Subcontracts Program Management Director

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there.

The Robotics and Space Operations (RSO) business of MDA Space, headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, has 30+ years experience in designing and operating space robotics systems such as Canadarm on the Space Shuttle, and Canadarm2 and Dextre on the International Space Station. While currently developing Canadarm3 for the Gateway station - the first element of the NASA-led Artemis mission returning to the Moon - the business also develops rover technology for Mars missions, sensors for Asteroid exploration missions, and LiDAR technology for spacecraft maneuvering. The RSO business has recently released a new commercial space robotics product line, SKYMAKER, to address emerging markets such as commercial space stations, in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing, and lunar infrastructure applications.

The Role:

The RSO business is currently seeking a Director of Subcontracts Program Management to take the lead role in ensuring successful delivery of the RSO subcontracts activities across a broad range of programs, strategic pursuits, and functional improvement activities, to meet MDA’s operational and strategic goals.

The Director, Subcontracts Program Management is a member of the operations leadership team and reports directly to the Vice President, Operations. The Director provides overall strategic leadership on the subcontracts program management function, plays a role in supporting prioritization and planning, and collaborates with senior management across the organization to ensure a successful execution of subcontracts.

The Director will support the Vice President, Operations, and continuously align, improve, and modernize subcontract program management practices to improve business performance, employee’s engagement, industry relationships, customer satisfaction, and drive the subcontracts program management team towards a business performance culture rooted in accountability.

The Director will oversee recruitment, retention, development, and succession planning of a diverse subcontracts program management multi-disciplinary team.   The Director will advocate and manage the adoption of next-generation subcontracts program management tools, techniques, and procedures to increase competitiveness in their discipline area.

The Director will manage subcontracts, being responsible for leading all phases of the life cycle, from inception (proposal development) through startup, execution, and completion (contract closeout).  Primary responsibilities are the management of subcontracts cost, schedule, technical performance as well as overall customer satisfaction.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Oversee the development, implementation and maintenance of a subcontracts program management framework, governance practices, methodologies, and standards for subcontracts program management, in coordination with cross-company PMO leaders and practices.
• Lead and direct cross-functional Integrated Subcontracts Program Management Teams, working closely with other functional departments (PMO, Contracts, Procurement, Engineering, S&MA, etc.), to meet subcontracts program management cost, schedule and technical performance objectives through a process of regular subcontract reviews, design reviews and audits, workarounds plan meeting, staff meetings, subcontract program meetings and the like. Provide technical and administrative guidance, direction and decision-making to the subcontracts program management team.
• Take responsibility for the quality and value of each subcontract, which involves participating in the subcontract intake process, collaborating with program managers and reporting to the executive staff of the organization.
• Establish a subcontracts program management organization that effectively addresses customer requirements and incorporates the necessary internal and external sub-organizations. This may require negotiation with other functional managers and program mangers for conflicting resource requirements and should be accomplished with the Company overall interests in mind.
• Establish subcontracts program cost and schedule baselines, hold frequent and regular assessments of costs to date and estimates to complete, and develop work-around plans as required to achieve cost and schedule objectives. Track progress using Earned Value Management methods.
• Ensure all subcontracts program management deliverables and objectives are met through measured outcomes, including performance metrics measurement criteria.
• Ensure subcontracts program team understands and adheres to contract scope and manage change through control board activities.
• Conduct thorough risk & opportunity management practices including identification, mitigation and realization.
• Lead, coach and empower a team of Subcontracts Program Managers and Subcontracts Program Planners, fostering high performance and positive individual/team engagement.
• Lead the recruitment, assign, direct, develop and evaluate the work for Subcontracts Program Managers and Subcontracts Program Planners.
• Establish and update succession plans regularly for key skills within department to avoid single point failures and bottlenecks in resource allocation.
• Create regular training and mentoring plans for the department.
• Provide department staffing to support the demand of Programs, R&D, and Business Development. Ensure that staffing supports the demand of current and future programs.
• Work with RSO leadership to troubleshoot subcontracts program challenges and prioritize resources assigned to subcontracts.
• Assess the subcontracts project management maturity and set common subcontracts program management culture through communication and training on techniques, methodologies and best practices.
• Govern subcontracts program management facilities, processes, and tools required to support execution of subcontracts.
• Be a thought leader in subcontracts program management and provide strategic advice to Senior Management on all aspects of subcontracts program management.
• Develop subcontracts program management strategies, including short- and long-term objectives for the team, which support MDA’s strategic priorities.
• Administer subcontracts program management documentation, history and organizational knowledge.
• Provide administrative support and invest in templates, tools, software, and more, to improve subcontracts program management and ensure a successful subcontracts execution.
• Identify, support, and promote innovation and continuing process improvements within the department and across the business. Ensures the usage and procurement and of up-to-date tools within the department. Plans and directs the installation, testing, operation, maintenance, and repair of operations and test facilities/ equipment.
• Plan, provides rationale, and administer department operating budgets.
• Develop a cadre of capable subcontractors and suppliers in conjunction with the supply chain that will ensure meeting supply requirements throughout the life of the subcontracts.

Job Requirements:

• The ideal candidate will possess a related bachelor’s or higher degree.
• 10+ years of work experience, with 5+ years of subcontracts program management leadership.
• Proven experience in leading multiple subcontracts program management with multi-functional teams across programs/products
• Past success in a subcontract program management role, delivering large complex subcontracts with significant engineering/development activities, to a variety of commercial and government customers
• Demonstrated accountability in managing 10M+ firm fixed price subcontracts
• Experience leading large teams to execute according to cost and schedule baselines
• Leading the creation of monthly/quarterly business forecasts, and developing tactics to ensure execution
• Familiarity with cost-based (or sometimes called percent complete) revenue recognition is an asset
• Strong knowledge of relevant technologies, products, services and methods.
• Experience in space/defence industry would be an asset.
• Professional certification in Project Management Professional (PMP), Commercial & Contracts Management or Supply Chain Management from World Commerce & Contracting (formally IACCM), NCMA, Supply Chain Canada or other relevant certification would be an asset.
• Familiarity with some or all of the following is an asset: the Government of Canada’s Standard Acquisition Clauses and Conditions (SACC), the European Space Agency General Clauses and Conditions, Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB), Controlled Goods Program (CGP), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), as well as understanding of US government procurement processes (FAR/DFARS).
• Strong financial, budgeting and planning skills.
• Demonstrated leadership ability that includes effective communication, interpersonal, and negotiating skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as a member of a highly performing team
• Ability to collaborate broadly with peers and stakeholders, internally within MDA, and with commercial/government partners and customers
• Result orientated and exhibits excellent critical thinking.
• Works well in a dynamic environment where some of the parameters are unknown and some change regularly.
• Strives to provide customers/clients with personalized and efficient service

• Excellent verbal, written communication skills are essential to this position.  

• All candidates must be able to obtain RS (Reliability Status) and CGP (Controlled Goods Program) clearance.

Benefits Statement:

MDA Space offers competitive compensation and benefits to its employees at all of its locations. As a member of the MDA Space team, you and your eligible dependents can enroll in a benefits plan that provides a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care, including: health care plans supplemental and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans and an employee assistance program and to their family.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and candidates with respect and dignity. If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.

The compensation range for this position is $130,000 - $190,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.