Program Planning & Scheduling Manager

The Program Planning & Scheduling Manager at Otto Aviation is responsible for developing and maintaining integrated master schedules for various aviation programs, collaborating with technical program managers to ensure seamless task planning and progress monitoring. Their role involves managing scheduling efforts, mitigating risks, and implementing best practices for project execution.

Candidates for the Program Planning & Scheduling Manager position at Otto Aviation should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field, along with a minimum of five years of experience in technical program or project management, especially within the aviation industry. Previous experience with complex hardware/software development is also highly regarded.

The Program Planning & Scheduling Manager contributes to the success of projects at Otto Aviation by ensuring that all schedule activities are effectively communicated and aligned with stakeholder expectations. They are pivotal in identifying resource gaps, driving cross-functional collaboration, and delivering actionable performance reporting to support program management’s decisions.

In the role of Program Planning & Scheduling Manager at Otto Aviation, common tools used include MS Project for scheduling, along with Jira for project tracking and Doors for requirements management. Familiarity with these tools is essential to efficiently manage schedules and collaborate with various teams.

Key interpersonal skills for a Program Planning & Scheduling Manager at Otto Aviation include critical thinking, strong organizational abilities, and excellent communication skills. Additionally, the ability to work collaboratively across teams, actively listen to stakeholders, and provide clear problem-solving solutions are vital for project success.

When answering this question, detail your previous roles where you managed integrated master schedules. Highlight specific projects, the tools you used, and how you ensured timely delivery of project milestones. Share outcomes demonstrating your scheduling success.

Discuss your approach to prioritization, such as using criteria like project deadlines, impact, and resource availability. Provide examples from past experiences and how you successfully managed conflicts between competing priorities.

Mention any methodologies you are familiar with, such as Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall. Explain how you successfully implemented these methodologies in past projects to enhance team collaboration and deliver results on time.

Describe your approach to monitoring project progress and how you proactively identify risks. Share how you adapt schedules based on changes and engage with stakeholders to manage expectations during such adjustments.

Detail your proficiency with relevant tools such as MS Project, Jira, or Doors. Share specific examples of how you've used these tools to enhance project management practices and facilitate communication among team members.

Share a specific instance where you faced significant challenges during a project. Focus on the strategies you implemented to overcome these obstacles, the role you played in resolving issues, and the successful outcomes that resulted.

Discuss your communication style and techniques. Give examples of how you ensure that stakeholders are kept informed through regular updates, presentations, or reports, emphasizing the importance of transparency and clarity.

Highlight your understanding of the best practices involved in creating standardized scheduling processes. Discuss any experience you have with documenting these procedures and ensuring team adherence to improve efficiency.

Talk about the importance of setting clear expectations and deliverables for team members. Share examples of how you tracked progress and fostered a sense of ownership among team members through regular check-ins and feedback.

Express your enthusiasm for aviation and how Otto Aviation's commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns with your career goals. Share what excites you about the company’s vision and how you feel you can contribute positively to its success.