Senior Program Manager

Confidential (Philadelphia PA, USA) Follow 1 day ago

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Position Overview

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Program Manager to lead strategic customer programs while driving organic growth within some of the world's most demanding Aerospace, Defense, and Semiconductor manufacturers. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for managing complex manufacturing programs, strengthening executive-level customer relationships, and expanding business within key strategic accounts—primarily Tier 1 Defense Prime Contractors and major aerospace OEMs.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable leading cross-functional manufacturing programs as they are identifying new business opportunities, influencing executive stakeholders, and expanding existing customer partnerships. This role requires a strong technical understanding of precision CNC machining, complex manufacturing processes, and highly regulated industries, combined with exceptional commercial and relationship management skills.

Primary Responsibilities

Serve as the primary program leader for strategic Aerospace, Defense, and Semiconductor customers.
Own customer satisfaction, program execution, schedule performance, profitability, and overall account health.
Develop and execute strategic account growth plans that increase revenue and deepen customer engagement.
Identify and qualify new manufacturing opportunities within existing customer organizations.
Build trusted relationships with engineering, supply chain, operations, quality, procurement, and executive leadership teams.
Lead complex customer reviews, business reviews, program status meetings, and executive presentations.
Coordinate internal resources across engineering, manufacturing, quality, operations, planning, supply chain, and executive leadership to ensure flawless execution.
Manage multiple concurrent programs from quotation through production and ongoing lifecycle support.
Lead contract change management, risk mitigation, issue resolution, and customer communications.
Monitor KPIs including delivery, quality, margin performance, customer scorecards, and program financial performance.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives that improve operational performance and customer satisfaction.
Act as the internal voice of the customer while balancing business objectives and operational capabilities.
Travel to customer facilities as required to strengthen relationships and support strategic initiatives.

Business Development & Strategic Growth

A significant portion of this role focuses on organic growth within existing strategic accounts.

Responsibilities include:

Identify expansion opportunities across multiple business units and manufacturing sites.
Develop long-term account growth strategies aligned with customer objectives.
Partner with executive leadership to pursue sole-source and strategic manufacturing opportunities.
Coordinate proposal development, pricing strategies, and customer presentations.
Expand wallet share through superior execution, responsiveness, and technical credibility.
Maintain awareness of upcoming programs, platform transitions, and future manufacturing opportunities.
Support capture strategies for new defense and aerospace platforms.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
10+ years of experience managing complex manufacturing programs.
Experience supporting Aerospace, Defense, or Semiconductor manufacturing customers.
Demonstrated success growing large strategic accounts through relationship development and operational excellence.
Strong understanding of CNC machining, precision manufacturing, and complex mechanical components.
Experience working within AS9100, ISO 9001, ITAR, DFARS, and other regulated manufacturing environments.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Exceptional executive communication and presentation skills.
Strong commercial acumen with experience managing margins, quotations, contracts, and customer negotiations.
Ability to manage multiple high-priority programs simultaneously.

Preferred Experience

Experience supporting U.S. Defense Prime Contractors and major Aerospace OEMs.
Background in high-mix, low-volume precision machining.
Familiarity with semiconductor capital equipment manufacturing.
Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
PMP certification is a plus.

Key Competencies

Strategic Account Management
Executive Relationship Building
Business Development
Program Leadership
Customer Advocacy
Manufacturing Operations
Precision CNC Machining
Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Risk Management
Contract Management
Financial & Commercial Acumen
Cross-Functional Leadership
Negotiation & Influence
Problem Solving
Continuous Improvement

Success Profile

The successful candidate combines the discipline of an experienced Program Manager with the commercial instincts of a Strategic Account Executive. This individual earns credibility through technical expertise, operational excellence, and the ability to develop trusted relationships across customer organizations. They proactively identify growth opportunities, successfully navigate complex manufacturing environments, and consistently deliver exceptional customer outcomes while expanding long-term business partnerships.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a high-performing professional seeking to influence both operational execution and strategic business growth within mission-critical Aerospace, Defense, and Semiconductor manufacturing sectors.

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