Program Manager Defense Jobs in Cleveland, OH (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Program Manager is responsible for leading cross-functional teams to ensure customer satisfaction, program profitability, and successful execution of program objectives while effectively managing risk. Reporting to the Senior Program Manager, this role oversees assigned programs throughout the full program lifecycle, from contract award through end-of-service support.

The Program Manager drives alignment between internal stakeholders and customer expectations, ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with established program management standards, processes, and procedures. This position plays a critical role in coordinating operational, engineering, financial, and customer-facing activities across a matrix organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead assigned programs to achieve customer satisfaction, financial performance, and operational objectives
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of program activities and priorities
• Manage program scope, schedule, budget, risks, and deliverables throughout the program lifecycle
• Develop and maintain program business plans and Medium-Term Plans (MTP)
• Monitor program performance metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary
• Ensure clear, accurate, and timely internal and external program reporting
• Lead program reviews and milestone reviews to ensure successful execution
• Support bid and proposal activities by validating recurring and non-recurring cost estimates and associated assumptions
• Identify and mitigate program risks to minimize operational and financial exposure
• Collaborate with Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Production, Quality, and Sales teams to drive program success
• Support program audits and continuous improvement initiatives
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships while serving as a primary point of contact for program-related matters
• Coordinate activities across multiple sites, teams, and international stakeholders as required

Program Scope & Complexity

Programs managed within this role may include:

• Annual budgets ranging from approximately $1M to $5M
• Annual revenue responsibility ranging from approximately $1M to $10M
• Direct interaction with primary customer accounts and supporting customer relationships
• Complex product development and operational execution activities
• Coordination of activities involving multiple facilities and/or countries

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achievement of annual revenue and budget objectives
• Customer satisfaction performance, including on-time delivery, quality, responsiveness, and schedule adherence
• Timely completion of program milestone reviews and reporting requirements
• Effective risk management and implementation of corrective actions
• Successful execution of program objectives within scope, cost, and schedule expectations

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams in a program or project management environment
• Experience working within a matrix organizational structure
• Background in engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries preferred
• Strong understanding of program management principles, including planning, monitoring, cost control, scheduling, and risk management
• Familiarity with operational processes such as procurement, production planning, order fulfillment, and supply chain coordination
• Experience managing customer-facing programs and business performance metrics

Required Skills & Competencies

Leadership & Team Management

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to drive collaboration across multiple functional teams
• Ability to motivate teams and drive accountability in a fast-paced environment

Program & Project Management

• Strong understanding of program management methodologies, including cost, schedule, quality, and risk management
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex deliverables simultaneously

Communication & Customer Management

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to build trusted relationships with customers, stakeholders, and internal teams
• Skilled in presenting program updates and facilitating executive-level discussions

Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities
• Ability to identify issues proactively and implement effective corrective actions

Negotiation & Influence

• Ability to negotiate effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders
• Skilled at driving consensus and aligning teams around program objectives

Autonomy & Accountability

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage programs with minimal supervision
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic, multi-disciplined environment with demanding timelines

Reporting Structure & Cross-Functional Interaction

The Program Manager reports directly to the Senior Program Manager and works closely with leaders across multiple functional areas, including:

• Engineering
• Finance
• Sales & Marketing
• Supply Chain & Purchasing
• Production & Operations
• Quality
• Industrialization
• Customer Support & Aftermarket Services

This role operates within a matrix organization and requires strong collaboration, communication, and coordination across departments to ensure successful program execution.

Decision-Making Authority

The Program Manager has authority over:

• Day-to-day tactical management of assigned customer programs
• Execution and oversight of approved program budgets
• Coordination of program priorities and corrective actions
• Escalation and resolution of program-related risks and issues