Senior Manager, Program Management

Senior Manager, Program Management

South Ventura County • Mon-Thu 4/10, 6 AM-4:30 PM • $130,000-$180,000

PMP Preferred • Leadership Role • Aerospace/Defense Industry

Overview

Lead the centralized Program Management Office - directing a team of program managers, governing a strategic project portfolio, and acting as the primary interface between executive leadership, customers, and engineering. This is a working leadership role with direct ownership of both the PMO function and key strategic programs.

What You'll Own

• Portfolio Governance: Lead and govern the full project portfolio in a strong matrix environment. Define and enforce PM standards, policies, and stage-gate compliance across all programs.
• Team Leadership: Manage and develop a cross functional team of program managers. Delegate, mentor, and remove obstacles - while personally leading high stakes strategic programs.
• Financial & Risk Control: Own budget tracking, resource allocation, critical path analysis, variance reporting, and risk mitigation across the entire PMO portfolio.
• Change Management: Lead a centralized change management methodology and structured change control board. Define impact before implementation.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Serve as the primary management interface between executives, customers, suppliers, and engineering disciplines. Partner with Sales & Marketing on new project requirements and contracts.
• Tools & Reporting: Manage Microsoft Project Online as the central governance platform. Build and maintain dashboards and performance metrics. Drive PM training programs and champion continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience leading a team of program managers across a large, complex project portfolio
• PMP certification preferred; deep knowledge of stage gate product development processes
• Strong skills in change management, risk mitigation, and executive level stakeholder communication
• Proficiency in MS Office and Microsoft Project Online / Project Server
• Ability to balance multiple programs simultaneously with competing priorities and resources
• Background in gas turbines, fuel systems, controls, power electronics, or power generation is a plus

Why This Role

You won't just manage process - you'll shape how the company executes its most strategic programs. This role offers high visibility, direct executive access, and real ownership over outcomes. The Mon-Thu 4/10 schedule provides meaningful work-life balance without sacrificing impact.