Program Manager

Overview

The Work

 

The Program Manager provides senior-level leadership and oversight for a portfolio of projects including support to secure government facilities. This role is responsible for operational performance, financial management, and quality delivery of assigned contracts and task orders, serving as the primary voice of the customer and ensuring that project design and execution align with client objectives and Cayuse’s strategic goals.

 

Within this portfolio, the Program Manager will lead transition and onboarding activities at the contractor’s facility and provide direct oversight and periodic on-site support to the Pocket Purge project at a secure government facility. Upon completion of transition, the Program Manager’s role will evolve to focus on higher-level governance, to include compliance monitoring, performance management, risk and issue oversight, and sustain, proactive communication with site leadership and key stakeholders.

 

The Program Manager builds and sustains strategic relationships with clients and partners to enable account growth and long-term customer satisfaction, while supervising, coaching, and managing staff engaged in both strategic and day-to-day operational initiatives. This position is ultimately responsible for the successful delivery of complex, multi-task programs in Federal Government environments and for driving continuous improvement, standardization, and best practices across the entire project portfolio.

 

This position aligns with Cayuse’s core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions that meet customer needs, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio & Project Oversight

• Lead and manage multiple, concurrent projects within a defined portfolio, ensuring cohesive program execution and alignment with client and corporate objectives.
• Provide direct oversight of Project Managers, Task Leads, and PMO staff, including resource planning, workload balancing, and escalation management.
• Ensure effective strategies, optimal resource utilization, and disciplined project management practices that support timely, on-budget completion of all contract requirements.

Performance, Compliance & Delivery

• Own overall performance, compliance, and profitability for assigned contracts, scopes of work, and task orders.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality products and services, meeting or exceeding contractual requirements and performance standards.
• Maintain rigorous adherence to applicable federal regulations, contract terms, and internal policies, proactively identifying and mitigating program risks.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary customer interface and senior point of contact for assigned contracts/task orders.
• Develop, nurture, and sustain professional relationships with Federal Government clients, stakeholders, and partners to ensure responsiveness and customer satisfaction.
• Lead regular status reviews, briefings, and stakeholder communications to anticipate client needs and position Cayuse for follow-on and expansion opportunities.

Staff Leadership, Guidance & Issue Resolution

• Provide functional and technical guidance to consulting staff, program managers, and other team members to support effective delivery.
• Act as the program-level lead for resolving critical technical, operational, or staffing issues that may impact performance, schedule, or cost.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that emphasizes accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Program Planning & Documentation

• Develop comprehensive program and master schedules for Leadership review, incorporating milestones, dependencies, and resource plans.
• Ensure proper collection, storage, and management of formal program documentation in the Corporate Database and other approved repositories.
• Review and approve subordinate program and project management plans, including risk, quality, communications, and staffing plans, ensuring alignment with contract requirements and Cayuse standards.
• Assign work, monitor progress and deliverables, and provide technical and managerial support to resolve project challenges and meet critical deadlines.

Performance Metrics & Contract Compliance

• Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and service-level metrics to track contract compliance, client satisfaction, and attainment of company commitments.
• Implement data-driven performance management practices, leveraging metrics to identify trends, drive corrective actions, and improve portfolio outcomes.

RFP & SOW Development

• Review customer Statements of Work (SOWs) and related acquisition documents to identify technical, functional, and performance requirements on a per-task-order basis.
• Draft and refine SOWs and related documentation for subcontractors and teaming partners to support cost and technical proposal development.
• Collaborate with contracts, pricing, and capture/proposal teams to ensure that solutions are compliant, competitive, and executable.

Staff Development & Mentoring

• Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development support to assigned personnel, promoting career growth and retention.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, one-on-one check-ins, and feedback sessions focused on both short-term performance and long-term development.
• Identify training needs and opportunities to enhance program management capabilities and domain expertise across the team.

Business Development & Growth Support

• Partner with business development, capture, and marketing teams to support market planning, pipeline development, and account growth strategies.
• Contribute to lead generation activities, capture efforts, proposal management, solutioning, and staffing plans for new and recompete opportunities.
• Assist in shaping pursuits by leveraging client relationships, market intelligence, and program delivery insights to inform bid strategy and solution design.

Pocket Purge Project – Transition Duties

As part of the Pocket Purge project at a secure government facility, the Program Manager will perform specific transitional and limited supervisory duties, then transition to an oversight and assurance role:

Transition & Onboarding Oversight.

