonstrated success working within aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or other highly regulated technical environments.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills across all organisational levels.
• Ability to balance strategic business objectives with detailed execution planning while driving alignment among diverse teams and competing priorities.

What's on Offer

The successful candidate will enjoy a highly supportive culture that values professional development, technical excellence, and leadership growth. In addition to a comprehensive rewards package, the organization is committed to investing in its employees through continuous learning opportunities, career progression pathways, and exposure to challenging, meaningful work.

• Competitive compensation package with performance-driven career advancement opportunities.
• Immediate access to comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA, and FSA benefits.
• 401(k) programme with company match and immediate vesting.
• Flexible 9/80 work schedule providing enhanced work-life balance.
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment assistance to support ongoing professional growth.
• Generous PTO allowance, paid holidays, and paid family leave programmes.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies, high-profile programmes, and mission-critical projects.
• Collaborative culture offering direct interaction with senior leadership and key decision-makers.
• Long-term career progression opportunities within a growing, technology-focused organisation.

Job Summary

Sector: Engineering & Manufacturing

Sub Sector: Project / Program Management

Industry: Industrial / Manufacturing

Location: Hampton

Contract Type: Permanent

Consultant Name: Victor Pascoe

Job Reference: JN-072026-7071488