Senior Programme Manager

Pilatus Aircraft; Stans; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland seeks an experienced Programme Manager to lead complex government aviation programmes from award to delivery. You will coordinate international, cross-functional teams and manage milestones, resources and contractual commitments to meet customer expectations.

You will drive financial performance, risk management and contract changes, act as the main interface with customers, and support bids while ensuring export compliance including SECO, ITAR and EUC.

Qualifications

• Strong track record leading government aviation programmes from award through delivery.
• Proven ability to coordinate international, cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Deep understanding of programme planning, milestones, resources and corrective actions.
• Experience managing budgets, profitability, forecasting, risk mitigation and contract changes.
• Excellent written and spoken English; German language skills are desirable for international contexts.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex and strategic government aviation programmes from contract award through delivery and handover.
• Establish and lead international, cross-functional programme teams coordinating internal departments, prime contractors, subcontractors and external partners.
• Develop and control integrated programme plans with milestones, resources, production and delivery activities.
• Manage programme financial performance and risks, including budgets, profitability, forecasting, risk mitigation, billing and contract changes.
• Act as the primary Programme Management interface with the customer, leading contractual reviews, meetings and status reporting.
• Support bids and ensure successful programme closure, contributing to RFI/RFP and contract negotiations, coordinating handover and export requirements like SECO, ITAR and EUC.

Skills

Programme management

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Budgeting

Contract management

English fluency

German desirable

Job description

Fly with us into the future and become part of the team at one of the most innovative aircraft manufacturers in the world.

• Lead complex and strategic government aviation Programmes from contract award through delivery and handover, ensuring achievement of contractual, schedule, financial, and customer commitments
• Establish and lead international, cross-functional programme teams, coordinating internal departments, prime contractors, subcontractors, and external partners to achieve programme objectives
• Develop and control integrated programme plans, including milestones, resources, production and delivery activities, and initiate corrective actions where deviations arise
• Manage programme financial performance and risks, including budgets, profitability, forecasting, risk mitigation, billing activities, and contract changes in coordination with the relevant functions
• Act as the primary Programme Management interface with the customer, leading contractual reviews, programme meetings and status reporting while ensuring alignment on deliverables and programme progress
• Support bids and ensure successful programme closure, contributing to RFI/RFP and contract-negotiation activities while coordinating programme handover, final reporting, and applicable export requirements such as SECO, ITAR and EUC

With this you convince us

• Strong technical and commercial background, combined with solid experience within the aviation industry and complex customer Programmes
• At least eight years of experience in complex programme management, with proven responsibility for programme execution, contractual commitments, resources, financial performance, and customer deliverables
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to lead international, cross-functional teams and coordinate multiple internal and external stakeholders
• Strong commercial and business judgement, with an understanding of programme planning, budgets, profitability, risk management, contract changes, and reporting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including fluent written and spoken English; German is desirable, together with strong intercultural awareness
• A structured, resilient, and solution-oriented approach, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and maintain delivery focus in demanding programme environments

What we offer

• A committed, international team and unique projects
• Flexible working hours and individual pension solutions
• Support for training and opportunities for personal and professional development
• Discounted meals in our staff restaurant and various discounts for employees
• Team events at which we celebrate our successes together

Become part of the Pilatus family

• We want to address everyone with our job ad's and are committed to diversity in our company