Transformation Program Manager Jobs in Irvine, CA

ABOUT THE JOB
The Supply Chain Compliance Program Manager leads enterprise-level compliance initiatives that strengthen and scale compliant supply chain operations in a defense environment. This role requires someone who can identify systemic compliance gaps and architect the cross-functional solutions needed to close them-from problem definition through full implementation.
You'll own complete compliance programs-conducting organizational assessments, designing scalable compliance frameworks, building processes and controls that enable audit readiness, and driving adoption across Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering. This isn't a coordination role. You'll operate with significant autonomy to solve complex, ambiguous compliance challenges that span multiple functions with competing priorities.
The Compliance Program Manager partners with Supply Chain leadership, Legal, Contracts, and cross-functional stakeholders to build the infrastructure-processes, systems, controls, and governance-that allows the organization to operate compliantly at scale and withstand customer and government audits.
This role requires strong judgment, structured problem-solving, and the ability to drive initiatives across organizational boundaries. You need to be comfortable operating in ambiguity, making decisions with incomplete information, and pushing through resistance to ensure programs are fully implemented-not just documented.
WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Own and drive end-to-end compliance programs across supply chain operations from identification through sustained implementation.
• Identify systemic compliance risks and process breakdowns, then design and implement scalable solutions that close gaps at root cause.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives spanning Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Legal, and Finance to drive organizational compliance.
• Build and implement processes that balance compliance rigor with operational execution and speed.
• Establish program structure, milestones, and operating rhythms to ensure accountability and drive results across the business.
• Drive alignment across stakeholders and influence without formal authority in ambiguous, high-stakes situations..
• Lead audit preparation and readiness efforts for customer reviews and government assessments including DCMA and CPSR.
• Define and track metrics that measure compliance health, process adoption, and risk.
• Ensure corrective actions are not only closed, but solved at root cause and sustainably implemented.
• Develop scalable frameworks, playbooks, and systems that enable the organization to grow without losing control.
• Act as a force multiplier-unblocking teams, accelerating decisions, and driving clarity when complexity threatens progress.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in supply chain, operations, program management, or compliance in a regulated industry.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to go deep on complex operational issues.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
• Demonstrated ownership mindset and bias toward action.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience in aerospace and defense.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS, CPSR, DCMA expectations, or contractor business systems.
• Experience building processes in a high-growth or scaling environment.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and supply chain data architecture.
• PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma experience.
• Experience working on audit readiness or large-scale compliance transformations.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Major compliance risks are proactively identified and eliminated.
• Cross-functional processes become faster, clearer, and more scalable.
• The organization is audit-ready by design, not reaction.
• Complex problems are solved at root cause-not repeatedly resurfacing.
• Supply chain can move faster because compliance is built into the system.