Senior Program Manager, Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) Growth and Development - GM Defense

The Senior Program Manager will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all programs within the portfolio, ensuring successful execution across the entire project lifecycle, including pre-award capture activities. This role is accountable for defining and managing the technology roadmap for the current and future family of tactical vehicles and driving development initiatives that align with long-term objectives. Responsibilities include developing comprehensive program plans, managing cost, schedule, and performance, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver results. The position requires proactive risk management, identification of growth opportunities, and continuous improvement in execution. Additionally, the Senior Program Manager will mentor and manage program staff, foster collaboration across engineering, supply chain, finance, and operations, and ensure alignment with customer requirements and organizational goals.

Senior Program Manager roles demand strong leadership and communication skills within matrixed organizations, as they involve coordinating across diverse functions and engaging with multiple levels of management. Exceptional communication skills with customers are critical to building trust, ensuring alignment, and driving program success. The ability to think innovatively, exercise independent judgment, and apply ingenuity to complex challenges is essential for success in this position.

What You'll Do:

• Program Leadership: Provide strong leadership and guidance to the cross-functional program team, ensuring alignment with program objectives and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. Manage government and GM Defense program imperatives effectively.

• Pre-Contract Preparation: Lead the team in developing and implementing strategies to position programs for success prior to award. Activities include resource planning, risk assessment, work breakdown structure development, CDRL planning, start-of-work preparation, and stakeholder engagement.

• Contract Execution: Coach, lead, and mentor Program Managers within the portfolio to drive successful contract execution. Ensure adherence to cost, schedule, and performance requirements while promoting best practices across teams.

• Cost Management: Oversee and manage portfolio-level budgets, monitor expenditures, and implement cost-control measures to achieve financial objectives.

• Performance Accountability: Define and track performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) for your portion of the GM Defense business. Regularly monitor progress and report results to GM leadership.

• Risk and Opportunity Management: Establish and maintain risk and opportunity management processes across the portfolio to reduce costs and drive revenue growth. Implement proactive mitigation strategies and contingency plans to minimize disruptions.

• Stakeholder Management and Communication: Communicate and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, subcontractors, suppliers, and government agencies, to ensure alignment and successful outcomes. Develop materials for internal gate reviews and external government leadership reviews.

• Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with quality management systems and processes, overseeing delivery of high-quality products and services that meet customer requirements and industry standards.

• Team Development: Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment by providing mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities. Promote growth and success for all team members.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):

• Bachelor's degree in a technical or business discipline.

• 10+ years of experience in program management or an equivalent leadership role.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the defense industry, specifically in government contracting or procurement (Light Tactical Wheeled Vehicles only).

• At least 5 years of experience in defense vehicle programs or product development.

• Proven track record of developing and leading high-performance teams.

• Strong communication skills, including 5+ years of direct customer-facing experience.

• Demonstrated ability to navigate and thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.

• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams

• Eligible to obtain Secret U.S. Security Clearance after hire

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

• PMP Certification or equivalent

• Familiarity with portfolio planning, business development, contracting, systems engineering, manufacturing, finance, purchasing, and supply chain within the defense sector.

• Understanding of automotive industry practices and familiarity with GM LLC's organization, resources, and functions.

This position requires eligibility to access classified information at the Secret U.S. Security Clearance level for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. The successful candidate must have eligibility to access classified information at that level.

Company Vehicle: Upon successful completion of a motor vehicle report review, you will be eligible to participate in a company vehicle evaluation program, through which you will be assigned a General Motors vehicle to drive and evaluate. Note: program participants are required to purchase/lease a qualifying GM vehicle every four years unless one of a limited number of exceptions applies.

#GMD

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.

The selected candidate will be required to travel < 25% for this role.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

The position is subject to export control restrictions and requires the successful candidate to be either a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee) or a non-U.S. Person who is eligible to obtain any required export control authorization

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Client-provided location(s): Warren, MI, Milford, MI

Job ID: General_Motors-JR-202522844

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Posted: 2025-11-26T00:16:29