Naval Special Warfare Program Manager

To qualify for the Naval Special Warfare Program Manager role at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., you need a Bachelor's degree in a technical or managerial discipline, alongside 10-15 years of program or project management experience, specifically within defense acquisition. Experience in Naval Special Warfare programs or operations is also crucial. Advanced qualifications, such as a Master’s degree and PMP certification, can enhance your application further.

As a Naval Special Warfare Program Manager at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., your main responsibilities include supporting the Naval Special Warfare program office, PMS 340. You will be tasked with conducting rigorous analyses, assisting in the development and implementation of new technologies, and working closely with the Navy and other DoD organizations to deliver effective warfighting capabilities. Additionally, you will play a key role in identifying capability gaps and assessing the feasibility of undersea systems.

The work environment for a Naval Special Warfare Program Manager at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. is dynamic and collaborative. You'll be located primarily onsite in Alexandria, VA, with some remote work opportunities available as needed. The company culture emphasizes teamwork and respect, fostering an atmosphere where creativity and innovation can thrive. Engaging with talented professionals committed to national security, you'll find that your work at SPA will be both meaningful and impactful.

At Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., the Naval Special Warfare Program Manager role comes with ample opportunities for career growth. With a commitment to employee development, you’ll have access to training programs and the potential to take on larger projects or leadership roles. As the military and technology landscape evolves, SPA encourages innovation and skill-building, providing a nurturing environment for your career to flourish.

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. offers a robust total compensation package for the Naval Special Warfare Program Manager position. This includes competitive base pay, variable compensation opportunities, and a variety of benefits such as health insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement savings plans, and life insurance. SPA is dedicated to attracting and retaining top talent, ensuring that employees are recognized for their contributions and engagement.

When asked about your experience with naval special warfare programs, focus on specific projects you've worked on, your role in those projects, and how your contributions helped achieve goals. Highlight your understanding of operational challenges and how you've addressed them effectively. Use tangible examples to illustrate your expertise in this area.

To tackle the complexity of managing multiple projects, emphasize your organizational skills and prioritization techniques. Discuss tools and methodologies that you utilize, such as Agile or project management software, and how you communicate with stakeholders to ensure all projects align with strategic objectives.

For team collaboration, outline your commitment to open communication and leveraging diverse skill sets within your team. Discuss specific strategies to facilitate collaboration, such as regular meetings or collaborative tools, and how this fosters a positive environment, leading to project success.

When assessing the feasibility of new technologies, articulate a systematic approach involving risk assessment, prototype testing, and stakeholder feedback. Mention your experience with technological evaluation frameworks and how they inform decision-making processes, ultimately supporting effective implementation in defense initiatives.

In answering this question, provide a detailed example of a specific acquisition program you led. Discuss the objectives, challenges faced, and how you successfully navigated those challenges to meet program goals. Use metrics to showcase the program's success, whether through budget efficiency, timelines, or achieving desired outcomes.

To identify capability gaps, detail your analytical techniques, such as conducting SWOT analyses or needs assessments. Explain how you engage with relevant stakeholders to gather insights and how you utilize this data to propose actionable solutions that align with operational needs.

Discuss your familiarity with various unmanned systems in the context of military applications. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, focusing on your role in their development or integration. Highlight any challenges you faced and how you successfully contributed to their operational effectiveness.

Explain your method for ensuring compliance with military standards through regular audits, documentation review, and collaboration with regulatory bodies. Highlight your understanding of relevant military standards and how you incorporate them into project planning and execution.

Emphasize that effective communication is fundamental to your project management style. Discuss how you ensure transparency with team members, stakeholders, and clients, and how this fosters trust and accountability, ultimately leading to smoother project execution.

Describe your flexible approach to managing changes in project scope. Emphasize your experience in adjusting project plans based on evolving client needs while maintaining focus on objectives and timelines. Mention how you communicate changes to the team and manage expectations proactively.