PROGRAM MANAGER in Blaine, Minnesota at Chandler Industries LLC

About us:

Chandler Industries is a premier contract manufacturer specializing in precision machining, EDM, sheet metal fabrication, and a range of value-added services. We excel in providing exceptional value through responsive customer service, technical expertise, and innovative lean manufacturing practices. Our commitment to delivering world-class quality and on-time performance has made us a trusted partner for our customers. Chandler operates five divisions, including four in Minnesota—Blaine, Long Prairie, Montevideo, and Wyoming—and one in Lake Mills, Wisconsin.

The Program Manager is responsible for the end-to-end management of assigned customer programs from contract award through delivery and closeout. This role serves as the primary customer interface and internal cross-functional coordinator, ensuring programs are executed on schedule, within budget, and in full conformance with customer technical and quality requirements. The Program Manager supports a portfolio of accounts across the aerospace, defense, medical, and space sectors.

Program Execution

• Manage all assigned programs from kickoff through delivery, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and contractual obligations are met
• Develop and maintain program schedules, work breakdown structures, and action item logs
• Monitor program performance against cost, schedule, and quality baselines; identify variances and implement corrective actions
• Coordinate with production, engineering, quality, supply chain, and finance to ensure alignment across all program activities
• Lead program kickoff meetings, customer reviews, and internal status meetings

Customer Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customers
• Respond to customer inquiries, RFQs, and change requests in a timely and professional manner
• Proactively communicate program status, risks, and recovery plans to customers
• Support customer audits, source inspections, and facility visits

Risk and Change Management

• Identify and document program risks; develop and execute mitigation strategies
• Manage engineering change orders (ECOs) and contract modifications, ensuring proper documentation and customer approval
• Escalate issues to Sr, Program Manager and leadership with recommended solutions

Financial Management

• Support quote and proposal development for new and follow-on work
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and margin improvement

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure all deliverables meet applicable specifications, standards, and regulatory requirements including AS9100, ISO 13485, ITAR, and DFARS as applicable
• Support first article inspection (FAI) coordination and customer acceptance activities
• Maintain accurate program records and documentation in the ERP/MRP system

Required Skills and Experience (Minimum requirements in terms of educational background, work experience, licenses/certifications or other knowledge, skills, and abilities).

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field; or equivalent work experience.
• 3–5 years of program or project management experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of CNC machining processes, materials, and manufacturing workflows.
• Familiarity with aerospace, defense, medical, or space industry requirements and quality standards (AS9100, ISO 13485, NADCAP)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications
• Strong resilience and ability to remain unflappable under pressure.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Negotiation skills.
• Proficient reading, writing, oral communication, and comprehension in English language.
• Demonstrated proficiency with ERP/MPR Systems. Epicor would be a plus.
• Familiarity in the interpretation and use of engineered drawings/models and engineering specifications.
• Ability to identify and evaluate complex, ambiguous business problems or technical issues and provide well thought-out solutions.
• Attention to data, detail, and thoroughness in completing work tasks.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively within the organization and collaborate with internal and external customers to determine requirements and eliminate any barriers that may affect the quality and delivery of product.
• This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All employees must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Additional Skills and Experience (Preferred or helpful)

• Experience with ITAR-controlled programs
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS contract requirements
• Exposure to Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience working in contract manufacturing or job shop business environment.
• Experience working in the Aerospace, Medical or other highly regulated industry.
• AS9100 and NADCAP experience.
• Proficiency with ERP software, scheduling systems, general capacity planning desired.
• PMI Project Management Professional certification and / or Lean/Sigma certification highly desirable.
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Compensation is determined based on a variety of factors related to the specific position. These may include skills, relevant experience, education, internal equity, business needs, and local market conditions. While the full range is shared for transparency, offers are rarely made at the minimum or maximum of the range.

Chandler offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees and their dependents. This includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; a 401(k) plan with company match; and a range of supplemental benefit options. In addition, eligible employees receive paid holidays and paid time off.