Program Manager

Program ManagerThe Program Manager is responsible for the execution of all aspects of the program to ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with technical and contractual requirements, schedules, and budgets. The Program Manager is the focal point for the company for communications with the customer (internal / external) and is responsible to ensure customer requirements are flowed down to all functional departments. Who are we?Founded in 1849, Ducommun is the oldest company in California. Starting as a hardware supply store during the California Gold Rush and eventually assisted in the birth of the aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace pioneers like Lindbergh, Douglas and Lockheed. Today Ducommun is a global provider of innovative manufacturing solutions for customers in the aerospace, defense and industrial markets. We specialize in electronic and structural systems, producing complex products and components for commercial aircraft platforms, mission-critical military and space programs, and sophisticated industrial applications. Our Facility in Appleton, WI manufactures state-of-the-art circuit boards for Aerospace and Defense as well as Industrial and Medical Industries.Job Summary:Act as the primary liaison between Ducommun and its customers, managing communication, scorecards, surveys, and leading program reviews.Lead Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to align internal stakeholders with customer requirements, schedules, and recovery plansRepresent the company in customer and external interactions, ensuring timely updates on cost, quality, and schedule impactsOversee contract compliance by reviewing terms, preparing negotiation strategies, and managing customer deliverablesCoordinate with Operations Management on staffing, capital planning, and performance to support program executionMonitor program financials, including cost, margin, schedule performance, and cash flow forecastingTrack and manage business unit bookings, backlog, sales, receivables, and drive new business capture strategiesLead proposal efforts for new and follow-on business, including coordinating estimating, schedules, and customer submittalsSupport continuous improvement through Lean, Kaizen, and cost-reduction initiatives aligned with customer and company goalsTravel to customer sites approximately 30% of the timeRequired Skills and Education:Bachelor’s degree required (or equivalent experience with VP approval)3–7+ years of experience in aerospace or manufacturing environmentsStrong leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skillsAbility to manage programs through influence and cross-functional collaborationExcellent verbal and written communication across all organizational levelsExperience in production control, project/program management, or contracts managementProficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Detail-oriented with a customer service mindsetUnderstanding of Lean and Six Sigma principlesFamiliarity with MRP systemsAbility to travel up to 30Preferred Skills and EducationMBA degreePMP, CAPM, or Contracts Administration certificationExperience managing programs valued at $10–25 million or moreSupervisory experienceDirect involvement with DCAA/DCMA auditsExperience leading proposal teams and managing large-scale bidsTrack record of driving process improvements and cost reduction initiativesEqual Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled2222 East Pensar DriveAppleton, Wisconsin, 54911United States