Sr Director of Programs

PBS Aerospace Inc•Roswell, GA

About The Position

The Senior Director of Programs is an executive-level leader responsible for the strategic oversight, execution, and financial performance of the company’s entire portfolio of aerospace and defense programs. This role leads all program management activities across development, qualification, low-rate initial production (LRIP), and full-rate production (FRP), ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, customer requirements, and long-term growth strategy. This leader serves as the primary interface with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) stakeholders, prime contractors, and executive leadership, while driving disciplined program execution, scalable processes, and operational excellence across the organization. The Senior Director of Programs plays a critical role in shaping business strategy, influencing capture efforts, and ensuring program delivery supports the company’s position as a premier provider of advanced aerospace propulsion systems. This role also has direct leadership responsibility for Quality personnel and functions aligned to program execution, ensuring quality performance, compliance, and standards are fully integrated into all program lifecycle activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field
15+ years of progressive program management experience in aerospace or defense
7+ years of leadership experience managing large-scale, multi-program portfolios
Extensive experience managing DoD programs and interfacing with U.S. government customers
Deep knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, FAR/DFARS, and government contracting
Proven track record of managing complex programs with full P&L responsibility
Experience leading programs from development through production (LRIP → FRP)
Experience leading or partnering closely with Quality in an AS9100-regulated environment

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering, Business (MBA), or related field
Experience with propulsion systems, turbine engines, or advanced aerospace hardware
Experience working with prime contractors and Tier 1 suppliers
Certification in Program Management (PMP, PgMP, or equivalent)
Experience implementing Earned Value Management (EVM) systems

Responsibilities

Own the full lifecycle execution and performance of all aerospace and defense programs across the enterprise
Lead a portfolio of complex, multi-phase programs ensuring alignment with cost, schedule, technical, and contractual objectives
Establish standardized program management frameworks, governance structures, and performance metrics across all programs
Drive portfolio prioritization, resource allocation, and trade-off decisions to optimize company-wide outcomes
Provide executive-level reporting on program health, risks, and financial performance
Partner with executive leadership to align program execution with corporate strategy, growth objectives, and operational capacity
Support business development and capture teams in shaping new opportunities, including proposal strategy, pricing, and execution planning
Influence long-term program roadmaps, technology development, and production scaling strategies
Lead program integration efforts across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality to ensure seamless execution
Serve as the executive-level point of contact for DoD agencies, government stakeholders, and prime contractors
Lead high-level program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and executive briefings
Ensure full compliance with FAR/DFARS, contract requirements, and government reporting standards
Oversee DCMA interactions, audits, and regulatory engagements
Own portfolio-level P&L including revenue, margin, cost performance, and cash flow
Drive financial discipline through forecasting, earned value management (EVM), and cost control mechanisms
Oversee contract execution, including scope changes, negotiations, and equitable adjustments
Ensure accurate program baselines, financial reporting, and risk-adjusted forecasting
Lead cross-functional execution across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain to ensure program delivery from development through production
Directly lead Quality teams supporting program execution, including Director of Quality, Quality Inspectors, and compliance personnel
Ensure readiness for LRIP and FRP, including capacity planning, supplier performance, and production scalability
Drive continuous improvement in program execution processes, tools, and systems
Ensure compliance with AS9100, quality standards, and configuration management requirements
Establish enterprise-wide risk management frameworks, including identification, mitigation, and escalation processes
Lead program reviews, gate reviews, and executive governance forums
Ensure proactive issue resolution and corrective action implementation across all programs
Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Program Management organization
Provide direct leadership and development for Quality personnel aligned to program execution
Mentor and develop Directors, Program Managers, Quality leaders, and program support staff
Establish clear accountability, decision-making authority, and organizational structure to support growth
Drive a culture of ownership, transparency, urgency, and execution excellence