Program Manager, Suburban Shield Program - GM Defense

Description

Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid, meaning the successful candidate is expected to report to the Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan three days per week, at minimum, or at another frequency as dictated by business needs. On occasion, this may also include reporting to a supplier location up to four days per week. Candidates must be comfortable working on-site at a supplier facility.

About GM Defense:

GM Defense is driving the future of military mobility by leveraging the best-in-class capabilities of General Motors for unmatched innovation, proven performance and breakthrough life-cycle economics! We deliver reliable, affordable, and innovative products across a full spectrum of capabilities – integrated vehicles, power and propulsion, autonomy, mobility, and security!

GM Defense is seeking a highly motivated, dynamic individual looking for an opportunity that will allow them to showcase their talents and have an impact in a strategic growth area. Our ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity and demonstrates problem-solving leadership with limited oversight!

The Role:

We are seeking experienced, motivated individuals for a Program Manager with primary support to the Suburban Shield armored vehicle program. This Level 8 Program Manager role has focused accountability for the Suburban Shield program, specifically working with suppliers for quality on time delivery. The Program Manager is the single‑point owner for cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer satisfaction and leads a cross‑functional team to deliver on GM Defense business and customer objectives. GM Defense is driving the future of military mobility by leveraging the best-in-class capabilities of General Motors for unmatched innovation, proven performance, and breakthrough life‑cycle economics. We deliver reliable, affordable, and innovative products across a full spectrum of capabilities – integrated vehicles, electrification, autonomy, robotics, and security.

Our ideal candidate is highly motivated and dynamic, thrives in ambiguity, stamina to support long hours and demonstrates problem‑solving leadership with limited oversight. The role requires planning, developing, and analyzing information necessary to support program leadership decisions regarding both the product and the business, with a high level of independent judgment, creativity, and strong organizational skills. Project and Program Management teams at GM Defense are responsible for developing and maintaining policies and procedures related to Global Program Management and the Product Execution Team (PET), ensuring consistent execution across programs and alignment with business objectives.

What You'll Do:

Serve as the overall owner for the Suburban Shield program’s business case, accountable for meeting or exceeding cost targets

Own the integrated program baseline (scope, schedule, cost, and risk) and approve changes, trade‑offs, and mitigation plans to keep the program on track.

Represent the program in executive reviews (e.g., gate reviews, portfolio reviews), making clear recommendations and decisions on content, timing, and resource trade‑offs

Act as the primary program interface with the government/customer program for Suburban Shield, including formal reviews, negotiations on scope and changes, and issue resolution.

Provide day‑to‑day leadership and coaching to Assistant Program Managers, Program Coordinators, and other matrixed team members; serve as a visible role model for GM Behaviors.

Manage and oversee current execution of the Suburban Shield contracts

Collaborate with the Business Creation and Product Development leads to ensure future Request for Proposal submissions (technical feasibility, timing, resources, etc) are executable upon contract award

Execute the awarded contracts, achieving customer requirements, exceeding expectations, and maximizing GM Defense profitability

Manage government and GM Defense program imperatives, including schedule, performance, cost, resources, risk assessment, and gap closure plans

Lead and manage the cross-functional Program Execution Team (PET) enabling all participants to contribute to their full potential

Set clear priorities, success metrics, and decision cadence for the PET; hold functional leaders accountable for commitments and deliverables.

Proactively identify and manage issues and risks through effective decision framing and drive for resolution

Communicate clearly through standalone presentations, team meetings, and one-on-one discussions with senior leaders and cross-functional teams

Develop materials for internal gate reviews and external Government/Customer leadership reviews

Integrate all supporting functional processes

Drive on-time completion of work

Develop high-performing teams by establishing behavioral norms and clear priorities

Handle a variety of non‑recurring special assignments as directed by program leadership.

Drive discipline and adherence to program management processes, understanding where adaptation is required to support GM Defense Customers and process

Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications)

Bachelor's degree required.

7+ years of launch, manufacturing, planning, program management, or related field, with demonstrated ownership of complex, multi‑year programs.

Candidate must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).

Passion for developing customer‑focused product solutions and delivering high‑quality outcomes for defense customers.

Proven track record operating at a management level or equivalent scope, including:

Leading cross‑functional teams without direct authority

Making trade‑off decisions that impact program financials, content, and timing

Presenting to and influencing senior leaders and/or external customers

High level of independent judgment and analytical ability to solve unique execution and business problems.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross‑functional teams and external stakeholders.

Effective at dealing with ambiguity and change, maintaining effectiveness in a fast‑paced, changing environment.

Strong leadership, initiative and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliverables.

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint

What Will Give You a Competitive Advantage (Preferred Qualification)

Bachelor of Science degree

MBA or equivalent degree

People leader experience (formal or informal team leadership roles).

Familiarity with the other functional teams: Engineering, Manufacturing, Finance, Accounting, Purchasing, and Supply Chain.

Strong leadership and initiative skills with a demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority.

#GMD

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.

The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.

This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

The position is subject to export control restrictions and requires the successful candidate to be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee)

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