Director of Programs

Job Description

Korn Ferry has partnered with our client on their search for the role, Director of Programs.

Confidential Opportunity : Director of Programs

Location : Charleston, South Carolina (Relocation Supported)

Industry : Defense Manufacturing | Private-Equity Backed | High-Growth

A high-growth, private-equity-backed defense manufacturer in the Charleston, SC region is seeking a Director of Programs to lead a portfolio of complex, high-visibility manufacturing programs supporting major U.S. Navy platforms. This is a rare opportunity to modernize a PMO from the ground up, shape the future operating model of a rapidly scaling enterprise, and directly influence programs tied to the nation’s most critical defense priorities.

With strong financial backing, expanding facilities, and accelerating customer demand, this organization is transforming from a collection of legacy businesses into a fully integrated, world-class defense manufacturing company. The Director of Programs will be one of the most pivotal hires on their journey.

The Role

The Director of Programs will own execution across a portfolio of complex defense programs—from kickoff through delivery—with full accountability for cost, schedule, technical performance, risk, and quality. This leader will serve as the senior customer interface to top-tier defense primes and DoD stakeholders, ensuring performance excellence while driving internal alignment across engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality.

Just as important : this leader will build and modernize a professional-grade PMO, establishing the processes, tools, governance, and culture needed to scale a multi-site enterprise during a period of rapid growth.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

• Modernize and professionalize a PMO : Install best-in-class program controls, dashboards, cadence reviews, risk / variance management, and a single source of truth for cost and schedule across a high-energy operation.
• High impact, high visibility : This role is central to delivering on mission-critical U.S. Navy programs and shaping performance across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Private-equity backed growth : With significant investment behind it, the company is scaling capabilities, facilities, systems, and talent—giving this leader a powerful runway to architect the next chapter.
• Defense manufacturing at national scale : The work directly supports platforms such as submarines, surface combatants, and other high-consequence programs essential to U.S. national security.

Charleston, SC quality of life

A thriving advanced-manufacturing corridor combined with coastal living, mild climate, and a dynamic regional economy—consistently ranked among the best places to live and work.

Key Responsibilities

Profile of the Ideal Leader

First-Year Success Indicators

Why Now

The company is scaling rapidly—expanding facilities, upgrading systems, increasing production capacity, and integrating operations. The Director of Programs will be the architect of execution excellence, ensuring the business matures in structure as it grows in size. This role is a career-defining opportunity for a leader who thrives at the intersection of transformation, operational discipline, and national-security impact.

Please send qualified resumes to stacey.oneill@kornferry.com .