Manufacturing Program Manager

For over 65 years, Columbia Helicopters have been a trusted provider of heavy-lift helicopter services. We create new aircraft, fly heavy-lift helicopters around the world, and provide maintenance support to ensure you are mission-ready for critical operations. If you are passionate about aviation, join our Columbia Family!

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Manufacturing Program Manager to oversee the supply of critical materials supporting aircraft and hangar projects. In this role, you'll drive material readiness, manage supplier coordination, and ensure timely delivery of components across new product introductions (NPI), in-production, and legacy aircraft programs. This role is a key bridge between Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, and external suppliers-helping maintain operational efficiency and aircraft availability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage end-to-end material flow for aircraft and NPI projects, leveraging deep knowledge of aviation maintenance, QA, and manufacturing practices

Lead cross-functional projects involving Supply Chain, Production Planning, and Shop Management to ensure on-time and cost-effective material fulfillment

Drive technical alignment between Production Planning and Manufacturing Support Engineering for program requirements

Oversee procurement activities for assigned projects, collaborating closely with Procurement and Fleet Management to anticipate risks and resolve supply issues early

Conduct material readiness meetings with Fleet and Supply Chain leaders to ensure alignment and transparency across supplier challenges, logistics, lead times, and constraints

Execute make/buy decisions and manage source selection, balancing quality, cost, and delivery

Develop strategic sourcing plans to ensure uninterrupted material flow; negotiate supplier contracts when required

Monitor program performance metrics and provide regular reporting to senior leadership

Interpret engineering drawings, service bulletins, and ICA documents to proactively trigger part provisioning and material planning

Solve complex supply problems using advanced analytical skills and aviation program experience.

Identify and lead supply chain continuous improvement initiatives QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience in aerospace/aviation may substitute for a degree

Minimum of 5 years' experience in supply chain or program management within aerospace or a related technical industry

Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification and/or APICS CSCP certification highly preferred

Proficiency with Quality Management Systems and vendor management best practices

Experience applying Lean principles in production environments is a plus

Strong project management capabilities, including scheduling, budgeting, and risk planning

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, MS Project)

Self-starter with excellent problem-solving abilities and the ability to work independently

Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across functional teams and leadership levels

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)