Defense Program Manager - Non IT

Grand Rapids, MI (100% Onsite)

Direct Hire | Salary: $87K–$150K (based on experience)

Experience Required: 7–10 years

Skill Speciality: Government or Defense manufacturing, NO IT program managers

About the Role

Join a dynamic, growth-oriented organization as a Program Manager, where you’ll take full ownership of programmatic and fiscal operations across multiple projects. This leadership role is ideal for a strategic thinker with exceptional organizational skills and a strong technical or business background. You’ll drive program success from inception through completion—ensuring cost, schedule, and performance goals are achieved while fostering collaboration across engineering, production, and supply chain teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all program management activities, ensuring contractual and performance obligations are met.
• Lead cross-functional teams to identify, assess, and mitigate risks across cost, schedule, and performance.
• Develop and implement comprehensive Program Plans and risk management strategies.
• Direct program execution across departments—providing leadership in planning, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all assigned programs and customers.
• Track performance through Earned Value Management System (EVMS) metrics, customer feedback, and project milestones.
• Report program health to senior leadership, highlighting successes, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support proposal development, contract administration, and delivery order management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or Program/Project Management (advanced degree preferred).
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in program or project management within automotive or defense.
• PMP certification strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in EVMS, financial reporting, and risk management.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in high-stakes, fast-paced environments.
• Strong knowledge of engineering, logistics, supply chain, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills.

Why Join Us?

This is your opportunity to be part of a high-impact team driving critical initiatives and innovation in a thriving industry. If you’re passionate about strategic leadership, operational excellence, and seeing complex programs come to life—this role is for you.

How to Apply for This Job:

To apply for this position, please follow these steps: Apply for this job with your current resume. We’ll get back to you the same day with some feedback on your application. Next you’ll be invited to an online screening conversation so we can go over the job requirements together and you can ask questions. After this stage we’ll give you more feedback on your application and select the candidates to move forward in the process. Typically steps 1 to 4 takes less than 24 hours. This is an immediate need so I will contact you with direct feedback as soon as this step is completed.

EOE (including Disability/Veterans)

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