Director of Program Management
Job details
General information
Entity
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.
Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.
Reference number
2026-173062
Job details
Domain
Programs / Customer Relations
Job field / Job profile
Programs - Program manager level 3
Job title
Director of Program Management
Employment @type
Permanent
Professional category
Professional, Engineer & Manager
Part time / Full time
Full-time
Job description
A Director of Program Management to lead aspects of a pilot controls and cockpit controls business including managing customer relationships, product development, solving technical solutions, and driving critical hardware procurement, production and deliveries. This role provides both strategic and operational leadership to a team of Program Managers overseeing a portfolio of development and in-production programs. The Director is accountable for overall programs performance and operational execution, ensuring alignment with company objectives and sustainable business growth.
Responsibilities Include
Strategic Leadership:
o Accountable for the direction and execution of the various programs/projects, from inception through completion.
o Develop and implement long-term program strategies to ensure the achievement of organizational objectives.
Financial Performance:
o Accountable for the financial performance of all programs/projects including profitability (sales, costs, variance), , and allocated budgets. Expected to provide monthly KPI report
o Establish financial plans and budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximizing gross margins.
Operational Excellence:
o Coordinate with the cross functional team to support program performance: on time delivery, recovery plans and adherence to the plan
o Coordinate the preparation of proposals, business plans, proposal work statements, and specifications.
o Guide and control the establishment of scope, schedule development, and financial plans to facilitate successful program execution.
o Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and on-time delivery.
o Responsible for Risk management for its programs,
Customer and Stakeholder Management:
o Act as the primary customer contact for program activities, leading program review sessions with customers to discuss cost, schedule, and technical performance.
o Develop and maintain strong customer relationships, fostering customer-focused teams.
o Support negotiations of contracts and contract changes in conjunction with the contracts department.
Technical Oversight:
o Possess a high level of technical knowledge and/or understanding to effectively challenge the status quo, review Non-recurring cost estimate or budget requests and build mutual confidence with technical counterparts.
o Oversee the engineering efforts for product development, integration, and test, ensuring alignment with program goals.
o Technical background or experience with Pilot Control and Control Panels, (throttles, switches, optic lenses or switch fabrication components_ will be seen as particularly beneficial for this role.
Team Leadership:
o Inspire, energize, and organize cross-functional teams to meet specific program goals.
o Escalate critical issues within the organization and with customers as needed.
o Mentor and develop program managers and team members to build a high-performing organization.
Candidate skills & requirements
Required Competencies
Education / Experience:
Bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
At least 10 years of related experience, with significant experience in program management and leadership roles.
Experience in the aerospace industry, specifically with aircraft electromechanical systems, avionics, and/or aircraft systems.
Proven experience in leading a team with direct reports.
Skills and Abilities:
Proven track record in strategic program leadership and management.
Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost tracking, scheduling, risk management, and gross margin improvements.
Ability to work well as a leader with teams and while also being capable to communicate effectively upward to executive levels is necessary.
Operations experience to drive quality and on-time delivery.
Exceptional leadership traits including the ability to lead large, cross-functional teams.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both technical audiences and senior leadership.
Ability to work autonomously and drive results without direct supervision.
Capable of working effectively in both an office environment and a remote environment, with the ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
Ability and willingness to travel within the United States and internationally, including Mexico, is desired.
Physical Requirements:
Primarily office-based with 25% requirements to visit production site in Mexico, customer bases or relevant locations for contract execution.
Must be able to perform duties that include sitting, using hands to handle or feel, talking, and hearing.
Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision.
Work environment noise level is usually quiet.
Annual salary
$165K-$240K
Job location
Job location
North America, United States, California
City (-ies)
1833 Alton Parkway CA 92606 Irvine
Applicant criteria
Minimum education level achieved
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum experience level required
More than 8 years
ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency
Yes
