Program Manager

Nickerson Talent Solutions; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 144,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Bonus up to 10%

Job summary

Nickerson Talent Solutions seeks an experienced Program Manager to lead complex Aerospace & Defense programs in Columbus, MS. The role focuses on driving financial, technical, operational, and scheduling performance while coordinating with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and customers.

Responsibilities include planning, budgeting, and delivering on-time program results with direct involvement from executive leadership and customers in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Strong Program Management experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry is REQUIRED.
• Experience managing complex aerospace, defense, or manufacturing programs.
• Proven ability to manage schedules, budgets, contracts, and customer deliverables.
• Cross-functional leadership across engineering, manufacturing, operations, quality, and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of complex Aerospace & Defense programs.
• Develop project schedules, milestones, deliverables, and resource plans.
• Ensure adherence to customer requirements, budgets, and master schedules.
• Support proposals, contracts, and strategic program execution.
• Manage budgets, labor utilization, material costs, and financial performance.
• Deliver program reviews and executive-level presentations.

Skills

Program Management

A&D Industry

Cross-Functional Leadership

Budget Management

Scheduling

Customer Deliverables

Executive Communication

Job description

Base Salary Up to $160K + Up to 10% Bonus + Full Benefits

Nickerson Talent Solutions is actively seeking an experienced Program Manager for a high-impact leadership opportunity supporting complex Aerospace & Defense programs in Columbus, MS.

We are specifically seeking candidates with strong experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry managing complex programs, cross-functional operations, customer deliverables, budgets, schedules, and production execution in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

The selected candidate will play a critical role in driving the financial, technical, operational, and scheduling performance of multiple high-visibility aerospace and defense programs while partnering closely with executive leadership, engineering, operations, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and customers.

This is a long-term leadership opportunity offering base salary up to $160K, bonus potential up to 10%, full benefits, career growth, and direct involvement in mission-critical Aerospace & Defense operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex Aerospace & Defense programs
• Develop project schedules, milestones, deliverables, and resource allocation plans
• Ensure adherence to operational objectives, customer requirements, and master schedules
• Support proposal development, contracts, and strategic program execution
• Manage program budgets, labor utilization, material costs, and financial performance
• Monitor operational metrics and drive execution efficiency
• Deliver program reviews, progress reports, and executive-level presentations

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead coordination across engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, quality, and production teams
• Drive collaboration, issue resolution, and operational execution
• Support continuous improvement and program performance initiatives
• Serve as a primary interface with customers, leadership, and stakeholders
• Manage customer expectations, deliverables, and communication
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful execution

Risk, Quality & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate program risks
• Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and organizational requirements
• Support quality assurance and operational excellence initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong Program Management experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry REQUIRED
• Experience managing complex aerospace, defense, or manufacturing programs
• Proven ability to manage schedules, budgets, contracts, and customer deliverables
• Strong cross-functional leadership experience within operational environments
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Experience supporting high-visibility aerospace or defense programs strongly preferred

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY STANDS OUT

• Highly Competitive Compensation Package – Base Salary Up to $160K
• Performance Bonus Opportunity Up to 10%
• Direct Visibility with Executive Leadership & Key Customers
• Opportunity to Lead Complex, Mission-Critical Programs
• Long-Term Career Stability & Advancement Potential
• Fast-Paced Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing Environment
• Ability to Drive Operational Strategy, Program Execution, and Business Growth