VP of Defense Programs – Huntsville, AL

Role Overview for VP of Defense Programs – Huntsville, AL

JRG Partners is exclusively partnering with a leading innovator in the defense sector to identify a visionary and strategic Vice President of Defense Programs. This pivotal executive role, based in the critical hub of Huntsville, Alabama – famously known as ‘Rocket City’ – demands a leader with a profound understanding of defense technologies, government contracting, and strategic program management. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future trajectory of our client’s defense portfolio, driving significant growth, and ensuring the successful execution of complex, high-impact programs that directly contribute to national security.

As the VP of Defense Programs, you will be at the forefront of strategic planning, business development, and operational excellence. You will lead a diverse team of highly skilled professionals, fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration, and accountability. Your expertise will guide the development and implementation of advanced defense solutions, from concept through deployment, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, budgetary constraints, and critical timelines.

This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to influence key defense initiatives, cultivate enduring relationships with top-tier government clients and industry partners, and contribute to the safeguarding of national interests through cutting-edge technological advancements and superior program execution. If you are a proven leader with an unwavering commitment to excellence and a passion for advancing defense capabilities, we invite you to explore this transformative opportunity.

Key Responsibilities of VP of Defense Programs – Huntsville, AL

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Develop and execute comprehensive strategic plans for the defense programs division, aligning with the company’s overarching goals and the evolving landscape of national defense priorities. Identify emerging market trends, technological advancements, and competitive landscapes to position the organization for sustained growth and innovation. Drive long-term strategic initiatives that enhance market share and technological leadership, ensuring our client remains at the forefront of defense capabilities.
• Program Management & Oversight: Lead a diverse portfolio of complex defense programs, ensuring meticulous management from initial concept through successful completion. Oversee all aspects of program execution, including adherence to scope, schedule, budget, and stringent quality standards. Implement robust program management methodologies, risk mitigation strategies, and performance metrics to guarantee timely delivery and exceptional results, consistently exceeding client expectations.
• Business Development & Growth: Spearhead aggressive business development efforts to identify, pursue, and capture new opportunities within the Department of Defense (DoD), other U.S. government agencies, and prime defense contractors. Lead the entire capture management lifecycle, from opportunity identification and qualification to compelling proposal development, contract negotiations, and strategic market expansion initiatives that drive significant revenue growth.
• Client Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain robust, enduring relationships with key customers, high-level stakeholders, and strategic industry partners. Serve as the primary point of contact for strategic client engagements, fostering trust and collaboration. Proactively address client needs, anticipate future requirements, and ensure the highest levels of satisfaction and partnership, solidifying the company’s reputation as a trusted defense ally.
• Financial Performance & P&L Management: Assume full profit & loss (P&L) responsibility for the entire defense programs division. Develop, manage, and meticulously monitor annual budgets, financial forecasts, and detailed financial reports. Drive operational efficiencies, optimize resource allocation, and implement cost-saving measures to consistently achieve and surpass financial targets, ensuring sustained profitability and fiscal health.
• Team Leadership & Talent Development: Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of program managers, engineers, scientists, and support staff. Foster a dynamic culture of innovation, accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth. Empower team members, delegate effectively, and provide the necessary resources and guidance to maximize their potential and achieve collective success in a demanding environment.
• Technical Innovation & R&D: Champion the research, development, and seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions directly relevant to defense applications. Stay rigorously abreast of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and disruptive innovations to maintain a significant competitive edge and ensure our client’s offerings remain state-of-the-art and highly relevant to evolving threats.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure all defense programs strictly comply with federal acquisition regulations (FAR), defense federal acquisition regulations supplement (DFARS), export controls (ITAR/EAR), and all other relevant regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, and internal corporate policies. Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with program execution, cybersecurity, supply chain integrity, and ethical conduct, safeguarding the organization’s integrity and operational continuity.
  

  Requirements for the VP of Defense Programs – Huntsville, AL

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Business Administration, or a closely related technical field from an accredited institution is strictly required. An MBA or a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Systems Engineering, Project Management) is highly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience within the aerospace and defense industry, with at least 10 years in a senior program management or executive role overseeing significant defense contracts and multi-million dollar programs. Demonstrated history of success in a similar capacity.
• P&L Responsibility: Proven, hands-on experience managing a profit & loss (P&L) center or a significant business unit within the defense sector, including comprehensive budgeting, accurate forecasting, and consistent achievement of financial targets for a substantial portfolio of defense programs.
• Government Contracting Expertise: In-depth, expert-level knowledge and practical experience with federal acquisition regulations (FAR), defense federal acquisition regulations supplement (DFARS), and other government contracting processes, compliance requirements, and lifecycle management. Understanding of various contract types (e.g., FFP, CPFF, T&M).
• Leadership & Strategic Acumen: Exceptional proven ability to develop and execute complex strategic plans, inspire and lead large cross-functional teams, and drive significant business growth in a highly complex, regulated, and competitive environment. Superior communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills are essential for engaging with all levels of stakeholders.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of current and emerging defense technologies, systems integration principles, and advanced engineering concepts relevant to various defense domains, such as missile defense, aerospace systems, C4ISR, cybersecurity, and space technologies. Familiarity with the national defense priorities and strategic objectives is crucial.
• Security Clearance: Must possess an active Top Secret (TS) security clearance. The ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access is also a mandatory requirement for this role.
• Location: This position is based in Huntsville, AL. Candidates not currently residing in the Huntsville area must be willing and able to relocate.

• Benefits & Perks Offered

• Competitive Compensation: A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience, coupled with a robust performance-based bonus structure and potential for long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Generous medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, designed to support your overall well-being.
• Work-Life Balance: A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Retirement Planning: A strong 401(k) retirement plan with substantial company matching contributions to help you build financial security for the future.
• Professional Development: Significant opportunities for continuous professional development, executive coaching, leadership training, and support for advanced certifications.
• Relocation Assistance: Comprehensive relocation assistance package available for qualified candidates moving to the vibrant and growing Huntsville, AL metropolitan area.
• Impactful Work Environment: A stimulating and collaborative work environment where your contributions directly influence national security and technological advancement, offering immense personal and professional satisfaction.

• How to Apply

  Are you ready to take on a leadership role that directly impacts national security and technological innovation? If you possess the required qualifications and a passion for advancing defense capabilities, we encourage you to apply today.

• JRG Partners is committed to connecting top-tier talent with industry-leading organizations. To learn more about this exceptional opportunity and submit your application, please visit our dedicated practice area page for Aerospace & Defense Executive Search. We look forward to reviewing your credentials and discussing how your expertise can contribute to our client’s strategic mission. Join us in shaping the future of defense.