Program Manager - Production

Job Summary

The Program Manager is responsible for the day-to-day execution of assigned production programs to ensure contract requirements and cost, schedule, quality, and performance objectives are achieved. This role works closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Finance, and Contracts to coordinate production execution, material readiness, delivery performance, and overall program health. The Program Manager supports customer interface activities, internal program reviews, risk management, schedule and cost performance tracking, and corrective action planning under the guidance of senior program leadership.

Job Responsibilities

•  Manage and direct the daily execution of contract requirements to assure that cost, schedule, quality, and performance goals are met
• Coordinate cross-functional execution across Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Finance, Planning, and Contracts to support production program success
• Develop, maintain, and execute program plans and schedules to support production builds, material availability, contract milestones, and on-time delivery. Develop and implement corrective action plans when deviations from budgets and/or schedules are evident
• Lead integrated product team and program meetings from program kick-off through closeout, and communicate program status to senior management and customers as required
• Monitor production status, material readiness, manufacturing constraints, and delivery performance, and drive timely resolution of issues affecting execution
• Identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate program risks throughout the program life cycle, including risks related to material shortages, supplier performance, manufacturing disruption, and schedule recovery
• Perform schedule and cost variance analysis, track program metrics, and support corrective action planning when deviations from plan are identified
• Serve as a primary interface with the customer on day-to-day matters involving contract execution, deliveries, and program performance, and coordinate internal resolution of issues
• Coordinate with Contracts Administration on contract requirements, changes, modifications, and interpretations, and ensure execution complies with applicable regulations and company policies and procedures
• Support Supply Chain, Production Control, and Operations in MRP/ERP-driven planning, material flow, and production schedule attainment
• Support bid and proposal, contract/subcontract execution, and program closeout activities as required
• Provide leadership to assigned program teams and promote communication, coordination, accountability, and cooperation among team members

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications

  • 5+ years of relevant experience in program management, production operations, manufacturing, materials management, supply chain, or a related functional area.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; degree in Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred
  • Knowledge of program management tools, processes, and procedures
  • Experience managing or supporting contract execution in a production and manufacturing environment
  • Experience coordinating across multiple functional disciplines, including Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Finance, and Contracts
  • Exposure to schedule management, budget control, project reviews, manpower planning, and variance analysis
  • Working knowledge of program financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and performance reporting
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong customer interface, presentation, and communication skills
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage aerospace and defense programs as a prime or subcontractor to a domestic or foreign military organization
  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in DoD program management, production operations, or manufacturing execution.
  • Knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and a solid understanding of electro-mechanical assembly operations, bills of material, demand planning, material flow, and supply chain purchasing processes.
  • Knowledge of DoD FAR procurement regulations and contract execution requirements.
  • Exposure to earned value cost accounting and reporting, program metrics, and performance measurement.
  • Experience with production planning, delivery execution, and sustainment activities.
  • Experience identifying, managing, and mitigating program risks across cost, schedule, material, and operational performance.
  • Experience supporting bid and proposal efforts or follow-on production captures.
  • Understanding of cash flow management principles.
  • Understanding of process improvement principles such as Lean or Lean Six Sigma.
  • Program Management certification preferred, such as PMP or DAU.