What compensation range should we expect for a VP Defense Programs in Chicago?

Current Chicago benchmarks for this role land in the $325K to $560K base + STI/LTI range, with the high end reserved for candidates with directly transferable scale experience and immediate availability. STI and LTI structures vary materially by ownership profile (public, PE-backed, founder-led).

Do you place candidates requiring relocation into Chicago?

Yes. Roughly 35 to 45% of senior Nexoval placements involve relocation. We pre-qualify relocation willingness, family considerations, and total comp impact (including the Illinois tax position) before formally presenting a candidate.

How does Nexoval handle confidential or replacement searches?

Most senior mandates we run are confidential. We work under a partner-led engagement model with strict access controls. Incumbent identification is never disclosed and outreach is structured to protect the client's market position throughout the search.

What is the Nexoval Search Partners guarantee?

Every executive placement is backed by a structured replacement guarantee within the guarantee period of up to 180 days after the start date, subject to engagement terms. Our intent is to be measured on retention and impact, not first-day signature.

VP Defense Programs Recruiters in Chicago, IL

The Chicago Aerospace & Defense Market

Chicago hosts Boeing's corporate headquarters and Defense Space & Security divisional leadership, alongside Motorola Solutions' global public safety technology operations, making it a premier A&D executive market with Fortune 500 corporate governance requirements.

About This Role

The VP of Defense Programs leads the execution and growth of a company's DoD program portfolio, owning customer relationships, P&L performance, and new business capture across a suite of active defense contracts. This executive is the primary interface between the company and government program offices, ensuring programs are delivered on schedule and within budget while expanding the customer relationship.

Key Responsibilities

Manage full P&L for a portfolio of DoD programs ranging from to + in combined contract value
Own primary relationships with government Program Managers, PEOs, and contracting officers across the program portfolio
Lead Integrated Program Teams (IPTs) composed of engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and contracts professionals
Drive new business capture by identifying follow-on work, adjacent requirements, and new program opportunities
Develop and execute program reviews, Integrated Baseline Reviews (IBRs), and customer status briefings
Manage program financial performance including EVM, contract funding profiles, and fee recovery
Oversee subcontractor management, teaming agreements, and supplier performance within programs
Lead proposal development for contract modifications, follow-on awards, and new program competitions
Identify program risks early and drive proactive mitigation before issues become customer concerns
Represent the company at industry days, program conferences, and DoD stakeholder forums

Leading Employers in Chicago

The Aerospace & Defense talent pool in Chicago is shaped by movement between these anchor employers and their tier-one supplier base:

Boeing (Arlington Heights)RTX Collins Aerospace

Required Experience & Background

15+ years in defense program management with at least 5 years managing a portfolio of defense programs
Active TS/SCI security clearance strongly preferred
PMP certification and formal DoD PM training (APDP/DAU) strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience winning follow-on awards and expanding program scope with DoD customers
Deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS, government contract types, and DoD acquisition regulations
Strong EVM expertise and experience managing EVMS-compliant programs

Core Leadership Competencies

Customer Partnership: Ability to build enduring trust relationships with DoD program offices and contracting authorities
Portfolio Management: Skill in managing competing resource demands across multiple simultaneous programs
Capture Leadership: Proven track record of winning new business in competitive government procurements
Financial Discipline: Expertise in program financial management, fee optimization, and cost control
Risk Intelligence: Proactive identification and mitigation of technical, schedule, and cost program risks

Regulatory & Compliance Context

VP-level defense program managers must ensure compliance with DFARS 252.204-7012 (cybersecurity), FAR 52.204-21 (basic safeguarding), and all applicable NDAA provisions. Programs involving foreign military sales (FMS) require familiarity with SAMM and DSP-5 export authorization processes.

Compensation Benchmarks for Chicago, IL

Indicative range

$325K to $560K base + STI/LTI

Illinois applies a flat 4.95% income tax; senior executives should model the Chicago city personal property lease transaction tax on SaaS and certain perquisites.

Nexoval Search Partners' Approach in Chicago

Nexoval Search Partners' dedicated Aerospace & Defense practice maintains active relationships with the executive talent community across Chicago and the broader Illinois market. Our consultants conduct thorough market mapping of available passive and active candidates across the region's leading employers, from established industry leaders to innovative growth companies. Every engagement includes confidential outreach, rigorous competency-based assessment, and a shortlist in 3 to 4 weeks and typical completion in 60 to 90 days. Nexoval Search Partners' retained search model and up to 180-day replacement guarantee ensure every executive we place in Chicago, Illinois delivers long-term organizational value.

Frequently Asked Questions

For roles of this profile, Nexoval typically presents a calibrated shortlist within 3 to 4 weeks of mandate confirmation. Typical completion takes 60 to 90 days depending on counter-offer dynamics and clearance / background verification timelines.

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