Sr. Manager, BD & Program Operations
The Senior Manager, Business Development & ProgramOperations serves as the operational leader responsible for customer growth,program execution, and commercial performance across the business. Reporting tothe Director of Business Development & Programs, this role bridges businessdevelopment activities and program management execution to ensure customersatisfaction, profitable growth, and successful delivery of customercommitments.
The position provides leadership and oversight to the Program Managementorganization through direct management of the Program Management Manager whilepartnering closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, andFinance to drive business results.
This role is responsible for supporting new business pursuits, developingcustomer relationships, managing commercial performance, overseeing programexecution, and ensuring alignment between customer expectations and operationalcapabilities.
Who are we?
Founded in 1849, Ducommun is the oldest company in California. Starting as a hardware supply store during the California Gold Rush and eventually assisted in the birth of the aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace pioneers like Lindbergh, Douglas and Lockheed.
Today Ducommun is a global provider of innovative manufacturing solutions for customers in the aerospace, defense and industrial markets. We specialize in electronic and structural systems, producing complex products and components for commercial aircraft platforms, mission-critical military and space programs, and sophisticated industrial applications.
Our Performance Center in Carson, CA is the EngineeredProducts Group site for our Human Machine Interface, Motion Control Device, andRadio Frequency (RF) product lines.
Job Summary
Business Development & Customer Growth
- Supportthe execution of business development strategies to achieve revenue growthand market expansion objectives.
- Developand maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective customers.
- Identifyand evaluate new business opportunities within aerospace, defense, andadjacent markets.
- Partnerwith the Director of Business Development & Programs on strategicaccount planning and growth initiatives.
- Supportcustomer visits, business reviews, trade shows, and industry networkingactivities.
- Coordinateand lead cross-functional proposal and quotation activities.
- Ensuretimely and competitive responses to customer RFQs and businessopportunities.
- Monitormarket trends, customer requirements, and competitive activity.
Program Management Leadership
- Provideleadership and direction to the Program Management Manager and ProgramManagement organization.
- Establishprogram management standards, processes, and performance expectations.
- Reviewprogram performance metrics including schedule adherence, marginperformance, delivery performance, and customer satisfaction.
- Ensureeffective communication and coordination across customer programs.
- Escalateand resolve program risks and issues impacting customer commitments orbusiness performance.
- Driveaccountability for program execution and customer deliverables.
Commercial & Operational Leadership
- Serveas a key liaison between customers and internal functional teams.
- Supportcontract review, change management, and customer negotiations.
- Monitorbookings, backlog, revenue performance, and program profitability.
- Collaboratewith Operations and Supply Chain teams to align customer demand withoperational capacity.
- Supportforecasting, sales planning, and business reporting activities.
- Drivecontinuous improvement initiatives that enhance customer experience andoperational efficiency.
Leadership & Team Development
- Coach,mentor, and develop the Program Management Manager and broader ProgramManagement team.
- Fostera culture of accountability, customer focus, collaboration, and continuousimprovement.
- Supporttalent development, succession planning, and organizational capabilitybuilding.
- Promotestrong cross-functional relationships throughout the organization.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Strongbusiness acumen and commercial mindset.
- Abilityto balance customer needs with operational capabilities and businessobjectives.
- Excellentleadership, coaching, and team development skills.
- Strongproject and program management capabilities.
- Excellentnegotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
- Abilityto influence across functions and organizational levels.
- Stronganalytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiencywith ERP systems, CRM platforms, and Microsoft Office applications.
Required Experience and Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or related field required.
- 8+ years of progressive experience in business development, program management, account management, or commercial operations within manufacturing, aerospace, or defense environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading customer-facing programs and cross-functional teams.
- Prior people leadership experience required.
- Experience managing complex customer relationships and commercial activities.
- Experience with aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
Key Performance Indicators
- Revenuegrowth
- Bookingsand backlog growth
- Customersatisfaction and retention
- On-timedelivery performance
- Programmargin performance
- Quoteturnaround and win rates
- Programexecution metrics
- Teamengagement and development
- Strategicaccount growth
Base Compensation: USD 145,000.00 - 165,000.00Paid Salaried
Equal Opportunity EmployerVeterans/Disabled
23301 S. Wilmington Ave
Carson, California, 90745
United States