Program Manager

Keel; Ladson (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefit Package

Competitive Pay

401(k) Match

HSA/FSA

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Internal Referral Bonus Opportunities

Shift Differentials

Overtime Potential

Paid on the Job Training

Certification Sponsorship Opportunitie

Career Growth

Job summary

Keel is seeking an experienced Program Manager to coordinate cross-functional teams and oversee large-scale fabrication and defense programs in Ladson, SC. You will ensure on-time delivery, tracking risks and milestones while maintaining profitability and strong stakeholder communication.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years in program management, with proficiency in Microsoft Project, SmartSheet, and PowerBI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Business Management, Engineering, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of program management experience in manufacturing/production settings.
• 3 years of relevant experience in engineering, finance, or manufacturing management.
• PMI CAPM or PMP/PgMP certification preferred.
• Proven leadership and communication skills with customers and executives.
• Experience with ERP systems and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and monitor performance across assigned program platforms to maximize value and profitability.
• Liaise between fabrication partners and Keel leadership; communicate with customers when needed.
• Track and report program measurables, plans, timelines, risks, and milestones to senior management.
• Identify risks and report potential interruptions that could impact budgets, timelines, or quality.
• Manage scope, change requests, work orders, and invoicing activities.
• Recommend resources and scheduling to ensure on-time delivery and increased profitability.
• Lead program managers and collaborate with multiple departments to resolve issues.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Microsoft Project

PowerBI

SmartSheet

ERP knowledge (IFS)

Budget management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Project

SmartSheet

PowerBI

IFS ERP

Job description

Built on Experience. Built for Skill. Built for You.

Keel was formed by bringing together three industry leaders combining generations of hands-on expertise in steel fabrication, shipbuilding, aerospace, and defense manufacturing.

That means when you join Keel, you're joining a team backed by decades of proven craftsmanship and real-world results.

We build ships, defense systems, aerospace components, and heavy steel structures that serve critical missions — and we do it with pride.

Your Mission:

Coordinates and monitors the performance across assigned program platforms to achieve the best functional, technical, and profitable value of company projects.

Explore the Depth of the Role:

• Liaison between Keel's fabrication partner(s) and Keel's leadership team.
• May communicate directly with Keel's customer(s) professionally and reports out to the Director of PMO.
• Tracks and reports all program measurables, plans, goals, logistics, timelines, critical paths, risks, assumptions, and milestones throughout the program(s) lifecycle to be shared during program reviews or when requested to senior management, stakeholders, and suppliers using appropriate tools on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Reports daily to the Director of PMO all risks and potential interruptions that may cause any projects to miss any critical paths i.e. budget, on-time delivery, quality issues, etc.
• Tracks all required work orders outside of the original scope of work before and after performance for approval and customer invoicing.
• Increases contracted parameters/Opportunities when feasible for increased profitability.
• Acts as the Liaison for the internal and external stakeholders of the program.
• Recommends resources and scheduling requirements for the implementation of the program for on time delivery.
• Detect, report, and solve program issues timely and effectively.
• Manage technical data and documentation for the program.
• Effectively communicates program developments and results to team members and liaise with other departments as well as customers on an ongoing basis.
• Lead and provide direction to the Project Managers as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Mission Readiness:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Engineering, Finance, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of program management experience in manufacturing/production setting
• 3 years of relative experience or training in engineering, finance or manufacturing management
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven great leadership skills in past positions.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft software applications; Microsoft Project preferred, SmartSheet and PowerBI experience beneficial.
• Understanding of ERP systems, IFS working knowledge is preferred.
• Proven capabilities in managing departmental budgets.
• Professional and excellent communication skills with experience in corresponding with customers and executive leadership.
• PMI CAPM or PMP/PgMP Certification preferred.
• Heavy plate fabrication experience that includes welding is preferred.

Travel Requirements:

• Between facilities as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• May be required to stand, walk, sit, reach/pull/push with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel regularly.
• May lift or carry 50lbs. Weights exceeding 50lbs will require mechanical means to maneuver.

Become a part of our Builders and you too can...

• Uphold Safety and Quality Standards
• Embody Team Spirit
• Relentless Customer Focus
• Convey Integrity, Trust, and Professionalism
• Execute with Excellence and Velocity

What Keel will build for you:

• Comprehensive Benefit Package
• Competitive Pay
• 401(k) Match
• HSA/FSA
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Internal Referral Bonus Opportunities
• Shift Differentials
• Overtime Potential
• Paid on the Job Training
• Certification Sponsorship Opportunities
• Committed to Individual Career Growth
• We Do Fun Things, Plus More!

Need Assistance?

If you require a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the employment process, please email [e-mail] with details about your request and your contact information. Accommodation requests are reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis. Please note that this email address is monitored only for inquiries related to reasonable accommodation requests.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

What we build, builds us.

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