Program Manager

As a Program Manager, you will be responsible for the successful execution of customer contracts and R&D projects. You will need to demonstrate experience in executing technically complex projects aligned to systems engineering management approach. The successful candidate must have a strong technical background, be well organised, driven and must be able to work under pressure. This role will expect you to manage multiple projects and you must be capable of delivering projects within constraints of schedule, budget and requirements.

Your role

Ensure profitable execution of all allocated projects and related contracts within the constraints of schedule, budget and scope

Execute projects and customer contracts in accordance with the SGD Management system

Develop and maintain detailed project management documentation

Keep all project stakeholders informed of project status through effective communication within defined mechanisms (steering committees, monthly reports, project meetings, etc.)

Provide Marketing and Bid support and fulfil the role of operations responsible for allocated bids by coordinating the generation of the operations data pack (schedule, costing and statement of work), in accordance with the SGD Management System

Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders and thereby acting as the SGD point of contact (POC) for all contract matters

Participate in the technical execution of projects, working with the technical responsible to ensure effective project execution

Ensure adherence to contractual requirements and objectives, as well as company norms and standards

Be able to travel Internationally as required

Your profile

Knowledge

Experience in the execution of customer contracts and R&D projects

Experience in working across many different departments and stakeholders in a strong complex matrix organisation

Experience in MS Office, MS Excel and MS Projects

Experience in working with MRP systems (e.g. IFS)

In-depth financial knowledge within a project environment

Leading and managing project teams in a technical environment

Ability to lead virtual project team/s to a successful implementation across countries.

Interfacing with stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally to the organisation

Strong Communication skills which include creating and delivering written and oral presentations

Strong administration and time management skills.

Methodical, thorough, and diligent

Be able to identify and manage risks

Advanced interpersonal skills

Results driven; forward thinking with a problem-solving mentality

Desired skills:

In-depth knowledge of project management in a customer and R&D environment

Excellent negotiation skills

Excellent intercultural skills to cooperate with international customers.

Thorough understanding of customer support and MRO operations within the Defense Industry.

Practical experience

More than 7 years’ project management experience within a defence – orientated Customer Support environment is preferred.

Past experience in executing Customer Support Contracts and Projects will be an advantage.

Financial management within a project environment.

Experience in the formulation of support strategy and business models will be advantageuos

Competencies:

Effective Leadership

Stakeholder management

Planning and resource management

Strategic thinking

Customer satisfaction

Qualification:

Engineering degree or equivalent qualification BSc(Eng.), BEng

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification will be an advantage

What you will be a part of

SGD has reinforced its position as a leading South African defence and security company, bringing capabilities including electronic warfare systems, sensor technology, training systems, avionics, security and support solutions to the African and international markets. These capabilities are supplied and supported over the air, land, sea and civil security domains.

With new and improved technological systems and solutions, SGD increases a country’s defence capabilities and provides innovative, effective products and services for those tasked to maintain security. The company also works with various stakeholders in gathering data and providing insight into how security threats evolve, and what the best market-customised solutions are.

If you aspire to help create and innovate whilst developing yourself in a challenging team setting, Saab may well have the perfect conditions for you to grow. We pride ourselves on a nurturing environment, where everyone is different yet we share the same goal – to help protect people.

SGD will give preference to South African citizens and we also welcome applications from individuals with culturally diverse backgrounds.

Please consider your application as unsuccessful if you have not received feedback from us within 30 days after the closing date.

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