Senior Program Manager

About the role

The Senior Program Manager serves as the strategic and tactical owner for Winchester Interconnect's most critical aerospace and defense customer accounts. This role requires managing the entire program lifecycle, from New Product Introduction (NPI) projects to flawless execution on the production floor.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute customer strategies to drive Year-over-Year (YOY) revenue growth and achieve targeted Gross Margins.
• Act as the central bridge and primary liaison between the customer and all internal functions, managing the relationship across all customer stakeholders.
• Lead all New Product Introduction (NPI) projects for your accounts, serving as the customer champion for innovation, managing the program's lifecycle from concept to full-rate production, and ensuring successful NPI expansion.
• Provide end-to-end project support, including the management of all customer documentation, to ensure quality products are delivered on time to the customer’s standards.
• Manage the request for quote (RFQ) process by validating the Technical Data Package (TDP), coordinating with internal teams to establish costs, developing pricing, and delivering formal proposals.
• Lead the contract review process for new orders, actively monitor internal production schedules, and prioritize jobs to support customer needs, providing timely and accurate status updates.
• Lead all customer reviews (e.g., QBRs, design reviews), disseminate meeting notes, and drive all post-meeting follow-up actions to completion.
• Process and manage all customer change orders, ensuring that all cost, schedule, and technical impacts are captured, quoted, and communicated effectively.
• Partner with the Sales team to gather valuable Voice of the Customer (VoC), market trends, and competitive landscape intelligence to identify new profitable opportunities and support future product roadmaps.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business; an advanced degree (MBA) is a strong plus.
• 7-10+ years of experience in Program Management, Product Management, or Key Account Management.
• PMP certification is preferred with a strong emphasis in Critical Chain Project Management.
• Experience in P&L Management is a plus.
• Required experience in the space, aerospace, defense, or high-reliability electronic manufacturing industry.
• Strong technical knowledge of interconnect products, complex wire harnesses, overmolded assemblies, and cable assemblies.
• Demonstrated competency in product quoting, pricing strategies, and P&L (Profit & Loss) management.
• Proven ability to lead New Product Introduction (NPI) projects and manage the full product lifecycle.
• Experience with AS9100 or similar aerospace quality management systems is highly preferred.
• Strong ability to read and interpret technical data packages (TDPs), blueprints, and specifications.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) to comply with ITAR regulations.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and analytical skills; ability to develop and manage Gantt charts and program timelines.
• Polished communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the company with integrity and professionalism.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, strong proficiency in Excel) and ERP/MRP & CRM systems.