Director of Program Management

Location: West Point, MS 39773 (Greater Golden Triangle Area) · Employment Type: Full-Time, Onsite

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Director of Program Management to lead the execution of complex aerospace and defense manufacturing programs for an established, growing organization in Northeast Mississippi. This leadership position will oversee multiple concurrent programs, provide direction and mentorship to Program Managers, and ensure programs are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contractual requirements. The ideal candidate will bring extensive Department of Defense (DoD) program management experience, preferably within aerospace or defense manufacturing, with a proven ability to manage large-scale government contracts, program financials, cross-functional teams, and customer relationships. This individual must be comfortable operating at both strategic and tactical levels, partnering with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Contracts teams to drive program execution and organizational growth.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Oversight

• Oversee multiple complex aerospace and defense programs, ensuring successful execution across schedules, budgets, milestones, and contractual deliverables.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and oversight to Program Managers and cross-functional program teams.
• Establish program priorities, accountability, and performance expectations.
• Monitor program performance, identify potential challenges, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead program reviews and provide regular updates to executive leadership.
• Develop and implement standardized program management processes and best practices.

Financial & Contract Management

• Oversee program budgets, cost forecasting, resource allocation, and financial performance.
• Monitor labor, materials, overhead, and other program-related costs.
• Ensure programs meet financial objectives while maintaining contractual and customer commitments.
• Utilize Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and program controls to track performance.
• Support contract execution, modifications, proposals, and negotiations.
• Identify financial risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Customer & Government Relations

• Serve as a key point of contact for defense customers, government representatives, and strategic industry partners.
• Develop and maintain relationships with senior military leaders and government stakeholders.
• Lead customer program reviews, communicate progress, and address concerns.
• Ensure compliance with DoD contractual requirements and customer expectations.
• Support long-term customer relationships and opportunities for program growth.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Contracts teams to ensure successful program execution.
• Coordinate resources, manufacturing schedules, materials, and production requirements.
• Support new program launches, production ramp-ups, and manufacturing readiness.
• Resolve operational challenges impacting program delivery.
• Promote collaboration, accountability, and effective communication across departments.

Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and mitigate program risks related to cost, schedule, quality, resources, and contract performance.
• Develop contingency plans and corrective action strategies.
• Drive process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen program execution.
• Support Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, contractual, quality, and export-control requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Program Management, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive program management experience, preferably within aerospace, defense, or complex government contracting environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex programs simultaneously.
• Previous experience in a Program Management leadership position, such as Director, Senior Program Manager, Program Management Manager, or equivalent.
• Experience providing oversight, guidance, or direct management to other Program Managers.
• Strong understanding of DoD contracts, program execution, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management.
• Experience managing large-scale programs with significant financial and operational responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of program financial controls, cost forecasting, and resource planning.
• Ability to work effectively with senior leadership, government customers, and cross-functional manufacturing teams.
• Excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management software.
• Ability to meet applicable U.S. government contract and export-control eligibility requirements.

Qualifications

• Direct experience within aerospace and defense manufacturing.
• Experience supporting U.S. Navy programs or contracts.
• Previous industry-side program management experience with a defense contractor or OEM.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification.
• Experience managing large-scale DoD programs valued at $100M or more.
• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), integrated master schedules, and program performance reporting.
• Familiarity with ITAR, CMMC, and defense industry compliance requirements.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or demonstrated continuous improvement experience.
• Experience supporting manufacturing expansion, production ramp-ups, and organizational growth.

Schedule

Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM–5:30 PM (onsite)