Kepler is on an audacious mission to deliver Internet connectivity to space, creating the infrastructure to support the rapidly increasing data needs of the space economy. With 23 satellites launched to date and our optical constellation on the horizon, our ambition is to improve access to space-generated data, whether in LEO, MEO, GEO, or beyond! Kepler is hard at work innovating and continuing to grow and expand our most important asset – the Team!
Kepler is seeking an experienced Project Planning & Controls Manager to lead the project controls functions across our organization’s project portfolio. This role is responsible for establishing and maintaining project control standards, processes, and systems to ensure successful project delivery within scope, schedule, and budget parameters.
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Key Responsibilities: - Champion the process of balancing resource planning and allocation across programs to optimize for program needs
- Provide decision input to inform budgeting and hiring decisions
- Develop and implement project controls standards, procedures, and best practices across the project portfolio
- Oversee project scheduling, cost control, risk management, and performance reporting functions
- Establish and maintain project control systems and tools to support effective project management within an Earned Value Management (EVM) framework
- Ensure compliance with organizational project management methodologies and industry standards, including the AS9100 quality standard.
- As the business scales, build and lead the team of schedulers and PP&C analysts who monitor and analyze project portfolio performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Lead the development of dashboards and visualization tools for project performance tracking
- Partner with the Director of Program Management in providing regular portfolio status reports to senior leadership and stakeholders
- Continuously evaluate and improve project controls processes and procedures
- Lead implementation of new project management tools and technologies, improving excellence in program execution
- Champion best practices sharing across the organization
Required Skills & Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business Administration, or related field
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required
- Minimum of 8+ years of experience in project controls, project management, or related field
- 3+ years of management or supervisory experience
- Demonstrated experience managing large-scale, complex projects or portfolios
- Experience in manufacturing, preferably aerospace manufacturing.
- Expert proficiency in project management software (Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, etc.)
- Strong knowledge of earned value management (EVA) principles and practices
- Experience with project controls systems and databases
- Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, Tableau, etc.)
- Understanding of cost estimating, scheduling, and risk management principles
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities
- Leadership and team development capabilities
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- Change management and process improvement expertise
Bonus Points:- Master's degree preferred (MBA, MS in Project or Engineering Management, or similar)
- Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP) certification preferred
- Certified Cost Professional (CCP) or similar cost management certification preferred
- Six Sigma certification advantageous
- Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies
- Knowledge of contract administration and procurement processes
- Experience with regulatory compliance and audit processes
- Familiarity with industry-specific standards (e.g., AACE, PMI, APM)
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Kepler Communications is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from: Women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and others who may contribute to diversification in our workplace.
As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Kepler will, upon the request of the applicant, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access to applicants with disabilities. Please contact our People & Culture team, through our Career Page to make your accommodation needs known and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.
