DoD Program Manager: Lead Major Defense Contracts

MOHR Talent; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

MOHR Talent in Starkville, MS is seeking an accomplished Program Manager to lead large DoD programs, manage budgets, schedules, and risks, and coordinate cross-functional teams across manufacturing, supply chain, and leadership. This onsite role focuses on defense contracts and high-visibility deliverables.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in DoD program management, navy program experience, and PMP/PgMP or equivalent.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Program Management experience in a DoD or defense manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing large-scale programs or contracts at the $100M+ level.
• Navy program experience is a strong plus.
• Experience working directly with government customers, military leaders, and defense industry partners.
• Strong understanding of program budgets, schedules, deliverables, risks, contract requirements, and customer expectations.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams without needing direct reports.
• Strong manufacturing, operations, and supply chain integration experience.
• Experience with MS Project, Microsoft Office, program reporting, and project documentation.
• PMP, PgMP or equivalent certification highly preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage large, complex DoD programs and defense contracts from planning through execution.
• Build and maintain project plans, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and resource needs.
• Support proposals, contract planning, specifications, financial terms, and program requirements.
• Track program performance to ensure work is completed on time, within budget, and aligned with customer expectations.
• Serve as a key point of contact for government customers, senior military leaders, and industry partners.
• Lead cross-functional teams across manufacturing, supply chain, operations, quality, facilities, finance, and leadership.
• Monitor program costs including labor, materials, overhead, and related project expenses.
• Identify program risks early and build mitigation plans to keep projects moving.
• Manage changes to scope, schedule, resources, and customer requirements.
• Prepare program reviews, progress reports, presentations, and leadership updates.
• Support compliance with ITAR, CMMC, internal policies, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Help improve program processes, delivery timelines, quality, and overall execution.
• Contribute to long-term growth by helping scale programs and strengthen customer and supplier partnerships.

Skills

DoD program management

Budget management

Cross-functional leadership

Contract execution

Government customer liaison

Risk management

ERP familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree

PMP PgMP certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt

Tools

MS Project

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Project documentation

Job description

MOHR Talent in Starkville, MS is seeking an accomplished Program Manager to lead large DoD programs, manage budgets, schedules, and risks, and coordinate cross-functional teams across manufacturing, supply chain, and leadership. This onsite role focuses on defense contracts and high-visibility deliverables.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in DoD program management, navy program experience, and PMP/PgMP or equivalent.