Business Capture Program Manager

Position Summary: The Business Capture Program Manager serves as the program management function bridging business development and program execution. Operating at the concept and planning phases of the opportunity lifecycle, this role ensures execution readiness, resource alignment, and program planning are built into pursuits before contract award so that when a deal closes, a viable program plan, executable cost baseline, and aligned stakeholders are already in place.This role reports to the Director of Engineering and PMO. The Business Capture Program Manager works closely with business development, proposals, pricing, contracts, operations, maintenance, engineering, and partner organizations (including delivery and technology partners). This is not a program execution role; it is a front-end program management role that hands a structured and aligned program baseline to the executing Program Manager at the time of contract award.

ResponsibilitiesConcept and Planning Phase Program Management

Represents program management in gate reviews, opportunity reviews, and program development alignment meetingsWorks with business development during the concept and planning phases to translate emerging opportunities into mission concepts and program plansAligns team readiness to pipeline maturity so that execution demand is matched to the team's capacity before contract awardEngages selectively on larger and strategically significant pursuits including integrated solutions and partnered offerings

Requirements Capture and Translation

Translates customer requirements (mission profiles, payloads, schedules, regulatory constraints) into execution plansWorks with the proposal team to ensure execution requirements and program plans are accurately reflected within larger proposalsCoordinates with engineering, operations, maintenance, technology partners, and teammates to surface and resolve gaps, risks, or conflicting requirements before program execution commit

Cross-Functional Readiness

Aligns capacity and readiness to support pipeline demand across internal stakeholders and external partnersCoordinates the execution support ecosystem to include: operations, maintenance, engineering, technology partners, and delivery partners so that program requirements are understood and resourcedMaintains visibility into downstream implications of contract terms, scope changes, and pricing assumptions, without owning contract negotiation, pricing, or program execution

Cost and Schedule Baseline Development

Supports the pricing team to ensure cost volumes reflect execution requirements so that cost and margin targets from the delivery side are accurately representedPartners with the pricing team to identify delivery cost drivers and pricing differentials tied to scope and program scale (e.g. develops complexity factors based on knowledge of previous program history and complexity of the program being estimated)Ensures a Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) is established at contract award that aligns with PMO processes and standards

Proposal-to-Execution Handoff

Leads the transition from contract award to program executionSupports program kickoff (led by the executing program manager) by ensuring stakeholders share a clear understanding of mission objectives, constraints, and the execution planConfirms documentation, program plan, and resource alignment are complete and accurate before handoffServes as the program management point of contact for business development, proposals, and pricing throughout the pre-award lifecycleProvides status, escalates issues, and surfaces delivery risk to the appropriate stakeholders

Process Development

Identifies and addresses inefficiencies in the opportunity-to-program handoffDevelops and standardizes processes for requirement capture, execution planning, and program intakeTracks metrics tied to pre-award program quality to ensure requirement clarity, baseline accuracy, handoff completeness, and post-award schedule and cost performance against pre-award baselinesCommunicates lessons learned back into business development and the PMO to improve future captures

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Aviation Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience)10+ years of program management experience, with demonstrated experience supporting business development and proposal effortsDemonstrated business acumen and ability to work at the program, financial, and customer levels of a pursuitTrack record of stakeholder alignment across business development, operations, engineering, and external partnersStrong working knowledge of program planning, cost and schedule baseline development, and gate review processesFamiliarity with aviation operations, including aircraft capabilities, scheduling, and maintenance considerationsFamiliarity with FAA regulations (or applicable governing bodies) and aviation safety practicesDemonstrated experience operating in a high-reliability, safety-critical environmentExcellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with government contracting capture methodologies (e.g., Shipley-aligned processes)Experience supporting special missions (ISR, aerial survey, or government contracts)Experience with integrated solutions and partnered/teamed pursuitsFamiliarity with aviation maintenance planning systems and production scheduling toolsProgram Management certification (PMP, PgMP, or similar)

Additional Requirements

Ability to travel as required, up to 25%Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periodsAbility to obtain and maintain required security clearances

Working ConditionsMonday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Flexible work hours may be required to support operations across multiple time zones