Head of Programs - Executive Leadership Opportunity in Advanced Aerospace ManufacturingSouth Gate, CA | On-site
Opportunity SummaryJoin an established aerospace and defense manufacturer entering an exciting period of growth, modernization, and operational expansion. The company produces high-precision machined components and engineered manufacturing solutions supporting some of the industry's most demanding aerospace and defense programs. As the company continues to expand its customer base and program portfolio, they are seeking a Head of Programs to lead customer execution, strategic account relationships, and cross-functional program delivery across the organization. This is a highly visible executive leadership role responsible for serving as the primary interface between customers and internal leadership while ensuring complex manufacturing programs are executed successfully from proposal through production. You'll work directly with executive leadership, customers, and internal functional leaders to oversee program strategy, customer satisfaction, business growth, and operational execution. More than a traditional program management position, this role is designed for a business leader who wants to grow into broader executive responsibility. The successful candidate will become deeply involved in company strategy, customer development, operational planning, and organizational leadership, with a clearly defined path toward becoming President as part of the company's long-term succession plan.
Job Duties- Lead the company's Program Management organization, overseeing customer programs from initial opportunity through production, delivery, and long-term account growth.
- Serve as the executive-level point of contact for key aerospace and defense customers, building trusted relationships across engineering, supply chain, operations, procurement, and executive leadership.
- Drive customer communication, program reviews, executive business updates, and strategic planning sessions.
- Partner with Business Development and Engineering during proposal development, technical reviews, pricing strategy, contract negotiations, and program launch activities.
- Develop program execution strategies that align customer expectations with manufacturing capacity, engineering resources, quality objectives, and financial performance.
- Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, operations, finance, and production to ensure successful program execution.
- Identify program risks early while developing mitigation strategies that protect customer commitments, profitability, and production schedules.
- Monitor program financial performance, including revenue, margins, cost management, forecasting, and resource planning.
- Drive new product introduction efforts by coordinating manufacturing readiness, production planning, customer approvals, and launch activities.
- Establish standardized program management processes, reporting systems, KPIs, and governance across the organization.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to develop long-term business strategy, customer growth initiatives, and operational priorities.
- Support strategic customer visits, facility tours, executive presentations, audits, and contract reviews.
- Identify opportunities to expand existing customer relationships through additional manufacturing capabilities, new programs, and long-term partnerships.
- Mentor and develop program managers while helping build a scalable customer-focused organization.
- Serve as a strategic member of the executive leadership team, helping shape the company's long-term growth strategy and organizational direction.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.
- 8+ years of experience leading complex aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing programs.
- 3+ years leading program management teams or customer-facing organizations.
- Experience managing large, technically complex manufacturing programs from proposal through production.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, engineering, supply chain, quality systems, and production planning.
- Experience leading executive-level customer communications and strategic account management.
- Demonstrated ability to balance customer priorities with operational execution, financial performance, and business objectives.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong business acumen with experience managing budgets, program financials, forecasting, and resource planning.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional organizations in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
Preferred Experience- Aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated manufacturing experience.
- Experience supporting Boeing, Lockheed Martin, RTX, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, General Dynamics, or similar aerospace and defense customers.
- Experience managing long-term production programs involving precision machining, complex assemblies, or engineered hardware.
- Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, and government contracting requirements.
- Experience leading organizational growth, operational improvements, or business transformation initiatives.
- MBA or Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
Compensation Details$175,000 - $225,000 base salary plus profit sharing and stock options
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