Program Manager -- Manufacturing

Pats Aircraft LLC•Georgetown, DE

About The Position

The Manufacturing Program Manager has overall responsibility for manufacturing programs related to Hollingshead and Auxiliary Fuel System (AFS) product lines, encompassing production planning, fabrication, assembly, and delivery. Serving as the program focal point and primary customer interface, the Program Manager ensures both customer and company compliance with the Statement of Work (SOW) and all contractual obligations. With minimal supervision, they monitor and manage project schedules, budgets, labor utilization, material procurement, and quality standards to consistently achieve financial targets, on-time delivery, and superior product quality.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and related technical experience.
Minimum 5 to 8 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in Part Manufacturer Approval (PMA) per an FAA Order 8110.4D regulated setting or similar aviation manufacturing environment.
Manufacturing program experience (kit MFG), structures, electrical interconnect, mechanical systems (plumbing, piping, valves, etc.).
Proficient in Earned Value Management (EVM) with demonstrated experience in applying EVM principles to administer project performance, control budgets, and forecast with extremely high reliability project financial, period of performance and product quality outcomes.
Effective computer skills; Microsoft Office, Project software and other company and discipline specific software applications.
Must be detail oriented with the ability to multi-task, prioritize and plan work.
Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability and willingness to work extended hours and/or travel, as dictated by program requirements.
Read, write, and understand the English language.
Ability to read, write, analyze, and interpret technical procedures and manuals.

Nice To Haves

JIRA or similar issue-tracking tool experience is advantageous.
Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end program lifecycle for manufacturing initiatives— from concept through launch and sustainment—ensuring alignment with corporate strategy, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
Assist the Sales Department by providing schedule, cost, resource, and risk projections for manufacturing proposals.
Act as the primary Contract and Post-Contract interface for manufacturing programs throughout their lifecycle.
Assist in the development of manufacturing SOWs and specifications; contribute fact-based input during bids and proposals.
Oversee day-to-day contract management of manufacturing initiatives, ensuring all deliverables meet scope, budget, and schedule.
Develop and maintain comprehensive Program Management Plans, including: Communication Plan Requirements Verification Matrix Master Schedule Development with ongoing control and administration Resource Plan (Labor, Material, and Services Budget Development) Control Plan for Labor, Material, and Services
Produce objective, evidence-based Earned Value Management (EVM) metrics, including Estimate to Complete (ETC) and Estimate at Completion (EAC) forecasts for labor, materials, services, and other direct costs.
Track and budget every new Manufacturing order from release through shipment (including actual vs. budgeted costs).
Review and update the labor Demand-Capacity metrics to generate visibility for staffing requirements.
Prepare the Manufacturing metrics monthly report for Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and Board of Directors review.
Manage and update the Master Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) file and chair the monthly S&OP meeting.
Generate Revenue and Direct Contribution Projections to support leadership decision-making.
Communicate customer expectations, cultural nuances, and program temperament across all internal teams.
Chair program kick-off, daily stand-up, and weekly status meetings to keep stakeholders aligned. Generate weekly Program Management Manufacturing Report.
Serve as the direct interface between customers and all manufacturing, engineering, and support departments.
Provide vigorous Risk Management leadership, identifying, tracking, and mitigating program risks.
Coordinate and prioritize objectives with Manufacturing and Hangar Operations Managers to balance program needs and shop capacity.
Lead schedule change management to minimize impacts on cost, timeline, and quality from unplanned events.
Communicate critical manufacturing and/or assembly issues to all program stakeholders in real time.
Attend weekly capacity and manpower planning meetings to reaffirm program staffing requirements.
Chair post-program Lessons Learned sessions to identify successes and areas for process improvement.
Deliver weekly status reports to customers and present Program Management Reviews (PMRs) to senior leadership, covering: Risk “skyline” and control measures Schedule compliance and forecast Labor, material, and ODC performance to budget Objectively based ETC/EAC projections over the life of the program.
Ensure subcontractors and outside vendors comply with manufacturing specifications and SOW requirements.
Complete initial and recurrent training requirements in a timely manner.
Other duties may be assigned.