Program Manager

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

Job summary

Mohr Talent in Starkville, MS is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead large DoD programs from planning through execution. This on-site role requires coordinating across manufacturing, supply chain, and operations to meet contracts and budgets.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years in defense PM, experience with $100M+ programs, and familiarity with Navy programs. PMP/PgMP is highly preferred and US person status is required.

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.
• Strong preference for industry-side defense Program Management experience, not only government-side experience.
• Navy program experience is a strong plus.
• Experience working with government customers, military leaders, and defense industry partners.

Responsibilities

• Manage large, complex DoD programs and defense contracts from planning through execution.
• Build and maintain project plans, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and resource needs.
• Track program performance to ensure on-time delivery within budget and aligned with customer expectations.
• Lead cross-functional teams across manufacturing, supply chain, operations, quality, facilities, finance, and leadership.

Skills

DoD program management

Contract execution

Cross-functional leadership

MS Project / Microsoft Office

Program reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

MS Project

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Program Manager
Starkville, MS | $120,000-$140,000 salary
Schedule: Monday-Thursday | 7:00 AM-5:30 PM
Work Setup: 100% Onsite

About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with a growing manufacturer that supports complex government and military programs. This is a high-visibility Program Manager role supporting large-scale DoD contracts, customer deliverables, budgets, schedules, risks, and cross-functional execution across manufacturing, supply chain, operations, quality, and leadership.

This is a strong opportunity for a true industry-side defense Program Manager who has managed large DoD programs, understands contract execution, and can confidently work with senior military leaders, government customers, and internal executive teams. The company is in a major growth phase, with long-term program expansion and a strong pipeline ahead, so this role is best for someone who wants impact, visibility, and ownership.

What You’ll Be Doing

• 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.

What They’re Looking For

• 10+ years of Program Management experience in a DoD or defense manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing large-scale programs or contracts at the $100M+ level.
• Strong preference for candidates with industry-side defense Program Management experience, not only government-side experience.
• 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.
• Familiarity with ERP systems is helpful.
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent certification highly preferred
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent technical and program leadership experience.
• Must be a U.S. person due to defense and export compliance requirements.

Why You’ll Want This Role

• High-impact role tied directly to major defense program growth.
• Work on complex DoD contracts with real visibility to leadership and customers.
• Opportunity to help scale programs during a major growth phase.
• Strong fit for someone who wants more ownership than a basic project management role.
• Best for a Program Manager who understands defense manufacturing, customer expectations, contract execution, and how to keep large programs moving.

MOHR Talent is an equal-opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other protected status.