Senior Manager, Programs

About Epirus

Epirus is a high-growth technology company developing software-defined high-power microwave (HPM) systems with devastating counter-electronics effects on modern drone threats. The Epirus Leonidas HPM family of products, empowered by innovations in AI and microelectronics, is human-safe and cost-effective. Distinguishing itself from lasers, Leonidas excels against drone swarms while also bending the cost curve back in DoD's favor - taking drone defeat costs from millions of dollars per drone to pennies on the dollar.

Job Summary: The ideal candidate will be able to work across multiple functions & organizations to ensure the customers’ needs and interests are being met to ensure a successful product lifecycle experience. Organizations that will need traversing include Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Customer Success. As important, experience working across multiple military organizations of the United States Department of Defense is critical to the success of this role. Understanding the nuances of new programs created by the various military organizations including technology & contract solicitation, program start-up, program planning, & program executions is essential to the success of the candidate in this role. A firm understanding of DOD acquisition process is essential to the success of this role along with the ability to establish a logical process that can scale with the customer base as the company grows. Experience with high-tech manufacturers of hardware systems that are shipped CONUS and OCONUS is essential to this role. This role will report to the Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities: 

Market Analysis and Opportunity Identification:

• Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes within the aerospace and defense industry.
• Evaluate potential business opportunities, including market segments, geographic regions, and customer demographics, to inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation.

Business Strategy Development:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement business strategies that align with organizational goals and objectives.
• Identify and assess new business ventures, partnerships, and strategic alliances to drive growth and enhance market presence.

Lead Generation and Prospecting:

• Generate leads and prospects through targeted outreach efforts, including networking events, industry conferences, and digital marketing channels.
• Cultivate relationships with potential customers, partners, and stakeholders to promote awareness of our products and services and drive sales opportunities.

Proposal Development and Contract Negotiation:

• Collaborate with internal teams to develop compelling proposals, presentations, and sales collateral tailored to customer requirements and preferences.
• Participate in contract negotiations and pricing discussions to secure new business opportunities and maximize profitability.

Relationship Management and Customer Engagement:

• Build strong relationships with existing and prospective customers, partners, and suppliers to foster collaboration and drive business growth.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to customers, providing guidance and support throughout the sales cycle and ensuring a positive customer experience.

Performance Tracking and Reporting:

• Monitor and track key performance metrics, including sales pipeline, revenue targets, and market share, to measure progress against business objectives.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management, summarizing business development activities, outcomes, and recommendations.

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 8 years of management experience in the defense industry, a firm command of creating and driving a Program Management function, and counter-small UAS or related experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field 
• Extensive background in strategic planning, competitive assessments, and bidding/acquisition of multi-million dollar contracts
• Experience in working with the Defense and Aerospace customer community and in serving as a principal point of contact to key military and commercial customers
• Management leadership of annual multi-million dollar budget
• Strong interpersonal skills especially in team building/maintenance and customer relationships
• Technical and program leadership experience and familiarity with the directed energy & weapon systems industry and integrated systems development are required
• The candidate will contribute to weekly and monthly strategic planning, plan execution, and technology roadmap updates.
• The candidate must be able to keep team members focused on schedule milestones and objectives and must motivate team members to develop cost-effective, customer-oriented solutions and approaches.
• Must be able to act independently and make decisions on administrative/operational issues affecting the success of this organization.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• MBA is desirable
• The candidate should have experience with customer communications, negotiations, and proposal management
• Prior operational experience

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: 

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

People are the most important part of Epirus – and always come first. We don’t believe in the word impossible and are always asking “why not” as work to usher in a new paradigm of power efficiency. Our fast-growing team is agile, creative, and innovative. We support a culture of constant learning and sense of belonging among our team members and know that mentorship matters. We embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. To deliver on our mission, we are always looking for problem solvers, changemakers and innovators to join our fast-growing team.