Position Overview
Our client is seeking a Program Manager to serve as the primary interface for external customers, while driving internal execution across engineering and manufacturing. This role owns program performance end-to-end, including cost, schedule, and technical delivery - ensuring alignment between customer expectations and internal capabilities.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, technically fluent, and thrives in a fast-paced, smaller-company environment with high visibility and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Interface & Program Ownership
- Serve as the primary point of contact for multiple customer programs
- Lead all customer communications, including status updates, design/program reviews, and issue resolution
- Translate customer requirements into actionable internal plans
- Build and maintain strong customer relationships
Program Execution
- Own program performance across cost, schedule, and technical scope
- Develop and maintain integrated project plans and schedules
- Identify risks and proactively drive mitigation plans
- Ensure on-time delivery of milestones and contractual commitments
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Coordinate closely with Engineering, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain
- Drive alignment across teams to meet program objectives
- Lead internal program reviews and track action items
- Escalate issues and remove roadblocks as needed
Operations & NPI Support
- Support new product introduction (NPI) through development into production
- Monitor production readiness and execution in a high-mix environment
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field
- 5–10+ years of program or project management experience in a manufacturing environment
- Experience with complex electro-mechanical or engineered products
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain, and production environments
- Demonstrated ability to manage cost, schedule, and technical performance
- Experience interfacing directly with external customers
Preferred
- Experience in marine, subsea, defense, or aerospace industries
- Background in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing
- Experience with NPI / product lifecycle from development to production
- PMP or similar certification
Key Traits for Success
- Strong communicator; comfortable with customers and technical teams
- Highly organized with strong follow-through
- Proactive, ownership-driven mindset
- Comfortable operating in a small, fast-moving company
- Able to balance strategic oversight with hands-on execution
