Program Manager

PROGRAM MANAGER – AEROSPACE & DEFENSE

Columbus, Mississippi

Base Salary Up to $160K + Up to 10% Bonus + Full Benefits

Nickerson Talent Solutions is actively seeking an experienced Program Manager for a high-impact leadership opportunity supporting complex Aerospace & Defense programs in Columbus, MS .

We are specifically seeking candidates with strong experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry managing complex programs, cross-functional operations, customer deliverables, budgets, schedules, and production execution in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

The selected candidate will play a critical role in driving the financial, technical, operational, and scheduling performance of multiple high-visibility aerospace and defense programs while partnering closely with executive leadership, engineering, operations, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and customers.

This is a long-term leadership opportunity offering base salary up to $160K, bonus potential up to 10%, full benefits, career growth, and direct involvement in mission-critical Aerospace & Defense operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program & Project Leadership

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex Aerospace & Defense programs
• Develop project schedules, milestones, deliverables, and resource allocation plans
• Ensure adherence to operational objectives, customer requirements, and master schedules
• Support proposal development, contracts, and strategic program execution

Financial & Operational Management

• Manage program budgets, labor utilization, material costs, and financial performance
• Monitor operational metrics and drive execution efficiency
• Deliver program reviews, progress reports, and executive-level presentations

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead coordination across engineering, manufacturing, operations, supply chain, quality, and production teams
• Drive collaboration, issue resolution, and operational execution
• Support continuous improvement and program performance initiatives

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a primary interface with customers, leadership, and stakeholders
• Manage customer expectations, deliverables, and communication
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful execution

Risk, Quality & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate program risks
• Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and organizational requirements
• Support quality assurance and operational excellence initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong Program Management experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry REQUIRED
• Experience managing complex aerospace, defense, or manufacturing programs
• Proven ability to manage schedules, budgets, contracts, and customer deliverables
• Strong cross-functional leadership experience within operational environments
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Experience supporting high-visibility aerospace or defense programs strongly preferred

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY STANDS OUT

• Highly Competitive Compensation Package – Base Salary Up to $160K
• Performance Bonus Opportunity Up to 10%
• Comprehensive Full Benefits Package
• High-Impact Leadership Role Supporting Aerospace & Defense Programs
• Direct Visibility with Executive Leadership & Key Customers
• Opportunity to Lead Complex, Mission-Critical Programs
• Long-Term Career Stability & Advancement Potential
• Fast-Paced Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing Environment
• Ability to Drive Operational Strategy, Program Execution, and Business Growth

Qualified Aerospace & Defense Program Management professionals are encouraged to apply immediately. Interviews are being scheduled quickly for top talent.