Director of Programs

The Director of Program Management is responsible for leading the program management office (PMO) and driving the successful execution of all aerospace programs across the organization. This individual will develop and oversee program management processes, tools, and talent to ensure consistent delivery of customer commitments and strategic objectives. This role is a key member of the leadership team and plays a critical role in operational planning, customer engagement, and cross-functional alignment.

Operational Leadership:

Lead the Program Management function, overseeing all program managers and program teams across multiple aerospace platforms or business units.

Develop, implement, and continuously improve program management standards, tools, templates.

Ensure program execution aligns with scope, schedule, budget, and technical performance goals.

Serve as an escalation point for program risks and challenges; facilitate resolution with internal and external stakeholders.

Partner with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality to ensure cross-functional integration and successful program delivery.

Build and maintain strong customer relationships; participate in strategic program reviews and negotiations.

Support business development efforts, including proposal strategy, programmatic inputs, and gate reviews.

Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and industry standards (e.g., AS9100, ITAR,).

Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Ensure safety guidelines and company safety policies are being followed

Consistently acts in accordance with business professionalism principles including during business hours, at company events, meetings, off-site meetings, audits, etc.

Consistently provides professional business communications to internal and external customers, staff, peers and company leadership

Team Development and Leadership:

Guide, coach and mentor direct reports ensuring those in supervisor/manager/lead roles provide proper support and guidance to their direct reports

Ensure direct reports in supervisor/manager/lead roles are carrying out responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws with the guidance of HR; including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems

Foster a culture of collaboration and team work to staff at all levels

Provide clear communication and direction to staff at all levels

Continuous Improvement:

Lead change management initiative to adapt to evolving industry standards

Identify opportunities to enhance efficiencies

Has authority to stop any production order for quality concerns

Ensure all employees wear appropriate PPE in designated areas as required

Knowledge, Skills and Other Abilities:

Team oriented with strong leadership and coaching skills

Detail oriented with meticulous work habits and strong project management skills

Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships

Willingness to apply hands-on approach in supporting customer activities and to step in when needed.

Strong ability to set priorities, solve problems, and be resourceful when under pressure

Preferred Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, or related technical field; master’s degree or MBA preferred.

10–15+ years of progressive experience in aerospace program management.

5+ years in a senior leadership role overseeing a portfolio of programs or PMO.

Knowledge of program lifecycle phases—from capture and development to production and sustainment.

Strong leadership, negotiation, and organizational change management skills.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.