Job Title

Eleven Recruiting is seeking an experienced Head of Programs to lead a team of Program Managers supporting the transition, sustainment, and optimization of mature aerospace and defense product lines. This individual will be responsible for end-to-end program execution, including cross-functional coordination, P&L accountability, and long-term customer satisfaction. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the company's legacy products-many of which are acquired or licensed from OEMs-are sustained at the highest standards of quality, compliance, and profitability. The ideal candidate brings deep leadership capability, production planning expertise, and a sharp understanding of MRO or low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environments. Our client specializes in OEM-endorsed support of mature aerospace technologies, enabling global OEMs to divest non-core product lines while ensuring long-term availability of mission-critical components. The company serves both military and commercial aviation markets through: A global footprint of FAA/EASA-certified repair stations. A portfolio of 6,500+ active part numbers across avionics, hydraulics, fuel systems, and actuation. Licensed manufacturing and repair capabilities sourced from top-tier OEMs (including recent acquisitions from Tier 1 suppliers). Strategic growth driven by private equity backing and expansion into North America, UK, and Asia. Responsibilities: Lead and mentor a team of 10+ Program Managers, each responsible for multiple aviation legacy product lines and high-complexity programs. Oversee transition of licensed products, ensuring proper onboarding, IP integration, and ramp-up through cross-functional collaboration. Guide the team in long- and short-term program planning, issue resolution, cost control, and performance tracking. Ensure alignment with company P&L targets, budgeting frameworks, and operational KPIs. Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Contracts, Operations, Procurement, and Finance to support product delivery and strategic objectives. Maintain program compliance with applicable FAA/EASA standards, quality systems, and contractual obligations. Recommend and implement policy, workflow, or process enhancements to improve program execution and profitability. Drive effective new product hand-off processes and facilitate clean transitions to functional support departments. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or Science. 10+ years of experience in technical or engineering-oriented program/project management. 5+ years of production planning in fast-paced, low-volume/high-mix environments. 3+ years of P&L ownership and financial execution. Hands-on experience with MRP/ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.). Deep understanding of aerospace product lifecycle and sustainment models. Preferred Certifications & Competencies: PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent program management certifications. Familiarity with OEM licensing models, FAA/EASA regulatory requirements, or aerospace sustainment contracts. Deep knowledge of program financials: earned value, revenue forecasting, cost modeling, and margin optimization. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills-comfortable interfacing with customers, suppliers, and executive leadership.