• Lead and coordinate all aspects of contract transition for Pocket Purge, including accurate and secure “badge flipping” for incumbents and onboarding/verifying new hires.
• Manage onboarding processing for new staff and ensure all security clearances and background checks are completed, verified, and properly documented.
• Track and report completion of all initial and recurring training and certification requirements, ensuring full compliance prior to independent duty.
• As needed Shift Supervisor Lead (Transition Period)
• Serve as an as needed Leadduring the transition period, supporting operational continuity and supplementing regular Shift Supervisor Lead coverage during surges, gaps, or absences.
• Facilitate effective transfer of institutional knowledge and operational responsibilities to two full-time Shift Supervisors who will assume primary site management after transition.
• Guide and advise the dedicated Shift Supervisors, providing escalation support and direct coverage as required to maintain continuous operations.

Stakeholder Liaison & Engagement

• Serve as the main point-of-contact for customer security officials (e.g., COR, Facility Security Officer (FSO), Security Office) during transition; provide updates, identify risks, and address concerns.
• Act as on-site POC for Security Office, COR, and FSO during designated periods, delivering regular site status updates and maintaining real-time communication with security stakeholders during incidents or special access events.

Quality, Compliance & Daily Operations Support

• Monitor and ensure adherence to all post orders, SOPs, and contract/customer directives during transition, maintaining accurate, inspection-ready documentation.
• Lead or oversee onsite access control and security operations while serving in the Shift Supervisor Lead capacity; ensure compliance with post orders, SOPs, and customer security directives.
• Conduct or oversee shift turnovers, personnel inspections, and readiness checks to ensure officers and support staff meet all operational standards.
• Manage on-site security incidents, access issues, and customer escalations while serving in the Shift Supervisor Lead role, ensuring compliance with all SOPs and standards.

Workforce Management & Training (Pocket Purge Site)

• Supervise SCA-covered access control officers and support staff during designated shift coverage; manage duty schedules and timekeeping; mentor and coach personnel; support onboarding and clearances.
• Lead compliance and continuous improvement efforts at the site, enforcing detection and response protocols; maintain inspection-ready logs and reports; identify and address procedural gaps through corrective action.
• Deliver or post training for new officers; ensure security certifications are current; communicate changes in IC security protocols; participate in audits and readiness drills.

Post-Transition Program-Level Oversight

• After successful transition, shift from direct supervisory coverage to high-level program oversight, compliance monitoring, and performance assurance for the Pocket Purge project.
• Maintain ongoing communication with site leadership, Shift Supervisors, security stakeholders, and the customer to ensure continued adherence to post orders, SOPs, and contract requirements.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned to maintain operational readiness and mission continuity at the Pocket Purge site.
• Other Duties - Perform other duties assigned to support portfolio and organizational needs.

Qualifications

Qualifications 6 Here9;s What You Need

Pocket Purge Role Requirements

• For the portion of the role that includes as needed Shift Supervisor Lead responsibilities at the secure facility, the following qualifications are required:
• 5+ years of experience in physical security, access control, military, or law enforcement roles.
• 2+ years of experience in a supervisory or shift supervisor lead role within a secure/classified environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ICD 705, SCIF access procedures, and secure operations protocols.
• ActiveTop Secret/SCI with Polygraphclearance.
• Ability to successfully pass applicable background checks; additional checks may be required by the customer.
• Must meet all physical, medical, and position-specific requirements associated with secure facility access and continuous security operations.rogram Manager Qualifications

• Bachelor9s degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Communications, or a relevant field.
• PMP certificationor10 615 years of direct project/program management experience supporting military and/or government programs.
• Minimum of 5 68 years of experience managing large, complex contracts and program-level efforts in Federal Government client environments.
• Demonstrated, established relationships and intimate working knowledge with one or more Federal Agencies/Departments, DoD Unified Commands, or major Programs.
• Proven capability to manage multi-task programs, multi-task contracts, and/or subcontracts of varying types and complexity.
• Exceptional writing, verbal communication, and organizational skills, including experience developing formal program documentation, reports, and briefings.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the FAR, DFARS, and other government regulations relevant to federal contracting.
• Strong understanding of federal business practices, including costing, pricing, profit margin analysis, and awareness of contractual obligations and risk allocations.
• Proficiency with federal market dynamics, including current solutions, technologies, and pricing trends relevant to government buyers.
• Familiarity and experience with DCAA-compliant accounting systems; experience with Deltek Costpoint is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge and experience in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and Engineering domains, including IT systems and integrations.
• Proficiency in virtual meeting and collaboration platforms (e.g., Webex, Microsoft Teams) with demonstrated ability to host and facilitate virtual/hybrid meetings.
• Current or prior security clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance as required.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check; willingness to undergo additional background checks as required by projects or clients throughout employment.
• Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Minimum Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with clients, partners, security stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with rigorous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• High adaptability and ability to quickly learn new concepts, technologies, customer missions, and security protocols.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while also thriving in cross-functional, collaborative team settings.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and