Strategic Program Manager, Government & Defense Logistics

DHL Global Forwarding; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 93,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

401(k) Match

Stock purchase plan

Medical coverage

Vision coverage

Dental coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

DHL Global Forwarding is seeking a Program Manager for the Government & Defense Sector to lead strategic customer programs and complex logistics initiatives supporting government agencies and defense contractors. This role coordinates across commercial, operational, compliance, security, and customer teams to ensure on-time delivery and government compliance.

The ideal candidate has 5–8 years of logistics or program management experience, strong stakeholder management, and proficiency in Power

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration, International Trade, or related field.
• 5-8 years of experience in logistics, freight forwarding, supply chain management, defense logistics, government contracting, or program management.
• Experience managing large customer accounts or complex logistics programs.
• Knowledge of air freight, ocean freight, customs brokerage, and multimodal transportation.
• Experience supporting government agencies, defense contractors, aerospace organizations, or regulated industries preferred.
• Strong project and program management capabilities.
• Excellent customer relationship and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong financial and operational analytical skills.
• Ability to coordinate complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and negotiation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate end-to-end logistics solutions across Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Customs Brokerage, and specialized transportation services.
• Lead customer governance activities, including operational reviews, quarterly business reviews, and executive steering meetings.
• Support commercial teams in identifying growth opportunities within existing government and defense accounts.
• Contribute to RFQs, RFPs, and contract bids by providing operational insight and customer requirements.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable government regulations, security requirements, and customer-specific compliance standards.
• Coordinate with Security, Legal, Customs, Trade Compliance, and Operational teams regarding ITAR, classified, controlled, or sensitive shipments.
• Support compliance with government contracting requirements, transportation regulations, and internal corporate policies.
• Lead implementation of new customer programs, logistics solutions, and operational enhancements.
• Manage project timelines, milestones, and stakeholder communications.
• Track and report measurable outcomes, including service improvements, cost savings, and operational efficiencies.
• Build strong relationships with customer decision-makers, internal functional leaders, and external partners.
• Coordinate activities across Operations, Customer Service, Customs, Trade Management, Security, Solutions Design, Legal, and Commercial teams.
• Influence cross-functional teams to ensure consistent execution and customer satisfaction.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional coordination

Communication skills

Power BI

MS Office

Budgeting & forecasting

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management or related field

Tools

Power BI

MS Office

Job description

DHL Global Forwarding is seeking a Program Manager for the Government & Defense Sector to lead strategic customer programs and complex logistics initiatives supporting government agencies and defense contractors. This role coordinates across commercial, operational, compliance, security, and customer teams to ensure on-time delivery and government compliance.

The ideal candidate has 5–8 years of logistics or program management experience, strong stakeholder management, and proficiency in Power