New

Deputy Program Manager

General Dynamics Land Systems
401(k)
United States, Michigan, Sterling Heights
38500 Mound Road (Show on map)
Feb 27, 2026
About the Role This position is a key member of the Abrams program leadership team, reporting to the Program Manager - Multi-Facility Contract & Production Facility Modernization. This is a fast paced, dynamic and demanding program that requires excellent communication, organization, and strategic thinking. GDLS is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional to serve as the Deputy Program Manager for Main Battle Tank Production Planning. In this role, the selected candidate will work closely with the Program Manager to ensure the successful execution of the Multi-Facility Contract (MFC) and oversee Production Facility Modernization initiatives in alignment with Abrams Modernization goals. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills to ensure that project goals are met on time and within budget. Company Information General Dynamics is a successful Fortune 100, global aerospace and defense company, with over 90,000 employees world-wide. General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, has a strong foundation of delivering core engineering and manufacturing capabilities to our clients for military vehicles. Our team is focused on continuous process and productivity improvements that reduce product costs, while increasing troop safety and effectiveness. Land Systems continues to work with the US Armed Forces and its Allies to ensure these vehicles remain survivable, relevant, flexible, affordable and capable of addressing a dynamic threat environment. What We Offer Whether you are starting your career or an experienced professional, we offer a Total Rewards package that is impactful and built for you. Healthcare including medical, dental, vision, HSA and Flex Spending. Competitive base pay, incentive pay that rewards individual and team performance, and comprehensive benefits. 401k Match (6%). Educational Assistance. 9-80 Work Schedule (This position's standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off). Onsite Cafeteria, remodeled with new equipment Fitness Center, and Outdoor fitness track. Responsibilities Ensure customer expectations are met or exceeded (Put the Customer First). Develop and foster a Positive Organizational environment to build a cohesive team (Workplace of Choice). Assist the Program Manager in planning, directing, and coordinating program activities to ensure that goals, objectives, and program deliverables are accomplished for each project within scope, cost, and schedule. Support program control in planning, budgeting, and execution of programand projects Provide leadership and direction to project teams, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among team members. Lead efforts to manage Risk on the program and lead Risk Review Boards, and present Risks to customer and GDLS leadership at formal reviews. Develop and implement manufacturing planning plans across multiple programs at JSMC. Coordinate with stakeholders, including customers and contractors, to ensure program requirements are met and expectations are managed. Assist in the preparation of project proposals, including cost estimates, schedules, and resource requirements. Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and standards, as well as applicable laws and regulations. Develop new and improved manufacturing planning and processes to improve efficiency (Innovate Business Processes). Coordinate efforts of suppliers through Supply Chain Management. Work with all designated Product Team's to ensure key interfaces are identified and that stakeholder interests are managed within scope, cost and schedule. Disseminate communications to all stakeholders and keep management informed on status (Communicate with a Purpose). Expectation of significant time on-site at JSMC (Lima, OH). Delivering an exceptional Customer experience in this position looks like: Delivering on our promises - Meet the customer "want" with high-quality and reliable performance; timely and helpful responsiveness; set high expectations and standards Be a genuine partner - Positive internal & external collaboration, builds trust and teamwork; don't be afraid to say when you don't know or need help (socialize speed bumps) Be accountable - Respond to inevitable shortfalls with honest, prompt corrective actions; demonstrate humility, judgment and drive; be proactive to provide solutions, even "outside your lane" Be one Company - Transcendence in representing all aspects of GDLS with all Customers; when a decision is made, everyone supports it Listen and ask - Complex problem solving, relentless communication; promote culture of decision-making at the lowest level; communicate to balance competing factors (technical, cost, schedule) Make it easy to do business with us - Responsive to Customer needs and wants, don't abandon hard constraints, but little things go a long way; consensus when possible; strengthen your understanding of our products and services Balance our financial priorities - Ownership of deliverables and stewardship of Customer trusted resources; compromise for win-win results Qualifications Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Other degrees will be considered with relevant experience. Minimum of 5 years of experience in project or program management, with a proven track record of successful project delivery. Minimum of 5 years of experience with Department of Defense or similar industry. Strong understanding and experience in Program Management, Engineering Project Management, Integrated Project Team (IPT) leadership, or related disciplines. Familiarity with Government contracts, including Risk Management and/or Unit Manufacturing Cost Management. Experience managing efforts and/or negotiating contracts with customers, teammates, and/or subcontractors. Experience in planning and implementing manufacturing plant improvements is a plus. Proposal development experience (lead or support) is preferred. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate teams and effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels. Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail. Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities and requirements. Customer interface experience with the USG and/or external suppliers is desired. This position may require eligibility to obtain a U.S. security clearance. (Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.) GDLS considers factors such as scope/responsibilities of the position, candidate experience, education/training background, in addition to local market comparable and business considerations when extending an offer.