Program Manager

Job Description

PROGRAM MANAGER – AEROSPACE & DEFENSE

Columbus, Mississippi

Base Salary Up to $160K + Up to 10% Bonus + Full Benefits

Nickerson Talent Solutions is actively seeking an experienced Program Manager for a high-impact leadership opportunity supporting complex Aerospace & Defense programs in Columbus, MS .

We are specifically seeking candidates with strong experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry managing complex programs, cross-functional operations, customer deliverables, budgets, schedules, and production execution in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

The selected candidate will play a critical role in driving the financial, technical, operational, and scheduling performance of multiple high-visibility aerospace and defense programs while partnering closely with executive leadership, engineering, operations, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and customers.

This is a long-term leadership opportunity offering base salary up to $160K, bonus potential up to 10%, full benefits, career growth, and direct involvement in mission-critical Aerospace & Defense operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program & Project Leadership

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• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex Aerospace & Defense programs
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• Develop project schedules, milestones, deliverables, and resource allocation plans
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• Ensure adherence to operational objectives, customer requirements, and master schedules
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• Support proposal development, contracts, and strategic program execution
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Financial & Operational Management

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• Manage program budgets, labor utilization, material costs, and financial performance
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• Monitor operational metrics and drive execution efficiency
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• Deliver program reviews, progress reports, and executive-level presentations
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Cross-Functional Leadership

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• Lead coordination across engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, quality, and production teams
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• Drive collaboration, issue resolution, and operational execution
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• Support continuous improvement and program performance initiatives
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Customer & Stakeholder Management

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• Serve as a primary interface with customers, leadership, and stakeholders
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• Manage customer expectations, deliverables, and communication
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• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful execution
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Risk, Quality & Compliance

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• Identify and mitigate program risks
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• Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and organizational requirements
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• Support quality assurance and operational excellence initiatives
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QUALIFICATIONS

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• Strong Program Management experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry REQUIRED
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• Experience managing complex aerospace, defense, or manufacturing programs
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• Proven ability to manage schedules, budgets, contracts, and customer deliverables
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• Strong cross-functional leadership experience within operational environments
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• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
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• Experience supporting high-visibility aerospace or defense programs strongly preferred
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WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY STANDS OUT

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• Highly Competitive Compensation Package – Base Salary Up to $160K
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• Performance Bonus Opportunity Up to 10%
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• Comprehensive Full Benefits Package
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• High-Impact Leadership Role Supporting Aerospace & Defense Programs
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• Direct Visibility with Executive Leadership & Key Customers
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• Opportunity to Lead Complex, Mission-Critical Programs
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• Long-Term Career Stability & Advancement Potential
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• Fast-Paced Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing Environment
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• Ability to Drive Operational Strategy, Program Execution, and Business Growth
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Qualified Aerospace & Defense Program Management professionals are encouraged to apply immediately. Interviews are being scheduled quickly for top talent.