Head of Programs Legacy Aircrafts

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 companys legacy productsmany of which are acquired or licensed from OEMsare 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 6500 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.

• 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.

• Bachelors 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.

• 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 skillscomfortable interfacing with customers suppliers and executive leadership.