Head of Programs - Legacy Aircrafts

Eleven Recruiting • Chatsworth, CA

9h

About The Position

Eleven Recruiting is seeking an experienced Head of Programs to lead a team of Program Managers supporting the transition, sustainment, and optimization of mature aerospace and defense product lines. This individual will be responsible for end-to-end program execution, including cross-functional coordination, P&L accountability, and long-term customer satisfaction. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the company's legacy products—many of which are acquired or licensed from OEMs—are sustained at the highest standards of quality, compliance, and profitability. The ideal candidate brings deep leadership capability, production planning expertise, and a sharp understanding of MRO or low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environments. Our client specializes in OEM-endorsed support of mature aerospace technologies, enabling global OEMs to divest non-core product lines while ensuring long-term availability of mission-critical components. The company serves both military and commercial aviation markets through: A global footprint of FAA/EASA-certified repair stations. A portfolio of 6,500+ active part numbers across avionics, hydraulics, fuel systems, and actuation. Licensed manufacturing and repair capabilities sourced from top-tier OEMs (including recent acquisitions from Tier 1 suppliers). Strategic growth driven by private equity backing and expansion into North America, UK, and Asia.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or Science.
• 10+ years of experience in technical or engineering-oriented program/project management.
• 5+ years of production planning in fast-paced, low-volume/high-mix environments.
• 3+ years of P&L ownership and financial execution.
• Hands-on experience with MRP/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Deep understanding of aerospace product lifecycle and sustainment models.

Nice To Haves

• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent program management certifications.
• Familiarity with OEM licensing models, FAA/EASA regulatory requirements, or aerospace sustainment contracts.
• Deep knowledge of program financials: earned value, revenue forecasting, cost modeling, and margin optimization.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills—comfortable interfacing with customers, suppliers, and executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of 10+ Program Managers, each responsible for multiple aviation legacy product lines and high-complexity programs.
• Oversee transition of licensed products, ensuring proper onboarding, IP integration, and ramp-up through cross-functional collaboration.
• Guide the team in long- and short-term program planning, issue resolution, cost control, and performance tracking.
• Ensure alignment with company P&L targets, budgeting frameworks, and operational KPIs.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Contracts, Operations, Procurement, and Finance to support product delivery and strategic objectives.
• Maintain program compliance with applicable FAA/EASA standards, quality systems, and contractual obligations.
• Recommend and implement policy, workflow, or process enhancements to improve program execution and profitability.
• Drive effective new product hand-off processes and facilitate clean transitions to functional support departments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior