Safran

Program Manager

Safran$130K — $190K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in program or project management in aerospace or manufacturing
  • Strong cross-functional leadership skills
  • Experience managing complex programs with multiple stakeholders
  • Preferred experience with aerospace systems or actuation products

Responsibilities

  • Lead assigned programs through the entire lifecycle from development to sustainment
  • Own program performance across quality, cost, and delivery metrics
  • Establish and manage program scope, schedule, and financial plans
  • Coordinate production execution and prioritize deliveries to meet customer commitments
  • Support integration and transfer activities post-acquisition of Actuation business
  • Engage with customers for schedules, issue resolution, and performance updates
  • Monitor program milestones and manage risks to performance

Benefits

  • Potential for travel (up to ~25%) for customer and team alignments
  • Exposure to global operational activities and cross-functional teams
  • Opportunity to contribute to significant business transformation initiatives
  • Work in a dynamic and transforming environment
  • Gain experience with international stakeholders and diverse projects
Full Job Description
Job details

Domain

Programs / Customer Relations

Job field / Job profile

Programs - Program manager level 2

Job title

Program Manager

Employment type

Permanent

Professional category

Professional, Engineer & Manager

Part time / Full time

Full-time

Job description

Job Description
The Program Manager is responsible for leading the execution and performance of one or more programs within Safran's Actuation business. This role serves as the primary interface between customers and internal cross-functional teams, ensuring delivery of commitments related to quality, cost, schedule, and customer satisfaction.

Following Safran's recent acquisition of the Actuation business, the Program Manager will also play a key role in supporting business integration, product transfers, and operational stabilization activities. This position requires strong coordination across global teams, including international production sites, the UK Actuation leadership team, and Safran France leadership organizations.

Key Responsibilities -

End-to-End Program Leadership
• Lead assigned programs across the full lifecycle, including development, production, and sustainment
• Own program performance across Quality, Cost, Delivery (QCD) metrics
• Establish and manage program scope, schedule, and financial plans to ensure successful execution
• Drive accountability across cross-functional teams to meet program commitments

Production & Sustaining Program Execution
• Manage execution of production programs, ensuring on-time delivery (OTD) and quality performance
• Coordinate with operations and supply chain teams to manage:
o Line of balance deliveries
o Material shortages and production constraints
o Backlog recovery plans and prioritization
• Interface with customers on delivery schedules, priorities, and issue resolution

Business Integration & Product Transfers
• Support execution of product and industrial transfer activities associated with Actuation integration into Safran
• Coordinate cross-functional and cross-site activities to ensure:
o Continuity of supply
o Quality performance
o Customer delivery commitments
• Contribute to broader business transformation and integration initiatives, including process alignment and operational improvements

Technical and Operational Oversight
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure technical and operational execution remains on track
• Support resolution of technical or industrial issues through structured problem-solving and cross-functional coordination
• Monitor program milestones and proactively address risks to schedule and performance
Financial and Risk Management
• Manage program financial performance, including:
o Cost tracking and control
o Variance analysis
o Margin performance
• Identify and mitigate program risks and opportunities
• Support development and execution of recovery plans where performance gaps exist
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
• Serve as the primary interface with assigned customers
• Lead program reviews, status updates, and escalation discussions
• Communicate program performance clearly and proactively to both internal and external stakeholders

But what else? (advantages, specificities, etc.)

Additional Information:
- Travel may be required (up to ~25%) to support customer engagements, supplier coordination, and global site alignment
- This role is based in Rockford, IL and supports both local and global program activities

Candidate skills & requirements

Education / Experience:
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field
- Experience in program management, project management, or a related role within aerospace, manufacturing, or industrial environments
- Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills
- Ability to manage complex programs with multiple stakeholders
Preferred
- Experience in aerospace systems, actuation, or electromechanical products
- Experience supporting industrial transfers, integration efforts, or business transformations
- Experience working with global teams and international stakeholders
Skills and Abilities:
Program Execution & Leadership
- Strong ownership mindset with ability to drive results across functions
- Ability to manage competing priorities and complex program dynamics
Technical & Business Acumen
- Understanding of manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain processes
- Financial awareness including cost control and margin performance
Communication & Influence
- Ability to communicate effectively with both technical teams and executive stakeholders
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across a global organization
Adaptability & Change Management
- Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, transforming environment
- Comfortable managing ambiguity and driving structure during periods of change
Certifications & Security:
- PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma certifications are a strong plus
- U.S. citizen with eligibility for obtaining U.S. government clearances, if needed (not required)

Annual salary

$130,000 - $190,000

Job location

Job location

North America, United States, Illinois

City (-ies)

4747 Harrison Ave, M/S 298-6 61108 Rockford

Applicant criteria

Minimum education level achieved

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum experience level required

More than 5 years

ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency

Yes

About Safran

Safran is a French multinational aerospace and defense company. It designs, manufactures, and sells aircraft engines, rocket engines, and other aerospace components. Safran is also involved in the defense industry, producing optronics, avionics, and other defense systems. The company has partnerships with several other aerospace and defense companies, including General Electric and Boeing. Safran has operations in over 60 countries and employs over 95,000 people.
Learn more about Safran
Size
95,000 employees
Industry

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Safran

  • Safran
    Lead Software Engineer
    $110K — $140K *
    Rochester, NY 14609 (Monroe County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person
  • Safran
    Machinist
    $83K — $83K *
    Ajax, ON L1S 0A5
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person
  • Safran
    Machinist
    $83K — $83K *
    Ajax, ON L1S 0A5
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person
  • Safran
    CFMM Operations Leader
    $90K — $120K *
    Grapevine, TX 76051 (Tarrant County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person
  • Safran
    Engineering Project Manager
    $90K — $130K *
    West Henrietta, NY 14586 (Monroe County)
    Aerospace & Defense
    In-Person

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Program Manager jobs: