Top Secret Cleared Program Manager

Zantech; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Zantech is seeking a Program Manager based in Arlington, VA, for an onsite role supporting Service Delivery & Resource Allocation Management. The Program Manager will oversee contract management, quality assurance, and maintain personnel direction.

Candidate must have substantial experience in DoD R&D and a track record of managing government contracts. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance and continuity of operations while maintaining a high personnel retention rate. Strong interpersonal and management skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience, with 3 in a supervisory role on DoD R&D efforts.
• Proven track record in managing government advisory and assistance contracts.
• Experience with quality control plans and continuity of operations strategies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact to Contracting Officer and Representative.
• Direct and coordinate contractor personnel across all functions.
• Develop and execute the Quality Control Plan and Transition-In Plan.
• Maintain an 80% personnel retention rate over 12 months.

Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Understanding of DARPA or DoD program management processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in any field

Master's degree in Business Administration or related field

PMP (Project Management Professional)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Zantech is looking for a talented Program Manager to contribute to the success of our upcoming Service Delivery & Resource Allocation Management Support project for an onsite role based out of Arlington, VA.

The Program Manager will play a crucial role in providing:

• General support to Office Director, Deputy Director, Deputy Program Directors, ADPM, and Program Managers
• Comprehensive personnel management; workforce stability; vacancy notification and replacement
• Contractor training oversight
• Quality assurance across financial, administrative, acquisition, and technical support tasks

The Program Manager serves as the primary interface between the contractor team and Government leadership. This individual is responsible for overall contract management, quality assurance, personnel direction, regulatory compliance, and ensuring mission continuity across all task areas. This role carries direct accountability for contractor performance against all Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs) in the PWS and a required 80% personnel retention rate over any 12‑month period.

Designated Impact

The Program Manager has the Highest-accountability role on the contract. Decisions made by this individual directly affect mission execution, program continuity, and the contractor's performance rating.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contractor point of contact (POC) to the Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)
• Direct, monitor, and coordinate all contractor personnel assigned under the task order across financial, administrative, acquisition, and technical support functions
• Develop, maintain, and execute the Quality Control Plan (QCP); submit within 15 days of award and quarterly thereafter
• Develop and execute the Transition-In Plan; submit within 5 calendar days of task order award
• Provide written vacancy notification to COR and CO within 1 business day; propose replacement candidates within 7 business days
• Ensure all onboarded personnel attend DARPA Base Camp within their first week and ADPM onboarding within their first month
• Prepare and deliver the Monthly Contractor Progress, Status, and Management Report and Monthly Contractor Badge Data List
• Maintain 80% personnel retention rate over any 12-month performance period
• Ensure all personnel possess and maintain the required security clearances per Attachment 02
• Respond to COR surge requirements within 7 business days of labor/duration agreement
• Complete and comply with all required NDAs, security awareness, and privacy training

Required Experience or Knowledge

• Minimum 6 years; at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity directing major DoD R&D efforts
• Proven track record managing government advisory and assistance services (AAS) contracts
• Experience developing and executing quality control plans, transition plans, and continuity of operations strategies
• Strong understanding of DARPA or DoD program management processes and reporting requirements
• Demonstrated ability to staff, direct, and retain a multi-disciplinary team on classified programs
• Experience with DARPA OASIS+ or similar IDIQ contract vehicles strongly preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with classified network environments (SIPRNet, JWICS)
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to deal with conflicts and diverse stakeholders

Required Education/Certifications

• Education Required
  • Bachelor's degree in any field
• Education Preferred
  • Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field
• Preferred Certifications
  • PMP (Project Management Professional)
  • DAU Program Management coursework (PMT 250/255 or equivalent)

Required Security Clearance

• US Citizenship required
• Must possess and Active US Top Secret (TS); must be eligible for SCI access