Government & Defense - Project Manager

Company Profile

80 years and countless innovations later, JCB is the world’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment. At 23 plants spanning four continents—including the United States, the United Kingdom, India and Brazil—JCB manufactures more than 300 products such as telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, access aerial work platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and tractors.

Reporting to the Contracts and Compliance Manager, the Government and Defense Project Manager will lead cross‑functional initiatives and manage the end‑to‑end execution of product development and production for assigned programs. This role ensures that new product introductions, engineering changes, and production schedules are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the required performance standards in line with the awarded federal government contracts.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management within a Department of Defense manufacturing environment.

Full Time, Exempt

• Program Leadership & Execution:
• Lead and coordinate all phases of product programs from concept through production launch and post‑launch support.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Facilitate cross‑functional team collaboration (engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, QA, marketing, training, etc.) to meet program objectives.
• Identify and mitigate risks, resolve issues, and remove barriers to ensure timely delivery.
• Stakeholder Management
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders.
• Communicate program status, issues, and risks through regular reports, meetings, and presentations.
• Align project objectives with company goals and customer requirements.
• Cost, Schedule, and Performance Oversight
• Track and control program costs to remain within approved budgets.
• Use industry best practices to track and remain with approved schedules.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for program success, including cycle times, defect rates, and customer satisfaction.
• Work with quality and engineering teams to ensure products meet regulatory, safety, and reliability standards.
• Continuous Improvement
• Lead post‑program reviews and drive continuous improvement initiatives based on lessons learned.
• Support/assist with the implementation of strategic realignments or new structures as initiated by management.
• Support and assist with DCMA & DCAA audits.
• Other projects assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (required).
• Federal Government Experience.
• A minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years’ experience in product or project management within heavy equipment, construction machinery, automotive, or industrial manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR), government processes, and AGILE processes.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross‑functional projects.
• Self‑starter.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Project.

• PMP Certification.

• Strong problem‑solving / analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a high‑stress environment.
• Detail‑oriented and ability to work independently.
• Collaborative approach to resolving issues impacting various groups across the enterprise.
• Ability to understand processes (system and non‑system), troubleshoot, develop, and recommend solutions.
• Enjoy working in a dynamic environment.
• Self‑motivated team player but able to work independently.

• Both office environment and occasionally manufacturing/factory environment.
• Subject to noise and temperature changes.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform…