Director, Program Management – Aerospace & Defense

Location: Columbus, MS

About the Role

We are seeking an accomplished Director of Program Management to take a senior leadership role within a growing U.S. aerospace and defense manufacturing organization. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, you will help set the direction of the company's programs, lead complex customer initiatives, oversee program financial and technical performance, manage risk, support contract negotiations, and ensure programs deliver against their commitments. You will have meaningful ownership of cost, schedule, P&L, customer relationships, contracts, program execution, and business growth while providing leadership to Program Managers and other team members across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Establish direction for company programs and execute that strategy alongside executive leadership and Program Managers.
• Lead and monitor schedule, cost, pricing, technical performance, and overall program execution.
• Maintain P&L responsibility, track program costs, manage budgets, and identify financial risks before they impact performance.
• Serve as a key customer-facing leader for program status, requirements, changing needs, and issue resolution.
• Develop and maintain master program plans, schedules, milestones, and performance objectives.
• Identify program risks and lead the development of effective mitigation strategies.
• Support the negotiation and preparation of contracts based on program requirements, financial conditions, resources, and contractual obligations.
• Contribute to proposals, plans, specifications, budgets, and the financial components of contracts.
• Direct the work of employees assigned to programs and projects.
• Lead, coach, and develop managers and other program personnel.
• Prepare executive-level program reports, presentations, and performance updates.
• Partner across the organization to resolve program issues and keep execution on track.
• Support new business development and expansion of product lines.
• Stay current on technologies, trends, and developments affecting the aerospace and defense industry.

Requirements

• A four-year university degree or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Demonstrated success managing program schedules, costs, budgets, and risks.
• Strong understanding of project and program management principles, tools, and performance measurements.
• Experience taking ownership of complex programs with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong financial and business judgment with the ability to manage program performance against budget.
• Experience working directly with customers and resolving complex program issues.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to direct managers, supervisors, and cross-functional program teams.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, interpersonal, and customer-facing communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
• PMP or PgMP certification is required. Candidates who are not currently certified must be willing and able to complete the applicable certification within six months of hire.
• Due to the nature of the work, candidates must qualify as a U.S. person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR 120.15).

Schedule

This is a full-time, office-based position in Columbus, Mississippi, operating on a Monday through Thursday schedule with four 10-hour workdays. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required based on program needs. Travel is occasional and may include overnight domestic travel as well as limited international travel.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This role offers something many senior Program Management positions do not: real ownership and executive visibility. You won't simply report on programs after decisions have been made. You'll help shape program direction, influence commercial and operational decisions, work directly with customers, lead other program professionals, and have accountability for the financial and operational success of the company's programs.