C-21 CLS Program Manager

The C-21 Program Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of a ~$30M annual aviation maintenance and operations program spanning both CONUS and OCONUS locations. This role ensures compliance with contractual requirements, regulatory standards, financial targets, and customer expectations while leading multi-site teams and maintaining operational readiness across all supported locations.

Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Oversight:
  • Provide overall program leadership, direction, and decision-making for multi-site aviation operations.
  • Ensure all activities meet contractual requirements, schedules, and performance standards.
  • Maintain strong relationships with government customers, including Contracting Officers, CORs, Program Office leadership, and base-level stakeholders.
  • Conduct regular site visits (CONUS and OCONUS) to monitor performance, support local leadership, and ensure program consistency.
• Financial Management:
  • Oversee full program financials for a ~$30M annual contract.
  • Manage budgets, forecasts, burn rates, funding levels, and cost controls.
  • Ensure accurate reporting, invoicing, and financial compliance.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety or mission readiness.
• Contract Compliance & Administration:
  • Ensure adherence to all contractual obligations, including performance metrics, reporting requirements, and deliverables.
  • Lead contract modifications, RFPs, technical proposals, and pricing actions.
  • Serve as the primary interface for contract issues, ensuring timely resolution and customer satisfaction.
• Operational Management:
  • Oversee aircraft maintenance, logistics, supply chain performance, and operational readiness across all supported sites.
  • Ensure consistent implementation of processes, procedures, and maintenance standards.
  • Support site managers and maintenance leadership to resolve operational challenges and improve efficiency.
  • Plan, coordinate, and oversee depot-level maintenance events, major inspections, structural repair programs, and aircraft modifications.
  • Manage all offsite aircraft maintenance activities, avionics upgrades, paint and corrosion control events, and specialized repair activities.
• Quality & Safety:
  • Ensure compliance with USAF and company standards for safety and quality.
  • Oversee quality assurance programs, audits, and corrective action plans.
  • Promote a culture of safety across all locations; ensure timely reporting and resolution of safety incidents.
  • Support REDs and ensure professionally written submissions to the customer.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Lead and support site managers, maintenance leads, quality managers, and administrative staff across multiple locations.
  • Hire, train, coach, and evaluate personnel to ensure high-performing teams.
  • Promote documentation culture: performance, behavior, training, and corrective actions.
  • Support leadership development for managers seeking upward mobility (e.g., into QM or PM roles).
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Attend PMRs, Ops meetings, site briefs, and customer forums.
  • Communicate program status, performance, and risks to corporate leadership.
  • Develop solutions to customer challenges and implement process improvements across all locations.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Regular travel required to CONUS and OCONUS sites.
  • Flexibility to support emergent site needs or customer meetings.

Qualifications

• 10 + years operations management in aviation environment.
• Strong financial management skills (budgeting, forecasting, cost control).
• Experience working with USAF, DoD, or similar organizations.
• Strong understanding of aircraft maintenance, quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations.
• Must have a SECRET clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience managing contracts valued at $20M+.
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS, government contracting, and aviation logistics.
• Experience with aircraft modification programs, RED process, and quality systems.
• PMP or equivalent program management certification.

Job ID

2026-27264
Work Type

Hybrid
Company Description



Work Where it Matters

Akima Logistics Services (ALS), an Akima company, is not just another federal logistics contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At ALS, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders, ALS provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, ALS delivers aviation logistics and supply chain services to the Department of Defense and federal civilian government.

As an ALS employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.