Head of Programme Management

DK CTL Aerospace Opco LLC (CTL) is a manufacturer of precision composite components for aerospace engine applications, supplying customers including GE Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), Middle River Aircraft Systems, and Pratt & Whitney.
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Program Manager to lead customer programs through a critical period of operational improvement, driving both program performance and internal process maturity.
The Program Manager will serve as the primary point of accountability for assigned aerospace customer programs, owning schedule, cost, quality, and customer satisfaction from award through delivery. This role requires more than traditional program oversight - the ideal candidate is comfortable on the shop floor, working directly with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to solve real-time manufacturing problems. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving manufacturing environment and is energized by fixing things that are broken rather than simply managing around them.
Program Management

Own end-to-end program performance for assigned customer accounts, including schedule adherence, cost management, quality metrics, and on-time delivery
Serve as the primary customer-facing representative, managing communications, program reviews, and issue resolution with customers such as GE, Lockheed Martin, KHI, Middle River, and Pratt & Whitney
Develop and maintain integrated program schedules, risk registers, and action item trackers
Lead cross-functional program reviews (internal and customer-facing), including IPTs, milestone reviews, and escalation meetings
Manage program financials including budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis
Manufacturing & Operations
Work directly on the production floor to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve manufacturing bottlenecks, quality escapes, and schedule risks in real time
Partner with production, quality, and engineering teams to implement corrective actions and process improvements
Identify root causes of recurring production issues and drive sustainable, data-informed solutions
Process & Systems Improvement
lead or support initiatives to improve data accuracy, planning logic, and system utilization
Collaborate with operations and IT/systems teams to improve MRP configuration, master data integrity, and planning workflows
Risk & Compliance
Proactively identify program risks (technical, schedule, financial, supply chain) and develop mitigation plans
Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer-specific quality requirements, and applicable contractual/regulatory requirements, including ITAR/export control considerations relevant to international customers.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• Demonstrated success managing customer programs with major OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers
• Proven ability to work hands-on in a plant environment, engaging directly with shop floor teams to solve problems
• Excellent communication and relationship-management skills, with experience presenting to and negotiating with customers
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret schedule, cost, and quality data to drive decisions

Direct experience working with GE, Lockheed Martin, KHI, Middle River, and/or Pratt & Whitney as a customer.
Experience with composite materials manufacturing (layup, curing, machining, NDT)
Background in process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, APQP/PPAP)
Experience driving or supporting MRP/ERP implementations or system improvements
Experience working with international customers and familiarity with export control/ITAR requirements
PMP certification or equivalent program/project management credential
Familiarity with AS9100 and aerospace quality management systems
Customer-focused with strong executive presence