Sr. Program Manager

Senior Program Manager – Charleston, SCMovement Search and Delivery is working with a leading defense and advanced manufacturing company to identify and evaluate a Senior Program Manager. Defense/Aerospace experience HIGHLY PREFERRED!About the Role:This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for the strategic direction and execution of complex, multi-disciplinary manufacturing programs. The Senior Program Manager will drive program performance across engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and quality while serving as a key interface with customers and senior leadership.The ideal candidate brings significant program leadership experience within a manufacturing or production environment, with heavy fabrication, welding, defense, shipbuilding, or similar complex manufacturing experience being highly desirable.What You Will Do:Lead the planning, execution, and governance of complex programs from start to finish.Own program performance including schedule, budget, financials, risk, resources, and critical path execution.Develop and communicate program strategies, roadmaps, milestones, and executive-level updates.Serve as a primary point of contact for key customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and quality.Oversee work orders, change requests, customer invoicing, and contract requirements.Identify and mitigate program risks while driving improvements in quality, throughput, and profitability.Partner closely with manufacturing and fabrication teams to resolve issues and support production.Maintain strong program documentation, configuration control, and technical data requirements.Mentor and develop junior program management team members.What You Need to Succeed:Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.10–15 years of progressive program or project management experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.Strong experience within a manufacturing or production environment.Heavy plate fabrication, welding, defense, shipbuilding, or related manufacturing experience strongly preferred.Strong understanding of program planning, critical path management, resource allocation, risk mitigation, and financial oversight.Experience with ERP systems; IFS experience strongly preferred.Strong proficiency with MS Project and Excel; SmartSheet and Power BI experience are a plus.Proven ability to manage executive-level and customer-facing communications.PMP certification preferred.Knowledge of welding processes, NDT methods, and AWS codes is a plus.Ability to lead multiple complex initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.