WASS Program Director

at AAR in Wood Dale, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Title: WASS Program Director

Location: United States

Job Number: 15971

About Us:

AAR’s purpose is to empower people to build innovative aerospace solutions today so you can safely reach your destination tomorrow. The company’s mission is to go above and beyond to provide value-driven aerospace aftermarket solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide. AAR constantly searches for the right thing to do for its customers, employees, partners and for society.

The Worldwide Aviation Support Services (WASS) program, an AAR business, headquartered in Rockledge, FL, provides global, world-class expeditionary and conventional aviation solutions to the US Department of State Air Wing.

Role Description:

The Program Director is responsible for the overall program operations and financial success of AAR WASS Program. Ensures overall performance, strategic planning, resource management, and alignment with corporate goals and customer expectations. Provides oversight to all management and administrative functions necessary for the safe, efficient, effective operation of the program. Sets broad program policy and direction in planning, evaluating, directing, tracking, analyzing and coordinating large, complex programs and projects.

Key Responsibilities:

+ Ensures operational requirements are safely accomplished in accordance with customers established standards and operating procedures.

+ Oversee development and implementation of comprehensive business plans to grow the business and facilitate achievements via cost-effective operations.

+ Directs support to domestic and international air movements and aerial operations within the assigned countries.

+ Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, vendors, partners, stakeholders, and shareholders.

+ Primary face to the customer at the most senior levels in the program.

+ Ensures that mission orders are consistent with and in support of contract obligations.

+ Demonstrates strong customer focus and ensures customers needs are being met and exceeded where possible.

+ Lead and motivate subordinates to advance positive employee engagement and develop and maintain a high performing managerial team.

+ Ensure all program activities align with AARs mission and vision.

+ Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred:

+ PMP Certification

Qualifications:

+ Bachelors degree from an accredited university or equivalent.

+ Minimum of 15 years of program management experience and a total of 20 years professional work experience.

+ Possess a thorough knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration regulations and other appropriate guidelines pertaining to contract operation.

+ Experience planning, evaluating, directing, tracking, analyzing and coordinating large, complex programs and projects.

+ Experience managing a cross-organizational program that included multiple complex projects and exceeded 20 million in total life-cycle costs.

+ Excellent English speaking and written communication and interpersonal skills for building strong relationships with employees, customers, stakeholders, and shareholders.

+ Financial literacy and budgeting skills for making sound financial decisions and managing resources effectively.

+ Experience with managing and mentoring project managers and general managers.

+ Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD U.S. secret clearance.

+ Ability to travel OCONUS and CONUS (approximately 20 percent).

Compensation and Benefits:

+ Salaried Position.

+ Work schedule 40 hours.

+ Competitive salary and bonus package.

+ Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

+ 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

+ Generous paid time off program.

+ Professional development and career advancement opportunities.

AAR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from people of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, or expressions. We are dedicated to the health and safety of our people, our customers, and the communities where we live and work.

AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.

AAR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.