Program Manager

Program Manager The Program Manager is responsible for the execution of all aspects of the program, ensuring technical and contractual requirements, schedules and budgets are met. The Program Manager II is the company’s focal point for communications with the customer (internal and external) and is responsible for cascading customer requirements to all functional departments. Who we are Founded in 1849, Ducommun is the oldest company in California. Starting as a hardware supply store during the California Gold Rush and later contributing to the birth of the aerospace industry, the company supplies aircraft aluminum to pioneers such as Lindbergh, Douglas and Lockheed. Today Ducommun is a global provider of innovative manufacturing solutions for the aerospace, defense and industrial markets, specializing in electronic and structural systems. Our facility in Orange, CA is a leading global supplier of large‑stretch formed aircraft skins, hot forming of titanium, superplastic forming and complex fastened and welded assemblies. Job Summary Serve as the primary customer communication and interface point. Manage relationships between Ducommun and its customers, including scorecard and survey tracking. Lead the Integrated Product Team (IPT) and represent the company in all customer interactions. Provide timely notification to management and customers of program cost, quality or schedule impacts. Execute the New Product Introduction Phase‑Gate Process. Coordinate company responses to customer requirements and inquiries. Present program reviews to customers and senior leadership. Responsibilities – Internal Communication & Interface Communicate within the IPT to ensure coordination of customer requirements. Manage the program team to achieve goals in alignment with corporate policy, regulatory guidelines and budget parameters. Coordinate technical and operational requirements with stakeholders to capture the voice of the customer. Coordinate financial controls, integrating time‑phased budgets and program schedules. Champion Kaizen and Lean activities to improve both operational and administrative areas. Oversee Program Management backlog and booking input into the MRP system. Present program reviews to senior leadership. Contract Management Analyze and review all contracts for terms, conditions, work statements and deliverables. Lead contract negotiations and manage compliance to purchase‑order requirements. Prepare and submit contractual assertions and claims according to contract parameters. Operational and Fiscal Management Coordinate with Operations Management on operational performance metrics, KPI and TTI tracking, and staffing. Provide ongoing visibility for program cost, margin and schedule through the EAC process. Support Finance with program cash‑flow plans, invoice submittal and resolution of late payment receipts. Program Development and Growth Oversee performance‑center bookings, backlog, receivables and sales forecasts. Maintain booking and sales‑tracking systems aligned with company monthly summaries. Coordinate planning and acquisition of follow‑on business within lead‑time constraints. Collaborate with Business Development to capture new business opportunities. Travel to customers up to 30% of the time. Support customer cost‑reduction and process‑improvement initiatives. Proposal Management Lead the Proposal Team in developing, preparing and submitting proposals for new and follow‑on business. Assist with cost, schedule and capital requirement estimation. Provide support for customer, DCAA and DCMA audits as required. Required Skills & Qualifications Ability to lead without authority, negotiate and influence stakeholders. Strong people and time‑management skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Experience in production control, contract management or project management. Detail‑oriented, customer‑service oriented and positive. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel). Basic understanding of Lean and Six Sigma principles. Experience with MRP systems (beneficial). Team‑oriented with a continuous‑improvement outlook. Travel up to 30%. Experience, Education, Certifications BA/BS degree required; MBA preferred. Certification in PMP and/or CAPM required; Contracts Administration or Project Management certifications a plus. 3–7+ years in aerospace or manufacturing environment. Program oversight of $10–25 million or greater a plus. Supervisory experience a plus. Work Environment and Safety Equipment Required Office and light manufacturing environment. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Ability to travel to other sites occasionally. ITAR/EAR Compliance This position requires access to export‑controlled information and/or hardware. Candidates must be U.S. Persons who comply with all U.S. Export Control laws and regulations (U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or protected person status). Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled 1505 Maiden Lane Joplin, Missouri, 64801 United States #J-18808-Ljbffr