Program Manager - Program Operations

SHR Consulting Group; Alexandria (VA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Ancillary benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

SHR Consulting Group, based in Alexandria, VA, seeks a Program Manager – Program Operations to lead subcontract staff, manage contracts, and be the business owner of SHR and partner subcontracts.

This people-first role blends leadership with contract management, requiring frequent travel to customer sites and an active DoD clearance. The position reports to the COO and drives growth on existing vehicles while ensuring program integrity and staff engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience leading programs with federal or DoD customers.
• Strong negotiation and contract-management skills.
• Ability to mentor staff and manage employee relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead onsite staff on SHR subcontracts and partner subcontracts.
• Negotiate subcontract terms, labor rates, and NDAs.
• Manage subcontract funding, periods of performance, and invoicing.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and flow-down clauses.
• Build relationships with prime contractors, KOs, and CORs.
• Forecast staffing needs and coordinate with recruiting.

Skills

People leadership

Emotional intelligence

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Judgment

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, IT, management, or related field

PMP certification preferred

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Program Manager - Program Operations

Full Time Alexandria, VA, US

About SHR Consulting Group

SHR Consulting Group LLC, headquartered in Alexandria, VA. Our IT Professionals help organizations by providing intelligent solutions that solve today’s problems and prepare them for tomorrow’s challenges. We focus not only on the tactical aspects of providing solutions in today’s IT landscape but also possess the strategic vision to anticipate and react to the inevitable changes that will form the basis of tomorrow’s IT landscape. SHR provides thought leadership which enables organizations to make technology investments that align with their strategic business objectives. We offer our employees a competitive benefit package including health/dental/vision insurance, 401k, ancillary benefits, and personal time-off.

Position Summary

SHR is seeking an experienced Program Manager – Program Operations as the primary leader and advocate for the employees we place on subcontracts, and the business owner of those subcontracts and our partner subcontracts. This is a people-first role: the person in it knows our onsite staff by name, is the first call when they need something, and keeps them engaged, supported, and growing.

The role blends people leadership with contract management. It owns relationships with prime contractors, partner subcontractors, Contracting Officers (KOs), and Contracting Officer's Representatives (CORs). It negotiates subcontract terms and rates, keeps our team compliant with what we owe our partners, and actively grows our footprint on existing vehicles. The position will require frequent travel to customer sites and an active DoD clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Personnel Management & Employee Engagement (approx. 25%)
• Serve as the day-to-day leader, advocate, and point of contact for employees performing on SHR subcontracts and assigned partner subcontracts.
• Hold regular one‑on‑ones and site visits; know each employee’s work, goals, and concerns.
• Lead onboarding and offboarding for staff on assigned subcontracts so every new hire has what they need on day one.
• Address performance, conduct, and workplace concerns early, partnering with HR on documentation and corrective action.
• Champion retention by recognizing good work, identifying flight risks, and acting on engagement feedback.
• Coordinate timesheets, leave, and staffing coverage with prime and customer site leads.
• Support career development, training, certifications, and internal mobility.
• Workforce Planning & Resource Management (approx. 15%):
• Forecast staffing needs across subcontracts, including option-year exercises, ramp‑ups, and period‑of‑performance end dates.
• Partner with recruiting to fill open and anticipated positions quickly with the right people.
• Build succession and backfill plans for key and hard‑to‑fill roles.
• Track workforce data (headcount, turnover, time‑to‑fill, labor category mix) and report trends to the COO.
• Negotiate subcontract terms, conditions, and labor rates with primes and partner subcontractors, protecting margin while staying competitive.
• Review and negotiate new subcontract agreements, modifications, task orders, and NDAs/teaming agreements.
• Manage subcontract funding, ceilings, periods of performance, and option exercises.
• Review partner invoices against agreements before approval and resolve billing issues.
• Customer & Prime Contractor Relationship Management (approx. 10%):
• Respond promptly and accurately to inquiries from KOs, CORs, and prime contract managers.
• Represent the company in program reviews and performance discussions.
• Resolve customer concerns about staff performance or coverage before they escal.
• Contract Compliance & Risk Management (approx. 10%):
• Ensure SHR meets obligations to partner subcontractors, including flow‑down clauses, reporting, timely payment, and communication.
• Ensure staff on SHR subcontracts follow agreement terms, including labor category qualifications and billing rules.
• Monitor deliverables, reporting deadlines, and required certifications.
• Organic Growth & Account Expansion (approx. 10%):
• Actively pursue growth on existing vehicles through outreach to primes, CORs, and customer leaders.
• Track positions open to subcontractors and promptly propose qualified candidates.
• Build relationships positioning SHR for recompetes, new task orders, and expanded scope.
• Share growth opportunities and intelligence with leadership and business development.

Experience Requirements

• 7 + years of experience in federal government contracting, including at least 3 years leading or supporting staff on government contracts.
• Experience as an onsite Program Manager supporting a federal customer.
• Demonstrated record of building trust with employees, including coaching, resolving conflict, and handling sensitive personnel matters with discretion.
• Hands‑on experience negotiating subcontract terms and labor rates.
• Working knowledge of the FAR (and DFARS where applicable), flow‑down clauses, and subcontract administration.
• Experience communicating directly with KOs, CORs, and prime contractor program and contracts staff.
• Proven ability to identify and win new positions or scope on existing contracts.

Skill Requirements

• People leadership: Approachable, present, and trusted by staff; leads through relationships, not just policy.
• Emotional intelligence: Handles sensitive conversations with care and directness.
• Negotiation: Protects company margins and interests while finding workable partner agreements.
• Attention to detail: Maintains accurate contracts, files, and commitments.
• Judgment: Knows when to resolve an issue directly and when to elevate.
• Strong written and verbal communication across employee and contracting audiences.

Education & Training

• Bachelor’s degree in business, IT, management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• PMP certification preferred.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid schedule with regular travel to government and prime contractor sites in the DMV.
• Occasional work outside normal hours to support staff or urgent customer needs.
• Standard office environment; minimal physical demands.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and clearance level.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company contribution.
• Paid time off and eleven federal holidays.
• Certification reimbursement and training support.
• Life and disability insurance.

This description reflects the general nature of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may change as business needs evolve. Salary Range: $150,000 – 180,000 USD. The advertised salary range is provided as a general guideline and does not constitute a guarantee of compensation. SHR determines individual base salary offers based on several factors, including the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s relevant experience, education, qualifications, and skills, as well as prevailing market conditions and internal compensation considerations.

SHR requires all applicants to provide accurate, truthful, complete, and non‑misleading information throughout the recruitment and application process, including resumes, screening question responses, employment history, qualifications, security clearance status, and interviews. SHR reserves the right to verify information provided by applicants, consistent with applicable laws. Any material misrepresentation, falsification, omission, or misleading statement may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an employment offer, or termination of employment if discovered after hiring, subject to applicable law.

SHR Consulting Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at SHR Consulting Group are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status or any other status protected by the laws and regulations in the location where we operate.