Program Manager

Location: Cincinnati, OH

Schedule: Full-time | Onsite

Travel: Occasional travel may be required

Position Overview

The Program Manager is responsible for directing the execution of contract requirements to ensure program objectives related to cost, schedule, performance, and risk management are successfully achieved. This role leads cross-functional teams and manages programs from initial kickoff through project closeout.

The Program Manager serves as the primary interface between internal teams and customers, ensuring effective communication, coordination, and execution throughout the program lifecycle. The position requires strong leadership, financial oversight, and the ability to manage complex defense or aerospace programs.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Execution

• Manage and direct daily execution of contract requirements to ensure cost, schedule, and performance objectives are met.
• Lead Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings from program kickoff through completion.
• Develop and implement program plans and schedules to successfully execute contracts and subcontracts.
• Monitor and manage program performance, including cost, schedule, and technical metrics.
• Allocate and control program budgets for labor, materials, travel, and purchased services.
• Provide monthly program status reports to senior leadership.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact with customers regarding contract execution.
• Coordinate with internal departments to resolve contractual or program execution issues.
• Represent the organization at program reviews, meetings, and customer briefings.
• Support communication and coordination across internal teams and external stakeholders.

Proposal & Contract Support

• Participate in bid and proposal activities, ensuring requirements are addressed and documented properly.
• Assist with contract and subcontract negotiations while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Support business development initiatives by identifying potential program opportunities.

Program Performance & Risk Management

• Identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate program risks throughout the program lifecycle.
• Develop and implement root cause corrective action (RCCA) plans when deviations from schedule or budget occur.
• Conduct cost and schedule variance analysis, including Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting when required.
• Monitor program metrics and develop leading and lagging indicators to assess program health.

Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Manage program inventory and resources effectively.
• Support internal research and development projects as assigned.
• Ensure timely program closeout and documentation once contractual obligations are complete.
• Apply Lean and process improvement principles to enhance operational efficiency.
• Support quality and safety initiatives across the program team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Engineering or Business degree preferred
• 3+ years of experience managing programs across the full program lifecycle, including development through sustainment
• Experience with:
• Proposal development
• Requirements decomposition
• Statements of work and subcontract management
• Risk management and continuous improvement initiatives
• Demonstrated success managing complex aerospace or defense programs for military or government customers
• Experience managing program financial performance, including revenue, bookings, P&L, and cash flow

Preferred Qualifications

• Program Management certification such as:
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Defense Acquisition University (DAU) certification
• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or process improvement methodologies

Additional Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance (active clearance preferred)
• Must be eligible to access export-controlled technical data in accordance with ITAR/EAR regulations

EOE (including Disability/Veterans)

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