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

The Manufacturing Production team is responsible for a wide range of activities that are crucial to the manufacturing process across all our locations. Effective training and development are critical to our success, particularly in empowering sites that may not have dedicated, on-site L&D personnel. The Training & Development (Multi-Site Operations) role is a dynamic, central force responsible for designing, developing, and deploying high-impact learning solutions across our entire production and manufacturing network. This role ensures that our core training practices and resources are accessible, adaptable, and consistently applied, equipping every employee with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to excel, ensure compliance, and drive operational excellence.

We're building the future of defense manufacturing - and that means consistently uplifting the capabilities of our workforce across all sites. The Program Manager, Training & Development (Multi-Site Operations) will serve as a key operational partner responsible for operationalizing and aligning manufacturing onboarding, OJT, qualification programs, and technician development practices across multiple manufacturing sites including Atlanta, RMS, North Carolina, and future expansion locations. Based out of Arsenal-1 in Ohio, this is a highly cross-functional and hands-on role requiring strong manufacturing acumen, operational judgment, program management capability, and the ability to influence across decentralized operations. The ideal candidate understands how to balance centralized standards with local site needs and can build strong partnerships while driving alignment and accountability. This role will directly manage technician trainers and/or site-based training resources as the organization scales. This position requires a strong blend of instructional design, operational understanding, program management, and significant travel.
This position is based out of Arsenal-1 in Ohio and requires approximately 50% travel to manufacturing sites.

• Conduct Multi-Site Training Needs Analysis: Partner with site leadership, operations managers, and HR across various manufacturing locations to identify critical skill gaps, regulatory requirements, and local training priorities, especially where no dedicated L&D team exists.
• Deploy & Adapt Core Training Programs: Act as the primary driver for rolling out centralized training content and curricula (e.g., technical skills, quality processes, safety protocols, operational fundamentals) to sites. Adapt core materials to meet site-specific operational nuances, equipment, and cultural contexts while maintaining overall program integrity.
• Facilitate Core Programs & Build Local Capability: Directly deliver and facilitate critical core training programs for diverse audiences (from technicians to team leads) at various sites. Develop and lead robust "Train the Trainer" programs to empower local subject matter experts (SMEs) and site leaders to effectively deliver, coach, and sustain training initiatives.
• Stand Up Site Training Capabilities: Partner with site leadership and operational teams to establish and optimize local training processes, documentation, and infrastructure where none currently exist, ensuring sites can independently maintain and deliver foundational training.
• Manage Program Logistics & LMS Utilization: Oversee all aspects of program administration for multi-site deployment, including scheduling, resource coordination, communication, and ensuring seamless delivery. Leverage Learning Management Systems (LMS) to manage assignments, track progress, provide access to digital learning resources, and report on training completion and compliance across all sites.
• Track Outcomes & Drive Continuous Improvement: Implement metrics to evaluate training effectiveness, impact on performance, and compliance at individual sites and across the network. Use data and feedback to continuously refine content, delivery methods, and overall training strategy.
• Collaborate & Influence Across Sites: Build strong, collaborative relationships with site leaders, operations managers, HR partners, and local SMEs to champion training initiatives, secure buy-in, and foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Ensure Centralized Best Practices: Serve as an ambassador for our centralized training philosophy, methodologies, and quality standards, ensuring consistency and excellence in learning experiences across all decentralized operations.
• Travel Extensively: This role requires a minimum of 50% travel to support various manufacturing sites, often for extended periods, to implement, facilitate, and oversee training initiatives.

• 8+ years of progressive experience in Learning & Development, Technical Training, or Operations Training, with a strong emphasis on multi-site program deployment and enablement.
• Proven ability to design, adapt, and deliver engaging training programs, with significant experience in facilitating core programs and leading "Train the Trainer" initiatives.
• Demonstrated expertise with Learning Management Systems (LMS) for course deployment, administration, reporting, and supporting decentralized learning.
• Strong analytical skills to conduct comprehensive needs assessments and translate findings into actionable, site-specific training plans.
• Direct experience within a manufacturing, production, or heavy industrial operations environment is essential. This includes a foundational understanding of operational workflows, safety standards, and production processes.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to build rapport and influence effectively across diverse sites and leadership levels.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills to manage multiple concurrent training initiatives across various locations.
• Ability to travel extensively (minimum 50%) to manufacturing sites.
• Must be based on the East Coast.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Organizational Development, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Experience in a role focused on standing up new training functions or departments within existing organizations.
• Certifications in instructional design, facilitation, or project management.
• Experience working with a global or nationally distributed manufacturing footprint.