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Operational Program Manager Jobs in Little Rock, AR

The Program Manager is responsible for the development, coordination, and daily management of ... Planetarium Operations * Coordinate scheduling, facility utilization, and daily operations of the ...

Engineering Manager- Technical Program Manager

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$123K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operational excellence and business agility. Our teams apply deep technical expertise and a strong ... As a Program Manager, you will lead the charge in driving software and product innovation within ...

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Operational Program Manager information

See Little Rock, AR salary details

$38.4K

$105K

$152K

How much do operational program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational program manager in Little Rock, AR is $105,004.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,000.00 and $127,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an operational program manager do?

An Operational Program Manager oversees the planning, execution, and optimization of programs within an organization to ensure they align with business goals. They coordinate between different departments, manage resources and budgets, and monitor program performance to ensure timely delivery and quality outcomes. Their responsibilities also include identifying risks, implementing process improvements, and reporting to stakeholders on program status and results. Effective Operational Program Managers possess strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

How does an operational program manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals?

Operational Program Managers regularly work with various departments such as finance, product, engineering, and HR to ensure program objectives are met efficiently. They facilitate communication between teams, align resources, and resolve any interdepartmental challenges that might arise. Effective collaboration often involves leading regular status meetings, setting clear expectations, and proactively addressing risks or roadblocks to keep projects on track. This cross-functional aspect is key to driving successful outcomes and requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operational program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operational Program Manager, you need strong project management expertise, analytical skills, and a background in business operations, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with project management software (such as Asana, Trello, or MS Project), data analysis tools, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are vital for efficiently overseeing programs, aligning teams, and achieving organizational objectives in dynamic environments.

What is the difference between Operational Program Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectOperational Program ManagerProject Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like PMP or PgMP are commonUsually requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like CAPM are beneficial
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects and programs within an organization, often in corporate or government sectorsSupports project teams by coordinating tasks, schedules, and resources
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries like IT, healthcare, manufacturing, and government for managing complex programsCommon in all industries for assisting project teams and ensuring project tasks are completed

The Operational Program Manager focuses on managing multiple projects and strategic programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. In contrast, a Project Coordinator supports individual projects by coordinating activities and resources. Both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, but the Program Manager has broader responsibilities overseeing entire programs.

How much do operational program managers make?

Operational Program Managers typically earn a median annual salary between $80,000 and $130,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

What are popular job titles related to Operational Program Manager jobs in Little Rock, AR?

For Operational Program Manager jobs in Little Rock, AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operational Program Manager jobs in Little Rock, AR look for?

The top searched job categories for Operational Program Manager jobs in Little Rock, AR are:

What cities near Little Rock, AR are hiring for Operational Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Little Rock, AR with the most Operational Program Manager job openings:

Full-time

Re-posted 16 hours ago


Job description

Description

Job Summary:

The Program Manager is a strategic leader responsible for the end-to-end execution, financial performance, and customer satisfaction of assigned programs at BEI Precision. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Engineering, this role owns the overall health of programs from contract award through Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE), New Product Introduction (NPI), and successful transition to full-rate manufacturing.


Serving as the primary executive interface to the customer during program execution, the Program Manager ensures commitments are met across schedule, scope, cost, and technical performance. This leader drives cross-functional alignment across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance to deliver results consistent with BEI Precision's performance standards and Arxis' ACE management system - Accountability, Collaboration, and Empowerment.


This role requires disciplined execution, financial rigor, proactive risk management, and strong customer engagement, particularly within aerospace and/or space industry environments. The position is full-time and primarily on-site at BEI's facility in Maumelle, Arkansas.



Requirements

  Required Skills and Abilities:


Knowledge of:

  • Advanced program and project management methodologies
  • Aerospace and/or space industry program requirements and compliance standards
  • Engineering development lifecycles and stage-gate processes
  • New Product Introduction (NPI) and production readiness processes
  • Contract structures, statement of work analysis, and risk allocation
  • Integrated master scheduling tools (Microsoft Project or similar)
  • Financial performance tracking and forecasting, ETC modeling, and milestone-based billing structures

Ability to:

  • Lead complex, cross-functional programs without direct authority
  • Balance customer expectations with operational realities and financial objectives
  • Translate technical and financial data into executive-level insights
  • Drive accountability and execution across multiple departments
  • Build strong, professional relationships with customers and internal stakeholders
  • Manage multiple high-priority programs simultaneously
  • Anticipate and mitigate risk before impact to cost or schedule
  • Communicate effectively at executive, customer, and operational levels
  • Operate decisively in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment
  • Develop, maintain, and control integrated master schedules using Microsoft Project or equivalent tools across multiple functional areas.
  • Drive cross-functional execution across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance to meet contractual milestones.
  • Lead structured program reviews with executive leadership, providing clear visibility into percent complete, Estimate to Complete (ETC), earned value performance, contract milestone status, and risk mitigation plans.
  • Identify, escalate, and mitigate program risks; develop recovery strategies when performance deviates from plan.
  • Ensure effective transition of new products into manufacturing, balancing technical readiness, operational capability, and financial targets.
  • Support contract reviews and participate in customer negotiations to ensure scope clarity, risk alignment, and margin protection.
  • Establish and reinforce a culture of accountability, ownership, and execution discipline aligned with Arxis core principles: Dream Big, Have Fun, and GSD (Get Stuff Done).
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen forecasting accuracy, cross-functional collaboration, and program governance.

Required Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

  • Advanced program and project management methodologies
  • Aerospace and/or space industry program requirements and compliance standards
  • Engineering development lifecycles and stage-gate processes
  • New Product Introduction (NPI) and production readiness processes
  • Contract structures, statement of work analysis, and risk allocation
  • Integrated master scheduling tools (Microsoft Project or similar)
  • Financial performance tracking and forecasting, ETC modeling, and milestone-based billing structures

Ability to:

  • Lead complex, cross-functional programs without direct authority
  • Balance customer expectations with operational realities and financial objectives
  • Translate technical and financial data into executive-level insights
  • Drive accountability and execution across multiple departments
  • Build strong, professional relationships with customers and internal stakeholders
  • Manage multiple high-priority programs simultaneously
  • Anticipate and mitigate risk before impact to cost or schedule
  • Communicate effectively at executive, customer, and operational levels
  • Operate decisively in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment

Education and Experience:

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technical Discipline, or related field required
  • Strong technical foundation and understanding of engineering workflows
  • Program Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred

Experience:

  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressive program or project management experience
  • Aerospace and/or space industry experience strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated success managing NRE and NPI programs from development through manufacturing transition
  • Experience applying Earned Value Management principles in a production or development environment
  • Exposure to contract review, negotiation, and customer commercial discussions highly preferred
  • Experience presenting to executive leadership and customers