Manager of Programs

Socket.dev; Simpson (PA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Gentex Corporation is seeking a highly experienced Manager of Programs to lead aerospace R&D initiatives in a fast-paced environment. The role acts as a SME, guiding a team of program managers across Helmet and Optics Value Streams in Carbondale, PA.

You will drive complex programs to meet cost, schedule and performance targets, mentor staff, and engage with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to ensure successful outcomes.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in program management, with aerospace R&D focus.
• PfMP or equivalent certification highly desired.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field; Master’s preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs in helmet and optics value streams, driving cost, schedule and performance.
• Communicate status to stakeholders and manage risks, issues, and dependencies.
• Organize bid/proposal activities and support contract negotiations.
• Ensure programs meet ISO 9001/AS 9100 standards and drive continuous improvement.
• Mentor senior program staff and foster collaboration across departments.
• Engage with customers and external parties to align scope and expectations.
• Provide governance through IMS, risk registers, and monthly/exec reports.
• Balance priorities, deliver on time, within scope and budget.

Skills

Program management

Aerospace R&D

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MS Project

Risk management tools

ERP systems

Job description

Description

Summary:

The Manager of Programs role is a highly experienced and autonomous Program Management professional who serves as a subject matter expert (SME) in all aspects of program management for the organization. This role is designed for individuals who excel in high-paced, dynamic factory operations environment, where innovation, adaptability, and technical expertise are critical to meeting the assigned programmatic cost, schedule, and performance requirements. The Manager of Programs, as a SME in all programmatic matters, operates independently while supervising a team of project and program managers, driving complex, high-impact programs to successful outcomes while providing thought leadership and technical guidance across Gentex’s Helmet and Optics Value Streams in Carbondale, PA.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Foster effective communication channels with peers, stakeholders, and the wider business to ensure engagement, support, and successful delivery of project outcomes.
• Collect and consolidate project status updates, providing inputs for key project management tools such as Integrated Master Plans, Risk Registers, Monthly Status Reports, Executive Program Reports, and Financial Reports. Lead program teams through program monitor and control activities.
• Organize and lead bid and proposal activities for both domestic and foreign solicitations.
• Conduct detailed contract review and support contract negotiations prior to contract award(s).
• Support contract and program budgeting, development of basis of estimate and established execution of overall programmatic baselines.
• Lead customer interaction and support for externally funded efforts IAW contracted scope.
• Ensure adherence to proper procedures for managing project risks (opportunities and threats), issues, and dependencies. Drive risk mitigation after thorough analysis and establish burn down plans.
• Clearly communicate project status, decision requests, identified risks/issues, and recommended actions to relevant stakeholders.
• Deliver regular status and reporting updates to Product Management, Engineering Management, and Business Development upon request.
• Coordinate the compilation of inputs for monthly status reports at the project and program levels.
• Execute assigned tasks in strict accordance with established company procedures and work instructions, adhering to ISO 9001/AS 9100 standards.
• Fulfill any other duties as assigned by the organization.

Requirements

The Preferred experience for this role is:

Experience:

15+ years of experience in program management, with a strong focus on aerospace R&D in high-paced environments (experience with Military or Law Enforcement products is a must)

Certifications:

PfMP (Portfolio Management Professional) or equivalent certification is highly desired.

Technical Expertise:

Deep understanding of program management methodologies and tools (e.g. schedule management, risk registers, and enterprise resource planning systems)

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business Management, or a related field, or demonstrated equivalent professional experience (typically 15+ years) in program management. Master’s degree preferred

Knowledge and Skills of the Ideal Candidate:

1. Team Leadership:

• Provide guidance and mentorship to Senior Program Managers, Program Managers, Senior Project Managers and Project Managers within the Helmet and Optics Value Streams.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that encourages innovation, professional growth, and accountability.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members
• Define program objectives, success criteria, and deliverables in alignment with requirements
• Ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and budget, while meeting performance requirements and quality standards

2. Subject Matter Expertise:

• Provide technical and strategic guidance to cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with program goals and customer requirements
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in program management

3. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing insights and recommendations on program strategy and execution
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across diverse teams and departments

4. Innovation and Problem Solving:

• Solve complex problems and address challenges proactively, leveraging technical expertise and creative thinking
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to prevent issues from impacting success

5. Independent Operation:

• Take ownership of program outcomes, demonstrating accountability and a results-driven mindset.
• Balance competing demands and adapt to changing circumstances with agility and resilience.

6. Knowledge Sharing and Mentorship:

• Contribute to the development of program management standards, tools, and frameworks within the organization.

7. Results-Driven:

A strong focus on delivering tangible outcomes and achieving measurable results in a proactive and efficient manner.

8. Adaptability in a Fast-Paced Environment:

The ability to thrive and perform effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced organizational setting, skillfully managing competing priorities and demands.

9. Business Acumen:

Confidence and capability in engaging with individuals at all levels of a business, demonstrating professionalism, credibility, and sound judgment.

Communication with Others:

• Internal: Regularly collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality staff, and various departments within the organization daily, fostering effective communication and teamwork.
• External: Engages in necessary communication with external parties, including Government personnel, suppliers, subcontractors, and customers, ensuring clear and concise interactions that uphold professional standards and facilitate productive relationships.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

• Desk-based Work: The ability to perform primary job tasks while seated at a desk for extended periods.
• Physical Mobility: Occasional requirements to stand, walk, and move within the office environment.
• Manual Dexterity: Proficiency in using hands for typing, operating computer systems, and handling documents and office equipment.
• Visual Acuity: Strong visual abilities, including close vision for reading documents and computer screens, and the ability to adjust focus as needed.
• Mental Focus: Ability to concentrate and maintain mental clarity while working in a primarily desk-based environment.

Work Environment:

Works majority of the day in a climate-controlled environment, with the exception of occasionally performing work in the warehouse, which is subject to moderate changes in temperature.

TRAVEL:

Limited travel required

LOCATION:

Gentex’s Carbondale facility is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania in Lackawanna County. Carbondale, PA is about twenty miles north of Scranton, PA, 50 miles south of Binghamton, NY, and about 125 miles from New York City and Philadelphia. The area hosts numerous nearby state parks, nature preserves and local colleges and universities, including The University of Scranton and Marywood University. Northeast Pennsylvania is a beautiful area and offers an excellent cost of living. It is a great place to work, meet people, raise a family and live!

Gentex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for any applicable state or federal protected class. Gentex is an E-Verify Participant. Pre-employment drug/alcohol/background screening is required.