Program Manager - Defense

Standex International; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Standex International is seeking a Program Manager to direct daily contract execution, manage schedules, budgets, and performance for defense/energy customers.

You will lead meetings, coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, and guide bid/proposal activities from kickoff to close. The ideal candidate has a mechanical/manufacturing engineering degree, 5+ years of program management, AS9100 experience, and strong communication and problem‑solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of program management experience in Tier 1 sheet manufacturing for Defense or Energy.
• Experience across the full program cycle from development to sustainment.
• Experience with metrics reporting for progress, productivity and variance analysis.
• Knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management System.
• Proficient in MS Office; willingness to learn additional software.
• Reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct the daily execution of contract requirements to meet cost, schedules and performance goals.
• Lead all meetings and the new product development team for assigned customer products.
• Provide interface and coordination with internal and external customers on contracts and bid/proposal activities.
• Participate in bid and proposal activities to meet RFP requirements.
• Support new business opportunities in coordination with Business Development.
• Represent management at program reviews, meetings and seminars.
• Prepare for and participate in contract/subcontract negotiations per regulations.
• Develop and implement plans and budgets for labor, materials, travel and services.
• Identify, assess, monitor and mitigate program risk throughout the life cycle.
• Develop corrective action plans when schedules or budgets deviate; escalate as needed.
• Perform variance analysis of schedule and cost for senior management.
• Serve as primary interface with the customer on contract execution and resolutions.
• Coordinate with Business Development on contract changes and interpretations.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and company policies.
• Provide leadership to the program team and ensure clear communication.
• Close out completed programs and maintain proper documentation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Written and verbal communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering

Tools

MS Office Suite

Willingness to learn other software

Job description

Standex International is a global industrial growth company operating through our market-leading brands in electronics, cutting-edge forming technologies, engraving, and scientific refrigeration. We work with our customers to advance progress through innovation. From inventing and producing parts for next-generation space vehicles to evolving vaccine refrigeration, designing functional textures for everyday products, improving renewable energy technology, and much more, we are focused on making what's next possible.

The Program Manager will manage and direct the daily execution of contract requirements to ensure that cost, schedules and performance goals are met, and all meetings associated with new product introductions (kick off to project close) are completed. The Program Manager will provide interface, communication, and coordination with internal and external customers on matters pertaining to existing contracts and bid/proposal activities.

What You'll Do

• Manage and direct the daily execution of contract requirements to ensure that cost, schedules and performance goals are met
• Lead all meetings and the new product development team for assigned customer products
• Provide interface, communication and coordination with internal and external customers on matters pertaining to existing contracts and bid/proposal activities
• Participate as a team member or leader on bid and proposal activities. Ensure that the requirements of the request for proposal are met in the preparation and documentation of bids/proposals
• Support new business opportunities in coordination with Business Development
• Represent management at program reviews, meetings/calls, seminars, etc.
• Prepare for and participate in contract/subcontract negotiations. While representing the Company's interests, ensuring to adhere to all government regulatory guidance
• Develop and implement plans/schedules to execute new contracts/subcontracts. Allocate and contract budgets for labor, material, travel and purchased services
• Formally identifies, assesses, monitors and mitigates risk throughout the program life cycle. Obtains management approval prior to making decisions that will cause deterioration of established programs, cost and schedule objectives
• Develop and implement corrective action plans when deviations from budget and/or schedules are evident. Seek senior management assistance in resolving schedule and budget problems as they arise
• Perform variance analysis of schedule and cost on a formal and informal basis and present them to senior management
• Serve as the primary interface with the customer on all matters involving contract execution. Coordinate with other departments on resolution of contractual problems with the customer.
• Coordinate with Business Development on issues pertaining to contract requirements, changes, and interpretations
• Assure that conduct of contract requirements is executed in accordance with appropriate regulations and Company policies and procedures
• Provide leadership to program team. Assures communications and cooperation among team members and resolves areas of conflict
• Assure timely closeout of completed programs to ensure that all obligations are satisfied, and program documentation is properly recorded
• Understand and develop leading versus lagging indicators
• Develop and execute corrective action program strategies
• Develop and understand principles of program planning (developing BOM's, basis of estimate, etc.)
• Understand lean and process improvement principles to integrate OpEx throughout new product introduction cycle
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while following all safety and quality procedures
• Attending meetings and trainings as assigned
• Complete projects as assigned

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering or related field required
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience of program management for Tier 1 sheet manufacturer to the Defense or Energy industries
• Experience total program cycle; development to sustainment
• Experience with metrics for assessing and reporting program progress, productivity and variance analysis
• Knowledge and experience working within AS9100 Quality Management System
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and willingness to learn other software
• Reliable transportation
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• High level of confidentiality and professionalism when interacting with clients & vendors
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships
• Ability to effectively manage time, multi-task, and pay close attention to details
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Regularly required to move, sit, and bend for various hours throughout the day
• Occasionally may need to travel to vendors and suppliers

Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.