Program Manager

Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, the Program Manager is responsible for the end-to-end management of all aspects of assigned customer programs throughout their entire life cycle, from the contractual phase to the production and delivery of parts. The position holder is accountable for the overall program’s performance in terms of Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Schedule, in compliance with regulatory requirements and aerospace industry standards, notably those of Boeing, one of our major customers. Acting as the primary customer point of contact, the individual in this role coordinates cross-functional teams internally and externally and collaborates with the supply chain to ensure supplier performance, risk management, and value-chain alignment, particularly for titanium seat-track rails for the Boeing 787. The Program Manager must continuously maintain a balance between customer satisfaction and the financial profitability of programs for Howmet Aerospace.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Program Management and Leadership

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure achievement of program objectives related to Quality, Cost, Schedule, and Delivery.

• Synchronize program execution by integrating short-term customer orders (0–12 months), mid-term sales forecasts (13–28 months), and production and procurement plans.

• Oversee the on-site commercial team and ensure alignment of its activities with program objectives.

Operational Performance and Continuous Improvement

• Assess the operational readiness and execution capability of Howmet facilities and the supply chain to meet program requirements.

• Define, monitor, and drive recovery plans and continuous improvement initiatives with internal and external stakeholders.

• Develop, maintain, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), and implement corrective and preventive actions related to delivery, quality, costs, and cost of non-quality.

• Maintain program dashboards, track issues, and escalate critical problems to the appropriate level.

• Continuously identify opportunities to increase customer value and improve program profitability for Howmet.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Identify, document, and manage program risks, and define or recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.

• Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, regulatory obligations, and applicable aerospace industry standards.

Customer and Sales Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for customers and manage the sales and contractual aspects of programs in collaboration with the U.S.-based sales team.

• Plan, organize, and coordinate the preparation of bids and sales proposals (RFQs).

• Provide weekly and monthly progress reports.

Supplier and Supply Chain Management

• Monitor and manage supplier performance, including commercial issues, in partnership with internal procurement teams and the U.S. corporate office.

• Work closely with the supply chain to ensure material availability, compliance, and overall performance of external partners.

Mentoring and Internal Team Coordination

• Provide mentoring and support for the professional development of team members.

• Promote knowledge sharing and strengthening of internal capabilities.

• Coordinate the activities of various internal teams involved in the programs.

• Ensure clear allocation of responsibilities and priorities.

• Maintain effective communication among teams to optimize collective performance and achieve program objectives.

Travel and Other Responsibilities

• Undertake occasional travel within and outside Canada to meet customers and suppliers associated with assigned programs.

• Perform any other related duties associated with the position.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Engineering, Operations Management, or another appropriate technical discipline).
• Bilingual in French and English, both written and spoken.
• Minimum of 5 years of verifiable experience managing complex programs.
• Experience in the aerospace sector and in lean manufacturing environments is essential.
• Machining experience is an asset.
• Proficiency with SAP and MS Office tools, including MS Project and Visio.
• Asset: 10 years of proven experience and recognized expertise in one of the following areas: quality, supply chain, operations.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• High level of autonomy while fostering teamwork and collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to transform problems and opportunities into effective, actionable plans.
• Perseverance and ability to lead change.
• Ability to inspire trust and build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, adapted to different contexts: operational environments, executive reporting, and customer interactions.
• Strategic and analytical thinking, with a focus on solutions that benefit all stakeholders.
• Strong influencing, persuasion, and coordination skills at all levels of the organization and with external partners.
• Strong negotiation skills and proven experience managing typical commercial contracts.