Program Manager
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 17, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 2, 2026.
Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
The Program Manager is responsible for the execution of the business case and contract in line with requirements and the agreed scope. Supports the Program Director with NPI activities up to and including Lifecycle Gate 7 and with on-going management activities of the program from Lifecycle Gate 7 and beyond. Supports the Program Director with Change Control Board activities
(This role will be based in Tallassee, AL)
Job Responsibilities
- Supports the execution of the program (including changes) to comply with all the business case and contractual requirements for their products.
- Responsible for continuously monitoring the performance of the allocated programs, managing off-track items and for reporting progress through the PPS.
- Creates Program Improvement Plans including cost improvement, pricing initiatives, enable Zero Defects Manufacturing, redesign initiatives, gaining agreement with relevant stakeholders.
- Provides input to make, move, buy decisions and strategic procurement decisions.
- Acts as the voice of the customer.
- Supports the PD / VP in defining the vision, strategy, budget for the program to optimize cash flow, profitability and growth.
- Adheres to all program management standards and policies in accordance with the GKN Aerospace Program Management framework and contribute to process development.
- Actively executes Risk, Issue and Opportunity Management to control and mitigate the risk exposure and take advantage of opportunities.
- Supports the PD in the proposal process.
- Responsible for planning and performance of Life Cycle Gate, including preceding Reviews.
- Responsible for updating Sales / Demand Plan and initiating demand management for serial purchase orders.
- Responsible for undertaking any other activity required to ensure successful delivery of the program.
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor degree in engineering, business or a technical related field.
- 10+ years of experience in the Aerospace/Defense Industries
- 5+ years of experience in program management
- Must understand performing work subject to ITAR regulations and program requirements in a manufacturing environment.
- U.S. Person per ITAR regulations to comply with export compliance and site SSA requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in operations and/or procurement
- Ability to create, manage and execute a project plan.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to build relationships with customers and other internal / external stakeholders.
- Financial acumen.
- Understanding of the business models within Aerospace.
- Either completed or registered for acknowledged Program Management Certification
- Ability to build and lead teams.
- Operates with a sense of urgency.
We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working
Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work.
We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.