Director, PMO

Job description

Who We Are: At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating in the most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled connectivity, we deliver multi-orbit, end-to-end satellite and technology solutions that provide secure, reliable, and high-bandwidth communications across the globe. Our differentiated multi-orbit architecture combines GEO and MEO satellite systems with integrated terrestrial and network infrastructure to deliver resilient, low-latency, high-throughput connectivity at a global scale. With more than 120 satellites covering nearly the entire world, a global ground network, and thousands of deployed terminals supporting over 5,000 government missions annually, SES Space and Defense is a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal Government and national security community, allied governments, NATO, and agencies including NASA for mission-critical communications. We strive to be the only solution when success is critical and recognize our people as our competitive advantage. At SES Space & Defense, you’ll work alongside a mission-driven team committed to integrity, honor, and accountability, delivering real-world impact across today’s most critical missions. What You’ll Do: In this role, you’ll lead the execution of complex, cross-functional programs across SES Space & Defense, ensuring major initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned to customer and business objectives. You’ll oversee a team of program and project managers while driving consistent program execution, financial discipline, executive-level reporting, and continuous improvement across the PMO. This role sits at the center of program delivery, connecting customers, engineering, operations, finance, contracts, supply chain, subcontractors, and senior leadership to ensure high-value programs move from planning through execution, launch, deployment, and operational transition. Provide strategic and operational leadership for complex programs from initial design through launch, deployment, and operational transition. Own program performance across scope, schedule, cost, risk, quality, technical execution, and customer commitments. Lead development and management of key program baselines, including Work Breakdown Structures, Integrated Master Schedules, program plans, and delivery milestones. Manage program financial performance, including budgets, forecasts, EAC/ETC, revenue recognition, cash flow, margin performance, and recovery planning. Serve as a primary customer and stakeholder interface, leading formal reviews, managing expectations, negotiating changes, and communicating program risks and progress. Lead integrated program teams across engineering, systems engineering, operations, supply chain, contracts, finance, product development, and other cross-functional groups. Manage major subcontractors, vendors, and partners, including SOW definition, milestone tracking, performance oversight, contractual compliance, and risk mitigation. Establish and maintain disciplined risk, issue, opportunity, configuration control, and change management processes to protect program baseline integrity. Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, government regulations, export controls, quality standards, CDRLs, data packages, and program documentation. Mentor program managers and project leads while improving PMO tools, templates, processes, best practices, and lessons-learned discipline. Who You Are: You bring deep program management experience leading complex, multi-year programs in aerospace, defense, satellite, government, or other highly technical environments. You have managed large-scale program delivery across cost, schedule, risk, technical execution, customer relationships, subcontractors, and cross-functional teams. You understand how to translate complex customer and business requirements into executable plans, while maintaining financial discipline, operational accountability, and strong executive-level communication. You are a steady, credible leader who can build PMO capability, mentor future leaders, and drive consistency in how complex programs are planned, governed, and delivered. 12+ years of progressive program/project management experience, including at least 6 years managing complex aerospace, defense, satellite, high-technology, or government programs. Proven success managing enterprise-level, multi-million-dollar, multi-year programs with significant customer, financial, schedule, technical, and delivery complexity. Strong financial acumen, including EVM, forecasting, margin management, EAC/ETC, budget ownership, revenue recognition, and contract management. Experience leading integrated teams and multiple subcontractors in a matrixed environment across engineering, operations, supply chain, contracts, finance, and technical functions. Working knowledge of satellite communications systems, payloads, ground systems, space segment development, or related aerospace/defense technologies preferred. Strong understanding of program and portfolio management methodologies and tools, including Agile, Waterfall, SAFe, MS Project, Gantt-based planning, and Microsoft 365. Bachelor’s degree in business, management, engineering, or a related field required; master’s degree or MBA preferred. PMP or other industry-recognized program management certification preferred; ability to obtain PMP within 6 months of assignment required. ITIL certification above Foundation preferred. Demonstrated strength in executive communication, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, risk management, change management, and organizational development. Active U.S. Secret clearance or higher preferred. SES Space and Defense is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #LI-Hybrid