Director of Program Management

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Built on Experience. Built for Skill. Built for You.

Keel was formed by bringing together three industry leaders combining generations of hands-on expertise in steel fabrication, shipbuilding, aerospace, and defense manufacturing.

That means when you join Keel, you’re joining a team backed by decades of proven craftsmanship and real-world results.

We build ships, defense systems, aerospace components, and heavy steel structures that serve critical missions — and we do it with pride.

Your Mission:

The Director of Programs is responsible for the successful execution and strategic oversight of complex defense manufacturing programs from initiation through delivery. This role ensures that all projects meet cost, schedule, technical, and quality requirements while aligning with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) regulations, customer expectations, and company profitability goals. The Director will lead a team of Program Managers and Project Managers working cross-functionally with engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality to deliver mission-critical components and systems to military and defense sector clients.

Explore the Depth of the Role:

• Lead the execution of a portfolio of defense manufacturing programs with accountability for scope, cost, schedule, and risk across all projects.
• Serve as the primary point of escalation for high-level program issues, customer concerns, and partner/vendor relationships.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with prime contractor stakeholders, ensuring ongoing compliance with contract terms, CDRLs, and programmatic expectations.
• Ensure programs operate in compliance with ITAR, DFARS, FAR, and other applicable defense regulations.
• Develop and oversee program metrics and reporting dashboards, delivering timely updates on performance, risk, and mitigation strategies to the CCO and senior leadership.
• Develop policies, procedures and work instruction for the PM organization.
• Direct the development, approval, and execution of program plans, risk management strategies, critical path schedules, and change control processes.
• Proactively identify scope growth or change opportunities to drive additional value and profitability within existing contracts.
• Interface directly with internal and external entities during audits, inspections, and program reviews.
• Lead contract reviews, milestone gate reviews, and post-mortem analyses to capture lessons learned and improve future program performance.
• Coordinate cross-functional alignment and resource planning across departments to ensure successful delivery, quality, and cost objectives.
• Advocate for continuous improvement, lean practices, and program management process enhancements across the organization.
• Manage, mentor, and grow a team of Program Managers, Project Managers, and support staff.
• Set performance objectives and KPIs for the program team, fostering a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.
• Support succession planning and talent development to strengthen program leadership capability.
• Apply your expertise/experience to foster a culture of creative collaboration and inspire team members to think outside the box to champion innovative ideas.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to manage risk, forecast financial performance, and drive cost efficiency.
• Capable of interpreting technical documentation, contracts, and complex schedules.
• Must be able to make data-driven decisions and lead resolution of critical issues under pressure.
• All other duties as assigned

Mission Readiness:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Program Management, or related field required.
• Master’s degree (MBA or technical discipline) strongly preferred.
• PMP certification required.
• Additional certifications such as Six Sigma, Lean, CPIM, or PgMP are a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in program management within defense or aerospace manufacturing.
• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership role managing cross-functional teams and complex program portfolios.
• Deep knowledge of defense manufacturing processes, including welding, machining, heavy steel fabrication, and complex assemblies.
• Strong understanding of DoD contract requirements, export control regulations (ITAR), and federal acquisition guidelines (FAR/DFARS).
• Demonstrated experience interfacing with military customers, OEMs, and Tier 1 defense contractors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Excel, ERP systems, and program management tools.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), and other defense program control tools is preferred.

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel between facilities, as business needs require.

Physical Requirements:

• May be required to stand, walk, sit, reach/pull/push with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel regularly.
• May lift or carry 50lbs. Weights exceeding 50lbs will require mechanical means to maneuver.

Become a part of our Builders and you too can...

• Uphold Safety and Quality Standards
• Embody Team Spirit
• Relentless Customer Focus
• Convey Integrity, Trust, and Professionalism
• Execute with Excellence and Velocity

What Keel will build for you: (benefits and perks here)

• Comprehensive Benefit Package
• Competitive Pay
• 401K Match
• HSA/FSA
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Internal Referral Bonus Opportunities
• Shift Differentials
• Overtime Potential
• Paid on the Job Training
• Certification Sponsorship Opportunities
• Committed to Individual Career Growth
• We Do Fun Things, Plus More!

Need Assistance?

If you require a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the employment process, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com with details about your request and your contact information. Accommodation requests are reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis. Please note that this email address is monitored only for inquiries related to reasonable accommodation requests.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

What we build, builds us.