Senior Manager Spacecraft Programmes

The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs.

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The role shall lead space procurement programs with NGIS – Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems. This includes leading technical and programmatic activities associated with the management of SES Spacecraft Procurement Programs at NGIS. The incumbent shall be responsible to manage the SES Field Office team located at NGIS manufacturing facilities in Sterling, Virginia, to ensure the SES procurement programs are delivered on quality, on time and full compliance to contractual requirements.

In addition, the incumbent shall work in close collaboration with the team members of Engineering & Operations, Finance, Legal, Sales as well as other department teams to optimize SES’ business objectives related to satellite, launcher, insurance, operation, ground segment, application and customer needs. This involves managing team of industry experts, liaising with internal and external stakeholders to lobby and negotiate for the optimum value for money and on-time delivery of SES satellites under procurement and highly effective delivering on strategic goals of the company.

The role also involves the evaluation of new satellite proposals, negotiation of contractual requirements and technical specifications and supporting of negotiations of terms and conditions, when required.

Cultivation of a culture of continuous innovation both within SES and within the vendor organization, while continuously striving to achieve important organization goals, grows the SES’ reputation for innovation and maintaining SES' reputation for technical excellence.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Program Lead, including stakeholder and people management, internal communication on progress, budget responsibility as well as milestone achievement accountability
• Ensure the SES Spacecraft Procurement activities at Northrop Grumman meet quality, cost and schedule goals
• Lead and coach the Field Office Team at Northrop Grumman, based in Sterling, VA
• Negotiate contract change notices with minimum delay to satellite delivery
• Review and approve milestone payments, RFDs and RFWs
• Ensure all satellites are built and tested to meet high reliability and performance requirements
• Ensure the lessons learned and corrective actions from previous SES programs are applied
• Ensure successful launch of satellites
• Identify and resolve S/C programmatic issues that could adverse impact SES business
• Develop long term partnership with Northrop Grumman through reliable technical collaboration
• Maintain and develop strong strategic relationships with Northrop Grumman and major industrial suppliers to accelerate market opportunities
• Responsible for attracting and developing talented engineers towards principal engineer and future program managers roles to reinforce the critical competences needed to reach SES objectives and ensure seamless continuity of future SES procurements and best quality satellite and developing innovation solutions
• Support insurance and business teams
• Participate in the vendor negotiation process and lead the technical definition part when required
• Influence, convince stakeholders and arbitrate technical specifications and requirements against cost and IRR rate considerations

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to influence senior executives and industry experts
• A passionate worker committed to maintaining SES reputation for outstanding technical excellence and focused towards delivering the highest quality, reliable and innovative satellite that can meet our customers’ needs in the most effective way possible
• Ability to lead, manage, develop and motivate people, and ability to retain all team members while keeping them united, motivated and focused on business priorities.
• A high level of competency in all technical aspects of satellite procurement, integration and testing.
• Objective, rational and multidisciplinary thinking
• Ability to react to contingencies, face up to problems and conflicts quickly
• Courage to act upon convictions, a high degree of integrity and high level of trust built on mutual respect with satellite manufactures
• Provides candid feedback to Northrop Grumman
• A willingness to be self-critical and learn from mistakes - avoiding hubris
• Solid business acumen to understand SES Markets, customer and services

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree with at least 10 years of applicable experience in Space Engineering
• Proven people management experience
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of satellite design, assembly integration & test, cost and schedule trades and program management.
• Track record in leading, coaching and inspiring people
• Applied knowledge in Programme management of complex and multifaceted project involving external parties
• Good interpersonal skills and effective communication, influencing and persuasion skills with people at all levels

Other Key Requirements / Comments

• The main interfaces are the Spacecraft Manufacturer, Launch Services Provider, Planning, Business Development, Space Engineering, Systems Engineering, Systems Architecture

The USA salary range for this full-time position is $148,000 - $200,000

Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and geographic location. Individual compensation within the range is determined based on work location and a variety of factors, including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and relevant education or training. Additional compensation and benefits may apply depending on the location and terms of employment.

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