Operations Program Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

About Oshkosh Defense, an Oshkosh company

Oshkosh Defense stands behind those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. As an industry-leading tactical vehicle manufacturer, every day we strive to meet or exceed our customers' ever-changing needs with next generation defense technologies and advanced systems. We operate with unparalleled commitment to those who depend on our products and services worldwide to perform their missions.

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Program Manager is a high-impact, enterprise leader responsible for guiding complex, multi-year programs that span regions, product lines, and business units. These initiatives may include business transformation, advanced system development, capital investment, and government-funded projects. You will serve as a key partner to executive leadership, aligning strategy with execution, managing risk, ensuring fiscal accountability, and driving value delivery across the full program lifecycle.

This role combines strategic foresight with operational rigor-integrating commercial and government program management expertise. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in stakeholder alignment, regulatory compliance, team leadership, and transformational change. You will also mentor senior project managers, influence PMO governance, and contribute to enterprise-wide excellence.

YOUR IMPACT

These duties are not meant to be all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned:

Strategic Program Leadership

• Architect and lead enterprise-scale programs, including multimillion-dollar initiatives involving product development, business transformation, and government systems delivery.
• Develop and oversee integrated program roadmaps, master schedules, cost models, and risk frameworks in alignment with strategic business and mission objectives.
• Direct all phases of program execution-from concept development, capture, and proposal through design, testing, production, sustainment, and closeout.

Organizational Influence & Executive Alignment

• Act as a trusted advisor to C-level executives and senior government stakeholders, translating strategy into operational outcomes.
• Represent the company in executive forums, governance reviews, and industry engagements.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across Engineering, Manufacturing, Digital, R&D, Product, Finance, and Government Affairs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and ten (10) or more years of relevant experience (equivalent to sixteen (16) year's total in education and experience); or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the role.

STANDOUT QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree (MBA, Engineering Management, or related field).
• PMP, PgMP, or SAFe Agile certification.
• Global program experience and oversight of international teams or suppliers.
• Experience with ERP, MES, and enterprise systems.
• Defense Acquisition University (DAU) training or equivalent.
• Deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, CMMI, PDP/APQP, and lifecycle governance.
• Background in portfolio management, strategic planning, and innovation leadership.
• Demonstrated success managing large-scale programs with significant financial, technical, or operational impact.
• Experience leading cross-functional and matrixed teams.
• Strong knowledge of Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid project methodologies.
• Proficiency with project tools; Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Primavera P6, Power BI, and advanced Excel (macros, pivot tables).
• Ability to travel as needed.

Pay Range:

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability for any part of the employment process, please contact us at corporatetalentacquisition@oshkoshcorp.com.

Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer.Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.

Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.

Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.