Head of Programs - Aerospace Manufacturing

Executive Leadership Role in Aerospace Manufacturing

Located in South Gate, CA, this position offers a unique opportunity to lead the program management efforts of a prominent aerospace and defense manufacturer undergoing significant expansion and modernization. The company specializes in precision machining and engineered manufacturing solutions, servicing complex aerospace and defense contracts. As Head of Programs, you will steward key customer relationships, oversee strategy and delivery, and ensure seamless coordination between internal functions and clients from contract inception through production and delivery.

About the Company

Our client boasts a legacy of aerospace manufacturing excellence with continued investments in cutting-edge automation, engineering expertise, and manufacturing technologies. The company focuses on producing highly precise components for regulated industries and is committed to growing its next generation of leadership to drive operational excellence and business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the entire Program Management department, managing customer projects from initial proposal to full production and long-term account development.
• Act as the senior executive liaison to major aerospace and defense clients, fostering trusted relationships across multiple departments including engineering, procurement, and operations.
• Conduct program reviews, customer communications, and strategic planning at the executive level.
• Collaborate with Business Development and Engineering teams on proposals, technical assessments, pricing strategies, contract negotiations, and program initiation.
• Formulate program execution plans that align client expectations with manufacturing capabilities, engineering resources, quality assurance, and financial objectives.
• Oversee interdisciplinary teams spanning engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, finance, and production to guarantee program success.
• Proactively identify program risks and develop mitigation tactics to safeguard delivery schedules, profitability, and customer commitments.
• Manage financial performance metrics including revenue, margins, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Lead new product introduction initiatives by coordinating readiness, production planning, approvals, and launch activities.
• Implement consistent program management frameworks, key performance indicators, and governance processes across the organization.
• Partner with executive management to develop long-range business strategies, client growth plans, and operational priorities.
• Support customer visits, facility tours, executive briefings, audits, and contract evaluations.
• Discover and pursue opportunities to expand customer relationships through new programs and enhanced manufacturing services.
• Mentor program managers and cultivate a scalable, customer-centric organization.
• Contribute as a strategic member of the executive leadership team, shaping company direction and growth initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or related fields.
• Minimum of 8 years managing complex aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing programs.
• At least 3 years experience leading program management teams or customer-facing divisions.
• Proven ability managing technically sophisticated manufacturing programs from proposal through to production.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing operations, engineering, supply chain management, quality assurance, and production planning.
• Experienced in executive-level customer communication and strategic account management.
• Strong capability to balance customer requirements with operational execution, financial targets, and business goals.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building expertise.
• Business acumen encompassing budget management, financial forecasting, and resource planning.
• Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional organizations in fast-paced manufacturing contexts.

Preferred Experience

• Background within aerospace, defense, or similarly regulated manufacturing sectors.
• Experience working with top aerospace and defense clients such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, RTX, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, or General Dynamics.
• Expertise managing long-term production involving precision machining, complex assemblies, and engineered hardware.
• Familiarity with AS9100, ISO 9001 standards, ITAR compliance, and government contracting.
• Track record leading organizational growth, operational enhancements, or business transformations.
• MBA or advanced degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related disciplines.

Why Work With Us

• Be part of an established manufacturer entering a period of growth and technological advancement.
• Lead critical customer engagement efforts and influence strategic decisions across departments.
• Collaborate directly with top aerospace and defense clients to build lasting partnerships.
• Work closely with executive leadership, impacting company strategy and operational priorities.
• Access a performance-based incentive plan linked to company profitability offering significant earning potential beyond base salary.
• Follow a clear career path toward the President role through long-term succession planning.
• Help define the future trajectory of a growing manufacturing company while championing key programs and initiatives.
• Join a dynamic executive team with fast decision-making processes and broad strategic influence.

Compensation Details

The annual base pay ranges between $175,000 and $225,000, supplemented by profit-sharing and stock option programs.