Program Manager, Operational Technology (OT)

The Operational Technology (OT) Program Manager is responsible for financial oversight and performance management of client facing OT projects and programs. This role ensures that each client engagement is financially healthy, contract compliant, and profitable, while aligned with delivery commitments and risk tolerance.

The Program Manager oversees the financial health of individual client projects and the aggregate project portfolio, using financial data provided by a Project Accountant. The role focuses on analysis, governance, forecasting, risk identification, and corrective action, rather than transactional accounting. This position acts as the primary financial steward of client delivery, partnering closely with project managers, delivery leads, project accounting, and executive leadership. Recommend and support appropriate application(s) to record, report, and disseminate project information.

Core Accountability

• Financial health of individual client projects

• Aggregate profitability and cash performance of the client project portfolio

• Early identification of financial risk and margin erosion

• Executive visibility into financial performance and trends

Key Responsibilities

Individual Project Financial Oversight

• Own financial performance oversight for client OT projects from contract award through closeout

• Review and analyze financial data provided by the Project Accountant, including:

• Budget vs. actuals

• Burn Rate

• Forecast to complete (ETC)

• Estimate at completion (EAC)

• Revenue recognition and margin trends

• Identify financial risks such as cost overruns, scope creep, unbilled work, or margin erosion

• Partner with Project Managers to develop and execute financial recovery or mitigation plans

• Ensure project financials align with contract terms, scope, and delivery assumptions

Portfolio Level Financial Management

• Maintain a portfolio level view of financial performance across all client OT engagements

• Identify trends and systemic risks impacting profitability, utilization, or cash flow

• Support prioritization decisions based on financial health, risk exposure, and revenue impact

• Provide leadership with consolidated views of:

• Revenue and margin performance

• Forecast accuracy

• At risk projects

• Capacity and delivery constraints

Forecasting & Financial Controls

• Validate project forecasts and challenge assumptions driving EAC and margin projections

• Ensure forecast updates reflect delivery realities and emerging risks

• Monitor financial impacts of scope changes, change orders, and contract amendments

• Ensure financial discipline across project execution without impeding client delivery

Collaboration with Project Accounting

• Partner closely with the Project Accountant to:

• Interpret financial data and trends

• Clarify variances and anomalies

• Ensure consistent application of financial rules and methodologies

• Leverage accounting insights to drive actionable decisions, not just reporting

• Support audits, reviews, and financial governance processes as needed

Client & Contract Financial Governance

• Support financial aspects of client governance, including:

• Change order financial analysis

• Contract margin protection

• Revenue and billing risk identification

• Ensure project execution remains financially aligned with contractual commitments.

• Escalate financial risks that could impact client satisfaction or company performance.

Executive Reporting & Communication

• Provide clear, concise financial insights to senior leadership

• Translate project delivery issues into financial implications and recommendations

• Support decision making with data driven analysis and scenario impacts

• Contribute to quarterly and annual business performance reviews

• 7-10+ years experience managing client facing projects or programs with financial accountability preferably in an OT environment

• Demonstrated experience overseeing project level financial performance using accounting inputs

• Strong understanding of project cost structures, margins, forecasting, and contract economics

• Ability to analyze financial data and drive corrective actions with delivery teams

• Strong communication skills with technical, financial, and executive stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in OT, industrial automation, engineering services, or systems integration

• Background in capital projects, professional services, or fixed price / T&M engagements

• MBA or advanced business degree

• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent program management certification

• Familiarity with revenue recognition and project accounting concepts (without being an accountant)

• Familiar with Program/Project Management Software

Jacobs is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about your rights under Federal EEO laws and supplemental language.