Head of Program

Company Description

Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG) is a leading international provider of aircraft solutions across four business lines: Actuation & Flight Control Systems, Landing Systems, Cabin Comfort Systems, and Aircraft Services for the Helicopter, Business, and General Aviation markets. MAG offers integrated solutions for systems and equipment as a Tier 1 provider as well as aircraft services to OEMs and End-Users. The Group has numerous approvals and qualifications from regulatory agencies, military organizations, and OEMs. With origins rooted in Italy's historic aviation industry, MAG has expanded globally with facilities in Canada and the USA.

Role Mission

The
Head of Program & Contract Management
is responsible for the strategic, operational, and contractual management of all programs within the
Cabin Comfort Systems Division
of
Mecaer Aviation Group
.

This role leads the Program & Contract Management team, ensuring that all development, industrialization, production, and post-delivery support activities are aligned with the performance, cost, schedule, and quality objectives agreed with OEM customers and the Group's strategic partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Governance

• Lead and coordinate the Program and Contract Management team, ensuring effective planning, execution, and monitoring of ongoing and future programs.
• Define priorities, allocate resources, and establish KPIs in line with the Division's strategic goals.

• Program Management

• Oversee the full lifecycle of programs, from acquisition and development to certification, production, and after-sales support.
• Ensure strict adherence to cost targets, contractual milestones, technical quality, and delivery deadlines.
• Lead the definition and execution of recovery or improvement strategies in case of deviations from plan.

• Contract Management & Customer Relations

1. Oversee negotiation, review, and management of contracts with OEM customers, subcontractors, and partners.

2. Ensure accurate interpretation of contractual requirements and their translation into actionable program plans.

3. Manage long-term relationships with strategic customers, acting as the primary technical, operational, and commercial point of contact for the Division.

• Budget & Performance

• Define and monitor program budgets and allocated resources.
• Support Top Management in strategic planning and divisional revenue forecasting.

• Continuous Improvement

• Implement Project Governance processes and tools based on international best practices (PMI, Lean, Earned Value Management, etc.).
• Promote a results-oriented culture focused on efficiency and cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Operations, Procurement, Quality, and Finance.

Professional Requirements

• Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent).
• 5–10 years of experience in Program or Contract Management roles within the aerospace or premium automotive sectors.
• Strong understanding of aircraft development and certification processes.
• Proven experience managing complex programs with international OEM clients (e.g., Airbus, Leonardo, Bell, etc.).
• In-depth knowledge of Project Management and Contract Management methodologies.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Core Competencies

• Strategic vision and results orientation.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in complex environments.
• Customer-focused mindset and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to operate effectively in international contexts under tight deadlines and margin pressures.

Qualifications

• Program Management and Team Leadership skills
• Strong Analytical Skills for problem-solving and decision-making
• Stakeholder Management and effective communication skills
• Experience in Budgeting and financial oversight
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field
• Previous experience in the aviation industry is a plus
• Proficiency in project management software and tools

What We Offer

• A strategically significant role within a growing international aerospace group.
• A technologically advanced and dynamic work environment.
• The opportunity to actively contribute to the evolution of innovative Cabin Comfort Systems for helicopters and executive jets.