Program Manager

Safran S.A.; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran in Rockford, IL is seeking a Program Manager to lead one or more aerospace programs, integrating customer requirements with internal teams to deliver on quality, cost, and schedule.

You will coordinate with global production sites, UK leadership, and Safran France to drive transfers, integration, and operational stabilization, ensuring continuity of supply.

The role requires strong cross-functional leadership, ability to manage risk, and a partnership approach to keep customers satisfied.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field is required.
• Experience in program management within aerospace, manufacturing, or industrial environments.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex programs with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with aerospace systems, actuation, or electromechanical products is a plus.
• Experience supporting industrial transfers, integration efforts, or business transformations.
• Experience working with global teams and international stakeholders.
• PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma certifications are a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned programs across full lifecycle including development, production, and sustainment.
• Own program performance across Quality, Cost, Delivery (QCD) metrics.
• Establish and manage program scope, schedule, and financial plans.
• Drive accountability across cross-functional teams to meet commitments.
• Coordinate with operations and supply chain to ensure on-time delivery and quality.
• Support product transfers and integration activities across sites.
• Interface with international teams and leadership to ensure alignment.
• Mentor peers and drive continuous improvement within the program office.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Program management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Job description

Job Description - The Program Manager is responsible for leading the execution and performance of one or more programs within Safran's Actuation business. This role serves as the primary interface between customers and internal cross-functional teams, ensuring delivery of commitments related to quality, cost, schedule, and customer satisfaction.

Following Safran's recent acquisition of the Actuation business, the Program Manager will also play a key role in supporting business integration, product transfers, and operational stabilization activities. This position requires strong coordination across global teams, including international production sites, the UK Actuation leadership team, and Safran France leadership organizations.

Key Responsibilities

End-to-End Program Leadership

• Lead assigned programs across the full lifecycle, including development, production, and sustainment
• Own program performance across Quality, Cost, Delivery (QCD) metrics
• Establish and manage program scope, schedule, and financial plans to ensure successful execution
• Drive accountability across cross-functional teams to meet program commitments

Production & Sustaining Program Execution

• Manage execution of production programs, ensuring on-time delivery (OTD) and quality performance
• Coordinate with operations and supply chain teams to manage:
  • Line of balance deliveries
  • Material shortages and production constraints
  • Backlog recovery plans and prioritization
  • Interface with customers on delivery schedules, priorities, and issue resolution

Business Integration & Product Transfers

• Support execution of product and industrial transfer activities associated with Actuation integration into Safran
• Coordinate cross-functional and cross-site activities to ensure:
  • Continuity of supply
  • Quality performance
  • Customer delivery commitments
• Contribute to broader business transformation and integration initiatives, including process alignment and operational improvements

Technical and Operational Oversight

• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure technical and operational execution remains on track
• Support resolution of technical or industrial issues through structured problem-solving and cross-functional coordination
• Monitor program milestones and proactively address risks to schedule and performance

Financial and Risk Management

• Manage program financial performance, including:
  • Cost tracking and control
  • Variance analysis
  • Margin performance
• Identify and mitigate program risks and opportunities
• Support development and execution of recovery plans where performance gaps exist

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary interface with assigned customers
• Lead program reviews, status updates, and escalation discussions
• Communicate program performance clearly and proactively to both internal and external stakeholders

Global Collaboration

• Work closely with international production sites to align on program execution and delivery performance
• Interface regularly with:
  • UK Actuation leadership team
  • Safran France leadership and global business units
• Drive alignment across global teams to ensure consistent program outcomes

Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Mentor peers and emerging project managers to foster continuous improvement, setting measurable goals and reinforcing best practices across the team.

Required Competencies:

Education / Experience:

• Required
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field
• Experience in program management, project management, or a related role within aerospace, manufacturing, or industrial environments
• Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills
• Ability to manage complex programs with multiple stakeholders
• Preferred
• Experience in aerospace systems, actuation, or electromechanical products
• Experience supporting industrial transfers, integration efforts, or business transformations
• Experience working with global teams and international stakeholders

Skills and Abilities:

Program Execution & Leadership

• Strong ownership mindset with ability to drive results across functions
• Ability to manage competing priorities and complex program dynamics

Technical & Business Acumen

• Understanding of manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain processes
• Financial awareness including cost control and margin performance

Communication & Influence

• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical teams and executive stakeholders
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across a global organization

Adaptability & Change Management

• Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, transforming environment
• Comfortable managing ambiguity and driving structure during periods of change

Certifications & Security:

• PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma certifications are a strong plus

U.S. citizen with eligibility for obtaining U.S. government clearances, if needed (not required).