Manager, Program Office (Norfolk, VA)

Job Description

The Manager, DDG 51 Planning Yard – Norfolk is a key leadership role accountable for execution of the DDG 51 Planning Yard (PY) contract within the Mid-Atlantic region. Operating under the BIW Business Operating System (BOS), this position ensures the delivery of superior Life Cycle Services for BIW-built ships in the Atlantic Fleet, while maintaining alignment with contractual, safety, and performance expectations. This role directly supports the BIW Planning Yard Program Lead and oversees operations at the BIW Norfolk Office.

Key Responsibilities

Safety Leadership:

• Champion and enforce BIW safety policies and procedures in Norfolk operations.
• Promote a culture of proactive safety awareness and accountability across the team.
• Ensure safe workplace conditions and compliance with government and company safety standards.

Program Execution:

• Oversee execution of the DDG 51 Planning Yard contract, ensuring compliance with all contractual requirements.
• Lead Norfolk’s contribution to the Operational Performance Improvement Plan (OPIP).
• Manage the Norfolk Plan of the Week (POW) process to ensure schedule fidelity and responsiveness to operational needs.
• Implement corrective actions to address deficiencies and ensure contract deliverables are met.

Operational Management:

• Manage all aspects of BIW Norfolk Office operations, including workforce performance, and resource utilization in accordance with BIW Standard Operating Procedures.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators related to Safety, Cost, Quality, Schedule, and People.
• Ensure responsiveness to fleet issues through collaboration with NAVSEA 21, MARMC, and other Navy stakeholders.
• Facilitate coordination and lessons-learned integration across all DDG 51 homeports.

Team Collaboration and Communication:

• Provide leadership and direction to the Norfolk team, supporting day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
• Maintain effective communication with the Planning Yard Program Office and Homeport leads.
• Support development of personnel, staffing plans, and critical skill maintenance.
• Foster collaboration between engineering, design, planning, and external customers.

Stakeholder Engagement and Business Development:

• Maintain strong professional relationships with the U.S. Navy including NAVSEA 21, MARMC, CNSL, NAVWAR, and other stakeholders.
• Promote BIW capabilities and Life Cycle Services, supporting business development and growth opportunities in the Navy Mid-Atlantic region.
• Support the successful fleet integration of all new BIW ships homeported in the region.

Continuous Improvement:

• Champion BOS principles and productivity enhancements across Norfolk operations.
• Identify and eliminate non-value-added activities; lead implementation of process improvements.
• Leverage A3 problem-solving and other structured improvement tools.

Required/Preferred Education/Training

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in a technical or business discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Preferred: Degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture, Electrical Engineering, or a BIW Apprenticeship graduate.

Required/Preferred Experience

Required:

• Minimum 15 years of shipbuilding or technical experience related to U.S. Navy surface combatants.
• Minimum 10 years of management, supervisory, or project leadership experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills in fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage contract execution, drive results, and resolve complex operational issues.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and business communication tools.
• Willingness to work extended hours and travel as required (approx. 1-week durations).
• Must be able to access government facilities; ability to obtain DoD secret clearance is preferred.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with the BMDA contract and Navy maintenance/modernization programs.
• Experience managing union workforce operations.
• Understanding of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools.
• Demonstrated experience in new ship integration and waterfront operations.