Production and Programs Manager

Position Summary

The Production Programs Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing all operational aspects of the organization's volume production, low-rate assembly, and new product introduction (NPI) launch activities. This role serves as a key member of the leadership team, ensuring the effective execution of programs through strategic planning, resource management, workforce leadership, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will oversee personnel, department budget, schedules, and work cell operations while driving seamless transitions from development to full-scale production and continuous improvement initiatives that support customer requirements, business objectives, and long-term organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead day-to-day activities supporting contract assembly and product production programs.
• Establish operational priorities and align resources to ensure successful program execution.
• Drive operational efficiency, productivity, and quality across all work cells and functional areas.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices that support organizational objectives.

Program & Product Launch Execution

• Collaborate with Engineering, Program Management, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within budget.
• Lead operational readiness reviews for new product launches, ensuring manufacturing lines, tooling, and supply chains are fully prepared for scaling.
• Own the Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) progression to transition new products smoothly from prototype to low-rate initial production (LRIP) and full-rate production.
• Monitor operational performance, identify risks, and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Support proposal development, program planning, and resource forecasting for new business opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, contractual obligations, and regulatory standards.

Financial & Resource Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets, labor utilization, and operational expenditures.
• Forecast and secure capital and labor resources required to support upcoming product launch timelines and volume spikes.
• Oversee workforce planning, staffing requirements, and resource allocation across multiple projects and programs.
• Analyze operational metrics and financial performance to support strategic decision-making.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and operational improvement without compromising quality or performance.

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams including manufacturing engineers, technicians, assemblers, and operational staff.
• Train and upskill production staff on new product architectures, specialized assembly techniques, and launch-specific quality standards.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance management activities including goal setting, coaching, succession planning, and professional development.
• Build organizational capability to support future growth and increased program demands.

Facility & Infrastructure Management

• Oversee facility operations, maintenance, equipment utilization, and infrastructure planning.
• Design, validate, and optimize factory floor layouts and specialized work cells dedicated to new product introductions.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, safety, security, and quality standards.
• Support capital investment planning and implementation to expand operational capabilities and capacity.
• Maintain operational readiness of facilities and equipment supporting aerospace programs.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and throughput.
• Conduct post-launch reviews to identify production bottlenecks, yields fallout, and implement design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback loops.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to schedule performance, quality, safety, productivity, and financial objectives.
• Drive process improvements that improve customer satisfaction and organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing/assembly operations, aerospace, defense, or related technical environments.
• Proven track record of successfully launching complex hardware products into volume production environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing personnel, budgets, schedules, facilities, and operational performance.
• Strong understanding of prototype manufacturing, assembly, integration, New Product Introduction (NPI) lifecycles, and test activities.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with government contracting, aerospace and defense standards, and regulated environments preferred.
• Experience with AS-9100 Quality System preferred.

Core Competencies

• Program & Launch Execution
• New Product Introduction (NPI)
• Budget & Financial Management
• Workforce Development
• Operational Excellence
• Continuous Improvement
• Customer Engagement
• Quality & Compliance
• Cross-Functional Leadership

Success in This Role

Success in this position is measured by the ability to build high-performing teams, execute flawless product launches on time and on budget, assemble complex and tight-tolerance systems, maintain operational excellence, optimize resources, and contribute to the organization's growth and long-term strategic objectives within the aerospace and defense industry.