Program Manager I/II - Military Services

Woodward, Inc; Niles (IL); On-site; USD 78,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the energy control solutions sector is looking for a Program Manager. This role involves planning, directing, and executing projects while managing teams towards the successful launch of new products. The ideal candidate will possess exemplary project management skills, a commitment to quality, and a strong customer-focused mindset. This opportunity offers competitive compensation and an extensive rewards package.

Benefits

401(k) match (4.5%)

Annual stock contribution (5%)

Tuition reimbursement

12 paid holidays

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Member Referral Bonus

Voluntary insurance benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in project coordination (2-5 years).
• Advanced knowledge of financial analysis and risk mitigation techniques.
• Commitment to Quality (6 Sigma, Lean, continuous improvement).

Responsibilities

• Lead low-to-medium complexity projects and assist with higher complexity projects.
• Manage project scope, schedules, costs, risks, and deliverables.
• Drive project communications and ensure project deliverables meet stakeholder expectations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Planning

Conflict Management

Financial Analysis

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in program management or a technical field

Master’s degree or MBA preferred

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities, creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.

Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Level 1:

Estimated annual base pay:$78,800 (minimum) - $98,500(midpoint) - $118,200 (maximum)

Level 2:

Estimated annual base pay:$100,800 (minimum) - $126,000(midpoint) - $151,200(maximum)

• All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity

• 401(k) match (4.5%)

• Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)

• Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members

• 12 paid holidays, including floating holidays

• Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision insurance upon date of hire

• Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave

• Paid parental leave

• Adoption assistance

• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits

• Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life

• Member referral bonus

• Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending

• Voluntary benefits, including:

• Home / Auto Insurance discounts

• Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave

Are you ready to make your mark? If you’re a Program Manager, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

The Program Manager is accountable for planning, directing, and executing local and global projects. They are responsible for managing project activities and leading teams in the development and launch of new products or derivatives. By directing and influencing project teams, the Program Manager ensures the achievement of deliverables aligned with contractual and business objectives. Additionally, they focus on maintaining customer satisfaction and adherence to QDRC (Quality, Delivery, Response, Cost) standards. The role also includes managing New Product Introduction (NPI) military programs.

What you will be doing…

Level 1:

• Coordinate and lead low-to-medium complexity projects (primarily CAT 1), assist with higher complexity CAT 2/3 projects, and support military programs.

• Manage project scope, schedules, costs, risks, and deliverables while collaborating with teams and aligning with financial goals.

• Drive project communications, monitor progress, conduct reviews, and resolve escalated issues with customers and leadership.

• Support process improvements, adhere to standards, and utilize the Woodward PLC process for product development.

• Oversee resource allocation, manage project teams, and ensure project deliverables meet stakeholder expectations.

Level 2:

• Lead medium-to-high complexity projects (primarily CAT 2), assist with CAT 3 projects, and manage multiple sub-projects, including military programs.

• Support strategic planning, new business development, and continuous improvement initiatives, including authoring documents and standards.

• Manage project scope, schedules, costs, risks, and deliverables while addressing resource constraints and conflicts proactively.

• Drive project communications, conduct reviews, resolve issues, and present project status to customers and senior leadership.

• Provide mentorship to lower-level managers, work across business functions to remove barriers, and act as the primary customer contact.

What we are looking for…

Level 1:

• Bachelor’s degree in program management or a technical field preferred, with 2-5 years of project coordination experience.

• Solid knowledge of project management tools, product life cycle, MRP II, and risk mitigation techniques.

• Strong leadership, communication, and planning skills, including team building, conflict management, and financial analysis.

• Commitment to Quality (6 Sigma, Lean, continuous improvement), with a customer-focused mindset.

Level 2:

• Bachelor’s degree in program management or a technical field required (Master’s degree or MBA preferred), with 2-5 years of PLC and project management experience.

• Advanced knowledge of project management tools, product life cycle, MRP II, risk mitigation, and financial analysis.

• Proven leadership in building teams, managing conflict, driving decisions, and preparing strategic issues for management.

• Strong strategic planning, communication, and negotiation skills to align customer and organizational goals.

• Commitment to Quality (6 Sigma, Lean, continuous improvement), with expertise in business systems and customer relationship management.

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).

Woodward is an Equal Opportunity Employer

EO/AA/M/F/Disabled/Protected Veterans

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Experience executing Military Programs a plus.