Program Manager

The Program Manager has overall responsibility for the daily operation of a specific AAR Government Services (AGS) Distribution site providing direct support to U.S. military forces, allied forces, or major defense OEMs supporting those forces. Works with AGS Directors, other Program Managers and corporate business development and contracts specialists to develop program proposals, implementation plan, business case analysis, and staffing plan for the program.

What you will be responsible for: 

• Lead all program staff and daily operations to ensure contract performance, mission success, and alignment with AGS goals. 
• Serve as the primary customer interface, maintaining consistent communication, issue resolution, and strong customer relationships.
• Develop and execute program strategies, providing inputs to business plans, cost models, staffing plans, and operational improvements. 
• Manage program resources and budgets effectively, ensuring people, tools, materials, and processes support operational and financial objectives. 
• Collaborate with AGS and cross‑functional teams to support enterprise initiatives, share best practices, and drive unified customer support. 
• Assists the Director, Defense Programs with development of corporate proposals for new program business. 
• Oversee all leadership responsibilities, including hiring, training, performance management, coaching, discipline, and employee engagement.
   

What you will need to be successful in this role: 
 

• Knowledge of and experience in supporting DOD Organizations as well as commercial aviation
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including vision, people motivation, communication, creativity, mission focus, crisis management, unimpeachable ethics and honesty, and the ability to put the company before self.
• Bachelor of Business Administration or related field from a four-year college or university; or ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years demonstrated success in either military service or commercial business supporting military logistics, operations, or program management.
• This position requires compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or individual admitted as a refugee or granted asylum).

Year One Critical Success Factors: 
 

• Deliver consistent contract performance by ensuring daily operations, resources, and processes meet all program requirements and remain audit‑ready. 
• Build strong customer trust through proactive communication, reliable issue resolution, and serving as a dependable primary point of contact. 
• Strengthen team performance by providing clear expectations, coaching, and effective leadership to drive engagement and operational excellence. 
• Advance operational and business improvement by implementing efficiency gains and supporting proposals or growth initiatives with accurate program insight.

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary: 
 

• Competitive salary and bonus package
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off program
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Physical Demands/Work Environment:
 

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
• The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting.
• Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.
• AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources. 
   

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