Program Management - Leadership Development Associate

Position Summary:

• As an LDA entering the Project Management career track, you can expect to spend your two-year rotation in a Program Planning and Control (PP&C) Associate analyst role. This position offers a wealth of opportunities to learn and apply key program control tools, processes, and software applications that are essential for success within the project management field.
• The LDA rotation program is designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel as project managers. This immersive program focuses on core project management practices, including:
  • Cost Management: Understanding and controlling project budgets.
  • Schedule Management: Planning, executing, and monitoring project timelines.
  • Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks.
  • Change Control: Managing project scope changes effectively.
  • Earned Value Management: Tracking progress and measuring project performance.
  • Work & Organizational Structures: Understanding various project team structures and organizational dynamics.
  • Stakeholder Management: Engaging and managing stakeholders effectively.
  • Production Readiness: Ensuring projects are ready for successful launch and implementation.
• While the above list is not all inclusive, mastering these fundamental practices, participants will be well-prepared to navigate the challenges and rewards of a successful Program Management career.
• As a PPC analyst, LDA's will gain valuable experience working alongside experienced project managers and other team members. This collaborative environment will expose LDAs to key tools and processes while fostering professional Program Management development.  By observing best practices, asking questions, and taking on project-related responsibilities, LDA's will learn firsthand how to manage projects effectively and develop their own unique approach. This hands-on experience will pave the way for a successful career in Program Management.

Responsibilities:

• Establish a comprehensive Program Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) to facilitate earned value and project management practices. Conduct rigorous analysis of program cost and schedule performance, identifying emerging trends, and providing insights and corrective action recommendations to Project Leadership.
• Support Program Management in assessing program risks and opportunities including preparation and analysis of Estimates at Complete (EACs) and complete financial support to assigned program teams.
• Ensures customer requirements are achieved by supporting the development and execution of a program management plan, complete with a baseline performance schedule, a cost management baseline, and other essential project management components.
• Ability to communicate project status to key stakeholders and customer through project/program reviews and serve as the customer advocate to fulfill contract requirements; work with the project management team to identify and address complex and critical issues and to resolve problems encountered by the team.
• Supports the management and upkeep of the Program Management University site. This includes periodic review of the site content and information, identifying improvement opportunities and taking necessary action to ensure all modules, links and documents are current.

Qualifications:

• Must be in senior standing and currently enrolled in an applicable degree (BA/BS degree in engineering, sciences, business, or a related field; advanced degree (MS/MBA) preferred) with a graduation date before June 2026 and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Parker requires all PM’s to become and maintain PMP certification.  This requirement is typically required within 6 months of assignment.  For LDA candidates, satisfying this requirement will be determined based upon open requirements remaining to satisfy PMI’s CAPM application requirements.
• Highly qualified candidates will demonstrate a fundamental working knowledge of project management concepts and application exposure of standard PM practices, processes, and tools gained through external classroom experiences.  PM standards include, but is not limited to, scheduling, cost management, change control, scope and resources, work breakdown structures, and risk management, benefits realization, program financials, as well as computer skills associated with most Microsoft applications.
• Candidates will demonstrate effective interpersonal and presentation skills, negotiation principles to achieve beneficial win-win results, exceptional customer service, ability to influence, ability to foster teamwork and cooperation with diverse groups of employees, and the ability to support and develop the project team.
• Must be willing and able to relocate.  This is a two-year rotational training program.

COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION:

• Pay Range: $60,600/annually to $115,000/annually reflecting variations based on experience, qualifications, and geographic location.
• Participation in Annual Incentive Program
   

BENEFIT & RETIREMENT PLANS:

Parker offers competitive benefit programs, including:

• Comprehensive coverage for medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision, voluntary optional life, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and critical illness insurance with competitive premium cost. 
• 401(k) Plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay
• Company provided defined-contribution retirement plan with annual contribution equal to 3% of pay
• Career development and tuition reimbursement
• Other benefits including paid parental leave, short and long-term disability programs, adoption assistance, a Care.com membership and financial planning assistance are provided at no cost to you.
• Supplemental benefit programs including identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness are available at competitive rates.
• Paid Time Off and Company-Paid Holidays.
• Relocation benefits as applicable
   

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

The essential functions have been provided as examples of the type of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification. The Company reserves the right to modify the work assignments and/or to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. It is intended to describe the general nature of the position.

This position is subject to meeting U.S. export compliance and/or U.S. Government contracting citizenship eligibility requirements. 

 

Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.  This position is subject to meeting export compliance eligibility requirements.  

“Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / VEVRAA Federal Contractor”)  

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.