Program Manager , RF Systems

Holt Executive are delighted to be partnered with a leading Defence/ Connectivity organisation to support a critical Program Manager , RF Systems.

Our partner is seeking an Experienced Program Manager to be responsible for the development, integration, qualification, delivery, and deployment of RF solutions supporting government and defence programs.

The Program Manager will need demonstrated experience managing complex hardware/software development programs through design, integration, verification, manufacturing readiness, delivery, and deployment. Experience developing communications equipment for government, defence, or other mission-critical applications is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities for the Program Manager , RF Systems:

• Lead and drive the execution of complex technology development and integration programmes, working with external vendors and internal technical teams from requirements definition through design, integration, verification, manufacturing readiness, delivery and deployment.
• Act as the primary programme interface with external vendors, establishing clear expectations for scope, deliverables, schedules, technical milestones, risks, actions and contractual commitments.
• Own end-to-end programme planning and execution, including contracts, statements of work, work breakdown structures, integrated schedules, milestones, budgets, risks, opportunities, dependencies, deliverables and executive reporting.
• Work closely with Product Management, Systems Engineering, software, RF/antenna, network, security and other technical teams to translate programme and operational requirements into executable vendor development plans.
• Drive vendor performance against technical, schedule, cost, quality and delivery commitments, identifying issues and dependencies early and coordinating recovery plans or escalations where required.
• Plan and coordinate key programme and engineering lifecycle reviews, including requirements reviews, design reviews, integration and test readiness activities, verification events, manufacturing readiness reviews and contractual milestones.
• Coordinate system integration, verification, qualification and interoperability activities across vendor and internal engineering teams to support operational readiness and deployment.
• Support the definition, negotiation and execution of development, supply, integration and support agreements in partnership with engineering, procurement, legal, commercial and contracts teams.
• Manage programme interfaces and dependencies across the wider solution, including network integration, software, infrastructure, logistics, training, support and deployment activities.
• Ensure contractual deliverables, documentation, review packages, test results, action items, risks, decisions and technical dependencies are tracked through to closure.
• Develop and maintain programme management documentation, dashboards, schedules, risk registers and status reports, providing clear visibility of programme health, key decisions, emerging risks and required leadership actions.

Key Experience Required for the Program Manager, RF Systems:

• Minimum of 6 years of program or project management experience in a complex STEM environment, including experience within satellite communications, aerospace, defence, telecommunications, or a comparable technology sector.
• Demonstrated experience managing external suppliers through complex hardware/software product development, system integration, qualification, manufacturing, and delivery programs.
• Experience with government or defence communications systems, tactical communications equipment, or other mission-critical communications systems is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing programs involving government customers, defence contractors, or government-specific technical and programmatic requirements is an asset.
• Experience managing requirements, statements of work, contractual deliverables, design reviews, verification activities, acceptance milestones, and supplier performance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent and interdependent workstreams while maintaining accountability across geographically distributed internal teams and external suppliers.
• Proven experience identifying and managing program risks, schedule dependencies, technical issues, cost pressures, and design trade-offs, with the ability to clearly communicate impacts and recommended actions to leadership.
• PMP certification and/or a Master’s degree or MBA is a plus.