Program Manager
Program Manager
Carlsbad, CA 92011 | Onsite | $115,000 – $125,000
About the Company
A leading provider of manufacturing technology and supply chain solutions for brand-name OEMs across the industrial, medical, and military/aerospace markets. Headquartered in Chatsworth, CA with additional U.S. and Mexico locations.
Position Summary
The Program Manager (PM) serves as the primary "Voice of the Customer" (VOC) and leads the Customer Focus Team (CFT). This role is accountable for operational performance to the customer and the achievement of internal financial objectives. The PM partners closely with Account Management, site General Management, and Business Development to drive organic growth and successfully launch new customer relationships — ensuring timely delivery of products, services, and solutions aligned with both customer needs and internal goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead CFT meetings; maintain and distribute notes and action items internally and with the customer; follow up to ensure closure on all open items
- Conduct weekly/monthly customer-facing meetings based on account requirements
- Own the sales order process as it relates to customer change requirements
- Drive customer satisfaction while protecting internal goals and financial performance
- Manage and communicate key metrics (inventory turns, quality, OTD, tariffs/duty recovery, PPVs, E&O, etc.) on a monthly or quarterly cadence
- Communicate NCNR parts requirements to customers and obtain required sign-off; escalate to Account Management if no response is received
- Initiate CFT quotes and repricing with Account Management as needed; coordinate kick-off with Supply Chain Solutions Management
- Maintain knowledge of MSA terms and conditions; support end-of-life agreements and contract review
- Monitor and maintain program profitability; review project costs vs. quotations to ensure margins are met
- Identify and develop new business opportunities within existing accounts
- Escalate unresolved issues promptly to minimize customer and internal risk
- Manage ECO/ECN implementation and present cost impact to customers with recovery POs
- Collaborate with Operations to ensure timely execution of production schedules
- Present Excess & Obsolete (E&O) status monthly and drive resolution in partnership with Account Management
- Support and adhere to ISO standards and all applicable Quality Management System and 5S requirements
- Additional duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree required
- CEPM Certification or equivalent experience preferred
Experience
- 3+ years in a Program Manager role within an aerospace, defense, or electronics contract manufacturing environment
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication
- Customer-focused with the ability to anticipate needs and respond proactively
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; intermediate or advanced Excel required
- Strong presentation skills (PowerPoint and Teams)
- Ability to manage multiple programs and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies
- Comfortable working within a 24/7 global business operation
- Up to 25% travel required, including domestic overnight and international
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; company-paid life/AD&D and disability insurance; voluntary supplemental plans; FSAs; EAP; paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays; and 401(k) with company match.