Program Manager

Nickerson Talent Solutions; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Nickerson Talent Solutions is seeking a Program Manager to oversee large Federal contracts or multiple related projects within a Business Unit. You will coordinate operations, training programs, and financial performance while acting as the primary customer contact and ensuring contractual compliance.

The role requires strong leadership over cross-functional teams, knowledge of government contracting, and the ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in program and project management for complex operations or service-delivery.
• Strong knowledge of aircraft operations, maintenance support, financial management, budgeting, and program performance.
• Working knowledge of U.S. Government contracting processes, regulations, security requirements, ITAR, and airworthiness or operational compliance.
• Proven leadership with experience supervising large or cross-functional teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and perform under demanding schedules.
• Proficiency in English with strong written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and business/project/enterprise systems.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and execution of BU services, training programs, projects, and revenue-generating activities.
• Coordinate cross-functionally to ensure staffing, resources, readiness, and customer requirements are met.
• Maintain accountability for program financial performance, including revenue, EBITDA, cash flow, and budgets.
• Serve as primary Company point of contact for customers and contracting authorities; maintain relationships.
• Maintain knowledge of contracts, statements of work, performance requirements, terms and conditions.
• Represent the Company at reviews and resolve risks or performance issues.
• Support pursuit and capture activities for new BU opportunities and proposals.
• Partner with Business Development to expand BU services and programs.
• Ensure compliance with Safety, Quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform program-specific duties as qualified; work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Travel as required; obtain and maintain CAC and security clearance.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Contracting processes

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Problem solving

Travel readiness

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/PM/Business Administration/Aviation

10+ years progressively responsible experience substitute for degree

Job description

The Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the management of a large Federal Contract or Subcontract supporting the assigned Business Unit services, training programs, and operational requirements. They may also manage multiple smaller contracts or projects focused on similar services/offerings normally provided to our customers, on occasion or as needed. As the single point of contact for the business unit's customer(s), the Program Manager will coordinate all activities related to the assigned program scope and will hold the authority to develop and implement specific courses of action for the work to be successful and profitable. The information below is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required for this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the implementation and execution of new and existing Business Unit (BU) services, training programs, projects, and revenue-generating activities.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, People Operations, and other functional leaders to ensure staffing, resources, readiness, and customer requirements are met.
• Maintain accountability for assigned program financial performance, including revenue, EBITDA, cash flow, budget, and applicable operational performance targets.
• Serve as the primary Company point of contact for assigned customers and contracting authorities and maintain strong customer relationships and satisfaction.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of applicable contracts, statements of work, performance requirements, terms and conditions, and other binding program documents.
• Represent the Company at customer and program reviews and ensure timely resolution of identified risks, deficiencies, or performance issues.
• Support pursuit and capture activities for new and expanded BU opportunities, including customer engagements, working groups, RFP activities, proposals, bids, and business planning.
• Partner with Business Development to identify and advance opportunities to expand BU services, training capabilities, and revenue-generating programs.
• Promote compliance with Company Safety Management System, Quality Management System, policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory and contractual requirements.
• Perform operational, instructional, technical, or other program-specific duties when qualified and required by the assigned BU.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated expertise in program and project management, including oversight of complex operational, training, or service-delivery activities.
• Strong knowledge of aircraft operations, maintenance support, financial management, budgeting, and program performance.
• Working knowledge of U.S. Government contracting processes, applicable regulations, security requirements, ITAR, and relevant airworthiness or operational compliance requirements.
• Strong leadership and managerial capability with experience overseeing large or cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and perform effectively under demanding schedules and customer requirements.
• Proficient in the English language with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and applicable business, project, or enterprise systems.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as operational or program requirements dictate.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Common Access Card (CAC) and must not be barred or otherwise restricted from accessing required government or military installations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required U.S. security clearance.
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the responsibilities of the Program Manager in daily work performance.
• Must demonstrate safe and healthy workplace practices.
• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the Program Manager in daily work performance.
• Must be able to travel within the US and internationally.
• Must be able to work in an office environment.
• Must be able to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC) and not be barred from any installation.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required.

EDUCATION AND/OR WORK EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, Aviation, or a related field required; a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible, directly relevant experience may substitute for the degree.
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory or management experience in aviation, defense, government contracting, training, operations, or another directly related environment required.
• Experience supporting complex programs, customer requirements, cross-functional teams, and operational or contractual performance strongly preferred.
• Military or government aviation experience preferred when applicable to the assigned Business Unit or program.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based and administrative work.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, and safely work in office, aircraft, hangar, flight-line, training, and other operational environments as required.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or move equipment or materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform duties requiring close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to hear and communicate effectively in office and operational environments.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures, weather conditions, lighting, humidity, and noise levels.
• Ability to work around aircraft, moving equipment, electrical systems, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous or caustic materials, and other conditions associated with assigned Business Unit operations.
• Ability to meet any additional medical or physical requirements associated with program-specific operational or flight duties, when applicable.
• Ability to use required personal protective equipment and comply with applicable safety procedures.