Program Manager

The Ed Wallach Search Group; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ed Wallach Search Group is seeking a Program Manager in Columbia, MD to lead programs from award through closeout, ensuring delivery and customer satisfaction. You will interface with customers and cross-functional teams to drive successful execution and compliance with contractual obligations.

Candidates should bring a decade of PM experience in the defense industry, government contract familiarity, and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of program management experience within the defense industry.
• Experience managing programs valued at approximately $5M–$25M annually.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage assigned programs from inception through closeout, ensuring requirements are met on schedule and within cost targets.
• Oversee all aspects of program execution: proposals, contract negotiations, planning, scheduling, risk, budgeting, cost control, technical performance, quality, safety.

Skills

Program management

Defense industry experience

EVMS

Leadership

Cross-functional coordination

Travel domestically/internationally

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, contracts, economics, or related technical discipline

PMP certification (preferred)

Tools

Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)

Job description

Location: Columbia, MD

Security Clearance: US Citizen/Clearable

The Program Manager is responsible for leading all phases of product and service programs, from contract award through program closeout.

This role has full accountability for program execution, performance, and customer satisfaction, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products and services that meet contractual, technical, cost, schedule, quality, and safety requirements.

The Program Manager serves as the primary customer interface, directs cross-functional resources, and ensures all contractual obligations are fulfilled.

On select programs, this individual may serve in a deputy capacity as directed by the Vice President of Program Management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage assigned programs from inception through closeout, ensuring program requirements are achieved on schedule and within approved cost targets.
• Oversee all aspects of program execution, including proposal development, contract negotiations, program planning, scheduling, risk management, budgeting, cost control, technical performance, quality, safety, and delivery of contractual products, services, and data.
• Develop, maintain, and control required program documentation, including:
• Program budgets and spend plans
• Statements of Work (SOW)
• Technical specifications
• Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and dictionaries
• Organizational Breakdown Structures (OBS)
• Program schedules and work authorization documents
• Establish program milestones and monitor performance against master plans and schedules. Identify program risks and lead the development and execution of mitigation strategies.
• Manage programs within a matrixed organization, coordinating cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers and major vendors, including coordinating customer reviews and obtaining acceptance of deliverables.
• Utilize Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) to monitor and manage labor, material, travel, and other direct program costs.
• Support business growth by identifying follow-on opportunities with existing customers and assisting Business Development efforts on new initiatives, including proposal preparation and coordination.
• For applicable programs, oversee and support OCONUS activities conducted by the company and partner organizations, maintaining regular communication with international counterparts and traveling internationally as required.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, contracts, economics, or a related technical discipline required.
• Advanced degree and/or PMP certification preferred.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of program management experience within the defense industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing programs valued at approximately $5M–$25M annually.
• Experience managing both commercial and U.S. government contracts.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Strong verbal and written communication, analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and complex cross-functional initiatives in a high-pressure environment.