Operations Program Management

Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago's Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award.

Summary

The Operations Program Manager acts as the primary point of contact between the customer and the company during the phases of pre-production and production, and through the product end-of-life (EOL). This role is responsible for managing and reporting to various levels of the organization revenue and margins associated with assigned customer(s) products and services. The role involves coordinating activities across Operations including supply chain, quality control, and the repair station to ensure the highest customer satisfaction and profitability. The Operations Program Manager will be the subject matter expert on commercial agreements for assigned customer(s) and will be responsible for assuring commercial compliance to those agreements for both the customer(s) and the Operations organization. Additional customer facing duties may be assigned. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Customer Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact with the customer throughout pre-production, production, and product EOL phases.

Financial Management: Manage revenue and with the assistance of the Operations team, manage profit margins for products and services in production.

BRMA and Production Order Management

• • Work with the Program Administrator to ensure accuracy, e.g., pricing, hardware part number and revision, of Open BRMA’s.

• • Manage and communicate schedules for pre-production, special orders, and production deliveries.

• • Oversee BRMA process for customer(s) assigned and facilitate necessary cross-functional support as required to meet internal TAT goals.

• • With the assistance of Operations, monitor release and accuracy of production documentation to minimize production disruptions.

• • Monitor and manage forecast.

• • Monitor and manage open orders and shipped reports against the forecast.

Supply Chain Collaboration: 

• • Work closely with the Supply Chain team to proactively review material shortages; work with Engineering to identify and qualify alternate components.

• • With the assistance of the Supply Chain team, manage inventory levels to ensure on time delivery requirements are met, along with minimizing inventory exposure.

Compliance and Quality Management: With the assistance of the Quality and Compliance team,ensure product adherence to customer quality and compliance requirements, along with managing and maintaining these standards.

Risk Management: Proactively manage and mitigate risks.

• • Proactively and regularly identify potential risks in operations, including production delays, supply chain disruptions, equipment failures, and quality control issues.

• • Conduct thorough risk assessments to understand the scope and potential impact of identified risks.

• • Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to address identified risks.

Commercial Agreements: 

• • Manage production-related commercial agreements such as Basic Ordering Agreements (BOA), Product Support Agreement (PSA), Statements of Work (SoW), and Aftermarket Services Agreements.

• • Work with customer(s) to define the scope of work, generate requests for quotes, communicate the commercial proposal, and secure purchase orders.

• • Work with the Operations team throughout commercial agreements phases to ensure “buy in” to the agreement.

Interdepartmental Coordination: 

• • Coordinate activities related to Production, Quality, and Repair Stations.

• • Track and communicate ad-hoc customer requests, various deliverables along with deadlines, data requests, project updates, etc. in a timely and effective manner and ensure Operations assistance in the gathering of this information.

Customer Reviews: Lead and drive Customer reviews such as Pre-production Readiness Review (PPRR), Production Readiness Review (PRR), and Quarterly Business Review (QBR).

Internal Reviews: Lead and drive internal Production Readiness and Program Management Reviews.

Business Development Coordination: Coordinate any new opportunities with the Business Development team.

AS9145/APQP/EEPAP: Lead the development and delivery of AS9145/APQP/EEPAP documents, as required.

Process Improvement: Support continuous process improvement to enhance efficiency, quality, and productivity in production operations.

This position interacts and interfaces with the following roles and positions:

• Director, Program Management

• Business Development

• Purchasing

• Engineering

• Director of Quality

• Director of Operations

• Product Development Program Managers

• Program Administrators

Qualifications 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field

• Minimum 5 years of experience in operations program management or a related field,

Preferred:

• Two-plus years of experience in the aviation/aerospace industry

• PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt, or other relevant professional certifications preferred.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base salary: $80,000 - $95,000, influenced by several factors including experience, skill set, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs. . In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus.
• This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.

Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees, with part-time employees potentially eligible for these benefits on a pro-rated basis.

• Stay Healthy – Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.
• Save for the Future – 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a “safe harbor” plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.
• Find Balance – Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
• Time for You – Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.
• Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program