Role SummaryThe Acquisition Lead/Program Manager provides strategic leadership and hands-on oversight across all phases of program execution within the federal contracting environment. This dual-role leader combines deep expertise in federal acquisition management with proven program and project management skills to ensure delivery of mission-critical initiatives. The individual oversees contract performance, resource allocation, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance-ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and in full alignment with government requirements and organizational goals.
Key Roles & ResponsibilitiesAcquisition Strategy & Compliance- Advise government program managers on acquisition planning, contract execution, and regulatory compliance across the full acquisition lifecycle.
- Ensure adherence to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and agency-specific procurement protocols.
- Serve as the primary interface with Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs), aligning deliverables with contract requirements and performance metrics.
- Develop Statements of Work (SOWs), acquisition strategies, independent government cost estimates (IGCEs), and Justifications and Approvals (J&As) for other than full and open competition.
Program & Project Management- Lead large-scale, complex government programs and contracts from initiation through closeout, ensuring adherence to schedule, budget, and performance standards.
- Manage integrated project plans, risk registers, resource matrices, and stakeholder communication strategies to ensure program transparency and accountability.
- Oversee day-to-day operational execution, including cost control, milestone tracking, and team coordination across functional and technical domains.
- Drive the implementation of work breakdown structures (WBS), integrated master schedules (IMS), and earned value management (EVM) to track performance and cost variances.
Cross-Functional Team Leadership- Supervise and mentor multidisciplinary teams of acquisition, financial, and technical professionals to execute programmatic goals.
- Foster a collaborative team environment that encourages open communication, innovation, and alignment with client objectives.
- Facilitate performance reviews, staffing decisions, and workload balancing to meet evolving program demands.
Client Engagement & Stakeholder Management- Cultivate strong relationships with government clients, ensuring their evolving needs are met and exceeded through adaptive delivery models.
- Provide regular program status updates, briefings, and executive summaries to senior leadership, contracting officers, and oversight bodies.
- Act as a trusted advisor to clients on acquisition reform, modernization strategies, and best practices.
Required Qualifications:- Active Public Trust Clearance Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Public Policy, or relevant technical field (Master's degree preferred).
- Certifications
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
- 12+ years of experience in federal acquisition, contract management, and/or program management.
- 10+ years in managing complex government programs, with 5+ years in a leadership or supervisory role.
- 10+ years of experience managing multiple contract types (FFP, T&M, IDIQ/BPA) and leading source selections, contract modifications, and performance evaluations.
- Proven experience in developing and commercializing software toolkits.
- Demonstrated success managing cross-functional teams in the execution of multimillion-dollar government programs
- Track record of ensuring program compliance, risk mitigation, and quality delivery under strict federal guidelines.
Preferred Qualifications- Master's degree in Business Administration, Management, Public Policy, or relevant technical field
- Certifications
- FAC-P/PM or DAWIA Level III in Program Management or Contracting
- Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) or equivalent
Skills and CompetenciesTechnical & Acquisition Knowledge- Deep knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific procurement regulations.
- Skilled in drafting and reviewing acquisition packages, IGCEs, source selection plans, evaluation criteria, and compliance checklists.
- Strong understanding of contract types, CLIN structures, and regulatory requirements including small business participation, CPARS, and invoicing.
Program & Financial Management- Proficient in managing program schedules, cost control, and budgeting using EVM and related tools.
- Strong command of tools such as MS Project, Deltek, and custom government systems (e.g., PRISM, FPDS-NG, SAM.gov).
- Ability to apply industry standards and frameworks such as PMI PMBOK, Agile, and ITIL in hybrid project environments.
Leadership & Communication- Effective leader and mentor with experience managing geographically dispersed teams and subcontractors.
- High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills for influencing, negotiating, and resolving stakeholder concerns.
- Skilled in creating executive-level briefings, audit responses, and performance reports.
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving- Exceptional analytical capabilities to identify, assess, and resolve acquisition risks and operational constraints.
- Adaptive thinker capable of balancing strategic direction with tactical execution in dynamic environments.
- Continuous improvement mindset focused on increasing acquisition efficiency, cycle time reduction, and cost-effectiveness.
Candidates from Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) are strongly encouraged to apply. To determine whether you reside in a HUBZone, visit: https://maps.certify.sba.gov/hubzone/map.The salary range represents a general guideline; however, Steel Point Solutions considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Salary Range
$115,000-$135,000 USD
Steel Point offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible full-time positions, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401K with company match, critical care voluntary insurance, flexible paid time off, paid holidays and opportunities for professional development reimbursement. Join us to enjoy competitive compensation and a full range of benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.
The salary range represents a general guideline; however, Steel Point Solutions considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Salary Range
$115,000-$135,000 USD