Product Program Manager

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Cirrus Aircraft is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Program Manager to lead complex new product development efforts across the entire Cirrus Aircraft organization. This strategic role will be responsible for driving execution excellence across multi-disciplinary teams, managing the full program lifecycle, and delivering innovative aviation solutions that meet or exceed customer and business expectations.

The Program Manager will oversee integrated scope, budget, schedule, bill of materials cost, weight, technical performance, and risk management across assigned program(s), ensuring alignment with program business plan targets, enterprise objectives and compliance with applicable regulatory and contractual requirements. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills and be adept at leading in a matrixed organization.

This position requires a proactive, detail-oriented leader with demonstrated experience in aerospace or defense development programs, and the ability to manage complex technical projects in a highly dynamic and regulated industry.

• Lead cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) through all phases of the program lifecycle (proposal, design, development, integration, test, certification, production, and sustainment).
• Ensure program success by managing scope, budget, schedule, bill of materials cost, weight, risk, and quality in alignment with corporate objectives, customer requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Drive development and execution of integrated master plans and schedules (IMS), leveraging industry-standard tools and methodologies (e.g., Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), Critical Path Method, Work Breakdown Structure).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership, customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Prepare and deliver high-quality executive-level briefings, program status reports, and performance reviews.
• Champion risk and opportunity management throughout the program lifecycle; implement mitigation strategies as needed.
• Apply disciplined project management processes and continuous improvement techniques (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean) to maximize efficiency and program outcomes.
• Develop, coach, and mentor team members; foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and high performance.
• Oversee program financials, including budgeting, forecasting, capitalization, and reporting.
• Participate as a stakeholder in continuous improvement of the New Product Introduction System (NPIS) processes and tools.
• Drive decision-making during program initiation and planning to optimize product architecture, technical trades, and resource allocation.
• Travel up to 25% may be required to support program needs.

• Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university, and 7 years of project management experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Masters degree preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams on complex technical programs.
• PMP certification preferred (required within 12 months).
• Deep understanding of program management principles, including EVMS, schedule risk analysis, and performance metrics (CPI/SPI).
• Proficiency in project scheduling tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera) and dashboard/reporting tools (e.g., Tableau, Microsoft Power BI).
• Experience with financial modeling, cost estimating, and business case development.
• Strong supervisory skills and experience developing talent within matrixed teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Risk management expertise and strategic decision-making capabilities.
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to read, write and speak the English language.

• Strategic Thinking & Decision Making
• Cross-functional Leadership
• Risk & Opportunity Management
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
• Conflict Management
• Resiliency &…