Programs Director Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

A senior professional Program Director / Head of Programs is responsible for managing a team of project/Program Managers and driving delivery excellence across their portfolio using recognized project management methodologies. The role leads both delivery and support functions, ensuring successful completion of major complex projects and programs that span Commercial and Technology areas within a matrix organization.

• Effectively lead and develop a team of project/Program Managers.
• Ensure disciplined project management practices throughout the function.
• Identify and provide development activities to build individual and team capability and succession plans.
• Exploit and develop cross‑functional knowledge and skills.
• Map programs, understand roles, team structures and required competencies.
• Create inclusive and coordinated project environments to maximise team effectiveness.
• Work closely with the Site Management Team to align site goals, pursue best practice and continuous improvement.

• Accountable for initiating, planning, monitoring & controlling, communicating and closing all assigned projects and programs, including Product Lifecycle Process Gates where applicable, following Smith Detection PEC processes.
• Lead integrated or cross‑functional teams to achieve successful completion on committed delivery dates, within budget and according to PEC processes.
• Execute projects within the standardised business rhythm coordinating project/Program management, finance and controls teams, maintaining project records in defined software tools.
• Ensure assigned projects/Programs have required artefacts (WBS, CBS, RACI, scheduling, risk and change controls, etc.) commensurate with project categorisation.
• Coordinate with site financial managers to report portfolio financials, aligning with Sales and Finance.
• Establish and maintain cost and schedule baselines, forecast updates and scope management, applying PEC risk and change control procedures.
• Conduct monthly variance analysis, track corrective/preventative actions, and chair monthly project/Program reviews as needed.
• Act as a mentor and role model for the project/Program management team.
• Serve as Deputy for the Head of Market/Global Programs Director when required, supervising activities and representing at reviews or meetings.
• Champion collaboration across Global Programs and the wider Smiths Detection business, integrating Commercial and Technology projects as needed.
• Typical duties specific to Commercial orientated projects/Programs include:
  • Deliver competitive customer tenders with a compliance matrix and risk profile.
  • Define opportunity requirements to enable cost‑effective win‑worthy proposals.
  • Work with Sales on bid strategy, preparation, proposal support and contract negotiation.
  • Negotiate project/program deliverables, specifications, budgets and schedules with customers.
  • Complete project/program kick‑off and sales hand‑over.
  • Manage external stakeholder relations, progress reporting, change management, risk, issues and contract closeout.
  • Manage finance aspects covering revenue recognition and reporting.
  • Ensure successful hand‑over to service.
• Typical duties specific to Technology orientated projects/Programs include:
  • Initiate and control feasibility or technology studies per PEC Technology Development Management Process.
  • Lead planning and execution of product development, enhancement or sustaining projects defined by an approved business case.
  • Work with Product Management to deliver outcomes per business case, and support product release activities and hand‑over to manufacturing.
  • Support resolution of field service issues or product complaints.
  • Collaborate with suppliers as external stakeholders to achieve defined objectives.

• Employ best industry practice project/program management and provide customer reporting that demonstrates professional monitoring and control.
• By delivering on scope, satisfy customer commitments, deliver innovative products and maximise shareholder return.

• Maintain portfolio compliance with company policies for Ethics, Health, Safety and Environment.
• Lead business change to standardise and integrate PEC process framework across the global business.
• Contribute to maintaining the PEC process framework to reflect current practices and improvements.
• Use training materials, procedure documents and process guidelines as primary resources for policies and procedures.

• Internationally recognised professional qualification in project/Program management (equivalent to IPMA level B/C) – essential.
• Degree qualification or equivalent in Business/Project/Program Management or Technology/Engineering – desirable.

• Extensive knowledge of project/Program management methodologies (Waterfall, PRINCE2, Agile, etc.).
• Good understanding of planning techniques and project controls such as earned value management.
• Awareness of complex integrated technology‑based sensor systems and their market roles.
• Awareness of priorities of cross‑functions (R&D, Legal, Finance, Supply Chain, Service, etc.) and how they support major technology projects.

• Extensive experience as a project/Program manager; engineering/technology or construction/infrastructure background desirable.
• Portfolio management and line management experience desirable.
• Strong verbal and written communication and people management skills.
• Proven problem‑solving skills and experience leading integrated teams.
• Experience with baseline planning, scheduling, forecasting, estimating and cost/schedule integration techniques.
• Experience with resource management and integration with Integrated Business Planning.
• Experience in critical path analysis, risk management tracking and corrective action plans.
• Proficiency with estimating, scheduling, risk and change software tools (SAP, Primavera, Oracle ERP, MS Project, Pertmaster, Active Risk Manager, Cobra, Power BI).
• Ability to drive continuous improvement across all areas of responsibility.
• High level experience of product development covering introduction, enhancement, sustaining or commercial customer management.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with a passion for delivering commitments.
• Effective communication at all organisational levels with appropriate detail for the audience.
• Ability to build and manage a multicultural team in a matrix environment and influence across boundaries.
• Advanced vision, attention to detail, highly organised and self‑initiated methodology development.
• Ability to influence and champion project/Program governance.
• Lead production and control of baselined, fully logic‑linked cost and resource‑loaded plans using approved WBS.
• Produce special reports for senior leadership within short timescales and work comfortably with ambiguity.
• Apply change activities from proposal through to integration into the Performance Measurement Baseline.
• Willing to undertake occasional business trips at home and abroad.

Join us and build your career with excellent training and opportunities for growth across the business, locally and globally. Experience an inclusive environment with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. Choose from a wide range of benefits to support your lifestyle.

The total compensation for this position ranges from $140,422 to $210,634 per year, with a competitive Business Profit Plan and benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off and more. For details, visit the rewards and benefits section on the careers website.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected characteristic.

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