Program Manager

Location: Columbus, MS (Onsite)Employment Type: Full-TimeAbout The OpportunityOur client is a globally recognized technology and engineering organization that delivers innovative solutions for complex commercial, industrial, and government programs. The company has built a strong reputation for delivering mission-critical projects, driving innovation, and maintaining the highest standards of quality, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.As a Program Manager, you will lead cross-functional teams, manage high-value programs, and ensure successful project delivery by balancing scope, schedule, budget, quality, and customer expectations.Position SummaryThe Program Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, executing, monitoring, and delivering multiple programs throughout the project lifecycle. This role requires strong leadership, financial management, stakeholder communication, and strategic planning skills to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality standards.You will collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Finance, Supply Chain, Quality, Procurement, and Executive Leadership to successfully deliver strategic business initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Planning & ExecutionDevelop comprehensive project plans including scope, objectives, schedules, milestones, budgets, and deliverables.Lead projects from initiation through successful completion.Define project priorities and ensure alignment with business objectives and customer expectations.Assist in developing technical proposals, Statements of Work (SOW), specifications, budgets, and contract documentation.Ensure all programs remain aligned with contractual commitments and organizational goals.Project Scheduling & Resource ManagementDevelop and maintain detailed project schedules.Allocate and optimize project resources across multiple teams.Coordinate activities between Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Procurement, Finance, Quality, and Supply Chain.Identify scheduling conflicts and implement corrective actions to maintain project timelines.Budget & Financial ManagementDevelop, manage, and control project budgets.Monitor labor costs, material costs, overhead expenses, manufacturing costs, and overall program expenditures.Perform financial forecasting, cost analysis, and budget tracking.Identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency while maintaining project quality and schedules.Stakeholder ManagementBuild strong relationships with customers, executive leadership, business partners, suppliers, and internal teams.Communicate project status, risks, milestones, and key decisions to stakeholders.Lead stakeholder meetings and effectively manage expectations throughout the project lifecycle.Escalate critical issues when necessary and drive timely resolution.Cross-Functional Team LeadershipLead cross-functional project teams consisting of Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Finance, Procurement, and Quality professionals.Foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment.Coach, mentor, and support team members to achieve project objectives.Resolve project conflicts and remove execution roadblocks.Risk ManagementIdentify, assess, and mitigate project risks.Develop risk mitigation and contingency plans for critical project issues.Continuously monitor project risks and implement proactive corrective actions.Ensure project continuity by minimizing operational and technical risks.Customer & Partner ManagementServe as the primary point of contact for customers and strategic partners.Manage customer relationships while ensuring contractual deliverables and project milestones are achieved.Address customer concerns promptly and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.Quality & ComplianceEnsure all deliverables meet organizational quality standards and customer requirements.Implement quality assurance and quality control processes.Ensure compliance with organizational policies, contractual obligations, and applicable regulatory requirements.Support audits and continuous improvement initiatives.Change ManagementManage project changes affecting scope, schedule, budget, and resources.Evaluate project impacts and obtain necessary approvals.Ensure all changes are properly documented, communicated, and implemented.Reporting & Executive CommunicationPrepare executive presentations, program reviews, dashboards, and management reports.Track and communicate:Project StatusBudget PerformanceSchedule PerformanceRisk RegisterResource UtilizationCustomer DeliverablesAction ItemsPresent program updates to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.Required QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering, Project Management, Operations Management, or a related discipline.5+ years of Program Management or Project Management experience leading complex cross-functional projects.Proven experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.Strong expertise in:Project PlanningSchedulingBudget ManagementCost ControlRisk ManagementStakeholder ManagementExcellent leadership, organizational, analytical, and communication skills.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Project.Preferred QualificationsPMP (Project Management Professional) Certification is highly preferred.Experience within Aerospace, Defense, Manufacturing, Engineering, Industrial, Technology, or Government Contracting environments.Knowledge of PMBOK, Agile, Waterfall, or Hybrid Project Management methodologies.Experience managing engineering development programs and customer-facing projects.Familiarity with ERP systems, financial reporting, project controls, earned value management (EVM), and resource planning.Core SkillsProgram ManagementProject Planning & SchedulingCross-Functional LeadershipBudget & Cost ManagementFinancial ForecastingStakeholder ManagementCustomer Relationship ManagementRisk Assessment & MitigationChange ManagementContract ManagementQuality AssuranceResource PlanningOperational ExcellenceExecutive ReportingStrategic PlanningIdeal CandidateWe are looking for a results-driven, strategic Program Manager who excels at leading complex, cross-functional programs while balancing schedule, cost, quality, and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator, collaborative leader, and proactive problem solver with a passion for delivering successful project outcomes.