Director of Program Management: Top Recruiters in Warren, Michigan
The Warren Aerospace & Defense Market
Warren is Michigan's most significant defense city, housing General Dynamics Land Systems' headquarters, the Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (DEVCOM GVS), and Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, making it the epicenter of U.S. Army ground vehicle development.
About This Role
The Director of Program Management leads a team of program managers executing a portfolio of defense contracts, ensuring each program meets cost, schedule, and technical performance commitments. This director mentors program managers, drives consistent PM processes, and serves as an escalation point for customer issues, program risks, and contract negotiation challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a team of 5-15 program managers executing a portfolio of defense contracts
- Own P&L accountability for assigned programs with combined contract value of
- - Drive consistent application of earned value management, integrated master scheduling, and risk management across programs
- Manage customer relationships at the program office and contracting officer level for assigned programs
- Lead contract modifications, scope changes, and claim negotiations with government and prime contractor customers
- Develop and maintain program cost estimates, resource plans, and financial projections for business forecasting
- Support business development through proposal leadership, ROM development, and bid/no-bid analysis
- Identify and escalate program risks and issues requiring senior leadership or customer engagement
- Lead program kick-off activities, IBRs, and major milestone reviews for new program awards
- Develop program management talent through coaching, training, and performance management
Leading Employers in Warren
The Aerospace & Defense talent pool in Warren is shaped by movement between these anchor employers and their tier-one supplier base:
Required Experience & Background
- 10+ years in defense program management with demonstrated progression to director or senior PM roles
- PMP certification required; DAU/APDP PM Level II or III strongly preferred
- Active Secret clearance required; TS preferred
- Demonstrated EVM expertise and EVMS compliance experience
- Track record of successful program completion, customer satisfaction ratings, and follow-on award wins
- Experience with both cost-plus and fixed-price contract structures in DoD environments
Core Leadership Competencies
- PM Leadership: Ability to build and sustain a high-performing program management team
- Customer Stewardship: Skill in managing government customer relationships through program ups and downs
- Financial Discipline: Expertise in program financial management and EVM in DoD contract environments
- Risk Foresight: Proactive approach to identifying and mitigating program risks before they impact customers
- Mentorship: Commitment to developing the next generation of defense program management professionals
Regulatory & Compliance Context
Program Management Directors must maintain compliance with DFARS 252.234-7002 (EVMS) for cost contracts exceeding , FAR 15.408 (Table 15-2) reporting requirements, and applicable CDRL deliverable schedules. ITAR governs program documentation sharing and international team member access to program information.
Compensation Benchmarks for Warren, MI
Nexoval Search Partners' Approach in Warren
Nexoval Search Partners's dedicated Aerospace & Defense practice maintains active relationships with the executive talent community across Warren and the broader Michigan 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 candidate presentation within 45 to 60 days of engagement launch. Nexoval Search Partners's retained search model and one-year replacement guarantee ensure every executive we place in Warren, Michigan delivers long-term organizational value.