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Program Manager Jobs in Santa Maria, CA (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$88K - $140K/yr

The Program Manager has program performance and P&L responsibility for a small to medium complexity program. He/she is responsible for delivering the program objectives, managing program performance ...

Associate Program Manager

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$70K - $113K/yr

Supports Program Manager with all aspects of Program Management: * Comprehends contractual obligations and statement of work for assigned program(s) and provides guidance based on these documents to ...

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Program Manager information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$39.5K

$110.2K

$160.9K

How much do program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager in Santa Maria, CA is $110,151.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $135,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the top 3 skills of a program manager?

A program manager needs strong leadership and communication skills to coordinate multiple projects and teams effectively. Organizational and strategic planning abilities are essential for managing complex initiatives and aligning them with business goals. Additionally, proficiency in project management tools and methodologies, such as Agile or PMP, supports successful program execution.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

High-level roles such as senior executive positions, specialized surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs can earn $3,000 or more per day. Certain consulting, investment banking, or legal professionals with extensive experience and certifications may also reach this level, especially when working on large projects or deals.

How much is a program manager paid?

Program managers typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior or specialized program managers with certifications like PMP can earn higher salaries, especially in large organizations or tech sectors.

What are program managers?

Program managers are professionals responsible for overseeing multiple related projects within an organization, ensuring they align with strategic goals and deliver expected outcomes. They coordinate the efforts of project managers, manage resources, set priorities, and address risks and issues that arise across the program. Unlike project managers who focus on individual projects, program managers take a broader view, ensuring that all projects within a program work together effectively to achieve long-term business objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Manager, you need strong project management skills, strategic planning abilities, and a relevant degree, often supported by certifications like PMP or Agile. Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, or Asana is essential for tracking progress and managing resources. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you motivate teams and navigate complex stakeholder environments. These competencies ensure that programs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals.

What are some common challenges Program Managers face when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Program Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning priorities across diverse teams, managing conflicting stakeholder expectations, and ensuring clear communication among departments with different workflows. Navigating these challenges requires strong negotiation and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to build consensus and foster collaboration. Successful Program Managers proactively establish regular check-ins, promote transparency, and adapt strategies to keep projects on track and maintain team engagement.

What Is the Job of a Program Manager?

The job of a program manager is to plan, organize, and coordinate management programs or external programs for a business or institution. As a program manager, your duties vary depending on the type of organization for which you work, but many of the responsibilities for this role are similar or overlap. You typically supervise numerous associates and analysts who help prepare data and assessments about current programming and how it can be improved. You help to implement new programs for employees or customers and promote them through HR or outreach coordinators and marketing professionals. You also assess individual projects and how they interact with one another.

What is the role of the program manager?

A program manager oversees multiple related projects within an organization to ensure they align with strategic goals. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, and track progress, often using project management tools like MS Project or Jira. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

How much do program managers make?

Program managers typically earn a median annual salary of around $115,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $80,000 to over $150,000 depending on experience, industry, and location. In larger organizations or tech industries, salaries can be higher, especially for those with certifications like PMP or experience managing complex projects.

What is the difference between Program Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProgram ManagerProject Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree, PMP or similar certifications often preferredUsually requires a bachelor’s degree; certifications like CAPM are common
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects within a program, strategic focusSupports project teams, handles administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries like IT, construction, healthcareCommon in similar industries, supporting project execution

The Program Manager focuses on managing multiple related projects to achieve strategic goals, while the Project Coordinator supports individual projects with administrative and logistical tasks. Both roles require coordination skills, but the Program Manager has a broader, strategic scope.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Santa Maria, CA? The most popular types of Program jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:
What cities near Santa Maria, CA are hiring for Program Manager jobs? Cities near Santa Maria, CA with the most Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Manager job openings in Santa Maria, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,151 per year, or $53 per hour.

Program Manager

Safran Cabin

Santa Maria, CA • On-site

$88K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

The Program Manager has program performance and P&L responsibility for a small to medium complexity program. He/she is responsible for delivering the program objectives, managing program performance, risks, opportunities, and change control according to internal rules and processes.
The Program Manager will provide leadership to a matrixed cross functional integrated program team (IPT) and drive continuous improvement using company root cause and corrective action processes.
The Program Manager will report to a Business Unit, Division leader or Director of Programs. The Program Manager serves as the Customer(s) primary Point of Contact (POC).
  • Responsibility, Authority and full Accountability, including program P&L, for the successful execution and Customer Satisfaction of the Program under his/her leadership.
  • Responsible for the overall financial performance of the program.
  • Maintain the Business Case for the entire program life cycle.
  • Monitor and control program Non Recurring Expenses (NRE).
  • Ensure profitability through Design To Cost (DTC) management.
  • Update program financials & determine root cause & corrective actions for variances.
  • Program bid, planning & control.
  • Develop estimate of non-recurrent & recurring costs targets.
  • Review customer requirements technical compliance matrix.
  • Work with IPT to develop, baseline and maintain the program Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
  • Analyze and prioritize tasks on the Critical Path throughout the program life cycle.
  • Support the S&OP meetings and coordinate the program medium to long range planning.
  • Identify and manage program (internal & external).
  • Perform and maintain program risk & opportunity assessment ( quantitative and qualitative).
  • Review the customer contract compliance and control scope.
  • Primary Point of Contact with customer over the entire program life cycle.
  • Communicate to customer the commitments of the BU.
  • Be responsible for arranging program progress reviews with the customer.
  • Report to the customer a progress status of the program, compliant with their follow up expectations.
  • Oversee assigned Project Manager(s) and IPT work package leaders.
  • Set program priorities and provide strategic guidance on day-to-day program issues.
  • Establish program governance, including program key performance indicators (KPIs) & conduct weekly program review.
  • Monitor KPIs, including earn value management indicator, and ensure variances are addressed in a timely manner.
  • Provide annual performance review input for IPT resources to functional leadership.
  • Serve as primary liaison with Executive Management.
  • Provide the Voice of the Customer (VoC).
  • Provide strategic guidance from an operational perspective.
  • Determine required program resources needs through development and serial production.

Education: Bachelor's degree required.
Experience: Typically requires 6 years of project manager or project engineer experience in a commercial aerospace environment required.
Basic Knowledge of program management methodologies and proven ability to manage complex projects

Computer Skills:
  • Proficient with MS Project.
Other Skills:
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to build and maintain effective relationships, leadership skills, organizational skills, ability to analyze & summarize information, financial acumen.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and assignments with attention to detail.
  • Problem solving, well organized, detailed oriented and accurate.
Additional Preferred Skills: (not required)
  • Degree in engineering.
  • Project Management certification (PMI, PMP, etc.).
  • Experience with LEAN principles and continuous improvement.
  • Business travel up to 25% likely.