Director of Programs

Director of Programs

Date: Sep 3, 2025

Location:Tallassee, AL, US

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

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.

Program Director - Defense Business Line

Tallassee, AL | Full-Time | Aerospace & Defense | Competitive Compensation + Benefits

Are you a strategic leader ready to make a lasting impact in the aerospace and defense industry? We’re looking for a Program Directorto serve as a key leaderat our Tallassee, Alabama site, driving the success of a diverse portfolio of aircraft component production programs and playing a critical role in the growth and performance of our operations. In this high-visibility role, you’ll lead the Program Management Office (PMO), oversee execution across multiple defense programs, and serve as the primary customer interface. Your leadership will be essential to delivering excellence in cost, schedule, quality, and innovation, right from the heart of one of our most important manufacturing hubs.

What You'll Do

• Ensure flawless execution of all programs in your portfolio, meeting business case and contractual requirements.
• Lead and represent the PMO on the Site Leadership Team, coordinating cross-functional efforts.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with the Tallassee customer community.
• Monitor program performance, track cost, schedule, and milestones, and report progress to internal and external stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in affordability, pricing, Zero Defects Manufacturing, and engineering design.
• Manage change and growth across the portfolio, including bid and proposal activities and contract negotiations.
• Define and execute the vision, strategy, and budget to meet sales, profit, quality, and delivery goals.
• Champion a positive, inclusive culture aligned with GKN’s Great Place to Work values.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Science, Finance, Mathematics, or Business.
• 10+ years of complex program management and cross-functional leadership experience.
• Eligibility to work on programs subject to ITAR/EAR regulations.

What Helps You Stand Out

• 10+ years of aerospace experience (military or industry).
• Proven success managing complex aerospace programs as a prime or major subcontractor.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills with a focus on collaboration and empowerment.
• Advanced problem-solving abilities and proficiency in program management tools.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder relationship-building skills.

Why Tallassee?

Located in central Alabama, Tallassee offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big opportunity. With a rich manufacturing legacy, growing aerospace footprint, and close proximity to a world class research university in neighboring Auburn; it’s the perfect place to lead high-impact programs while enjoying a strong sense of community and quality of life.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary + performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive benefits (health, 401(k), PTO, etc.)
• Leadership opportunities in a mission-critical industry
• A collaborative, innovation-driven culture

Apply now to lead programs that power the future of defense aviation, right from the heart of Tallassee.

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.​

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