Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

The Work

 

The Program Manager provides senior-level leadership and oversight for a portfolio of projects including support to secure government facilities. This role is responsible for operational performance, financial management, and quality delivery of assigned contracts and task orders, serving as the primary voice of the customer and ensuring that project design and execution align with client objectives and Cayuse’s strategic goals.

 

Within this portfolio, the Program Manager will lead transition and onboarding activities at the contractor’s facility and provide direct oversight and periodic on-site support to the project at a secure government facility. Upon completion of transition, the Program Manager’s role will evolve to focus on higher-level governance, to include compliance monitoring, performance management, risk and issue oversight, and sustain, proactive communication with site leadership and key stakeholders.

 

The Program Manager builds and sustains strategic relationships with clients and partners to enable account growth and long-term customer satisfaction, while supervising, coaching, and managing staff engaged in both strategic and day-to-day operational initiatives. This position is ultimately responsible for the successful delivery of complex, multi-task programs in Federal Government environments and for driving continuous improvement, standardization, and best practices across the entire project portfolio.

 

This position aligns with Cayuse’s core values of Innovation, Excellence, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Integrity by fostering technical solutions that meet customer needs, promoting teamwork, and prioritizing quality in deliverables.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio & Project Oversight

• Lead and manage multiple concurrent projects within an assigned portfolio, ensuring cohesive execution and alignment with client and corporate objectives.
• Provide direct oversight of Project Managers, Task Leads, and PMO staff, including resource planning, workload balancing, and escalation management.
• Drive effective strategies, disciplined project management, and optimal resource utilization to deliver all contract requirements on time and within budget.

Performance, Compliance & Delivery

• Own overall performance, compliance, and profitability for assigned contracts, scopes of work, and task orders.
• Ensure delivery of high‑quality products and services that meet or exceed contractual requirements and performance standards.
• Maintain rigorous adherence to applicable federal regulations, contract terms, and internal policies, proactively identifying and mitigating program risks.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary customer interface and senior point of contact for assigned contracts and task orders.
• Develop and sustain professional relationships with Federal Government clients, stakeholders, and partners to ensure responsiveness and customer satisfaction.
• Lead regular status reviews, briefings, and stakeholder communications to anticipate client needs and position the company for follow‑on and expansion opportunities.

Staff Leadership, Guidance & Issue Resolution

• Provide functional and technical guidance to consulting staff, program managers, and other team members to support effective delivery.
• Act as the program‑level lead for resolving critical technical, operational, or staffing issues that may impact performance, schedule, or cost.
• Foster a collaborative, high‑performance culture that emphasizes accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Program Planning, Documentation & Metrics

• Develop comprehensive program and master schedules for leadership review, incorporating milestones, dependencies, and resource plans.
• Ensure proper collection, storage, and management of formal program documentation in approved repositories.
• Review and approve subordinate program and project management plans (risk, quality, communications, and staffing), ensuring alignment with contract requirements and corporate standards.
• Assign work, monitor progress and deliverables, and provide technical and managerial support to resolve project challenges and meet critical deadlines.
• Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and service‑level metrics to track contract compliance, client satisfaction, and attainment of company commitments; use metrics to identify trends, drive corrective actions, and improve portfolio outcomes.

RFP, SOW & Business Development Support

• Review customer Statements of Work (SOWs) and acquisition documents to identify technical, functional, and performance requirements.
• Draft and refine SOWs and related documentation for subcontractors and teaming partners to support cost and technical proposal development.
• Collaborate with contracts, pricing, and capture/proposal teams to ensure that solutions are compliant, competitive, and executable.
• Partner with business development, capture, and marketing teams to support market planning, pipeline development, and account growth strategies.
• Contribute to lead generation activities, capture efforts, proposal management, solutioning, and staffing plans for new and re-compete opportunities.

Staff Development & Mentoring

• Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development support to assigned personnel, promoting career growth and retention.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, one‑on‑one check‑ins, and feedback sessions focused on short‑term performance and long‑term development.
• Identify training needs and opportunities to enhance program management capabilities and domain expertise across the team.

Transition, Operations & Oversight Duties

• Lead and coordinate transition and onboarding activities for new contracts and task orders, including verification and documentation of clearances, background checks, and required training.
• Track and report completion of initial and recurring training and certification requirements to ensure personnel readiness.
• Serve as an as‑needed on‑site lead during transition or surge periods to support operational continuity and coverage gaps.
• Facilitate transfer of institutional knowledge and operational responsibilities to designated site or shift supervisors and provide ongoing guidance and escalation support.
• Act as on‑site or primary point‑of‑contact for customer representatives and security stakeholders as required, providing status updates, identifying risks, and addressing concerns.
• Monitor and ensure adherence to post orders, SOPs, and contract/customer directives; maintain inspection‑ready documentation.
• Oversee access control and security‑related operations when serving in a site‑lead capacity, including shift turnovers, personnel inspections, readiness checks, and incident management.
• Supervise access control officers and support staff during designated coverage, including schedules, timekeeping, mentoring, and compliance with protocols.
• Lead compliance and continuous improvement efforts at assigned sites, maintaining logs and reports, enforcing detection and response protocols, and implementing corrective actions for procedural gaps.
• Coordinate or deliver training, ensure certifications remain current, communicate protocol changes, and support audits and readiness drills.
• Provide high‑level program oversight, compliance monitoring, and performance assurance across assigned contracts and sites.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support portfolio management, operational readiness, and organizational needs.

 

Qualifications

Qualifications – Here’s What You Need

• 5+ years of experience in physical security, access control, military, or law enforcement roles.
• 2+ years of experience in a supervisory or shift supervisor lead role within a secure/classified environment.
• Minimum of 5–8 years of experience managing large, complex contracts and program-level efforts in Federal Government client environments.
• PMP certification  or 10–15 years of direct project/program management experience supporting military and/or government programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ICD 705, SCIF access procedures, and secure operations protocols.
• Active Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Communications, or a relevant field.
• Proven capability to manage multi-task programs, multi-task contracts, and/or subcontracts of varying types and complexity.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the FAR, DFARS, and other government regulations relevant to federal contracting.
• Strong understanding of federal business practices, including costing, pricing, profit margin analysis, and awareness of contractual obligations and risk allocations.
• Proficiency with federal market dynamics, including current solutions, technologies, and pricing trends relevant to government buyers.
• Familiarity and experience with DCAA-compliant accounting systems; experience with Deltek Costpoint is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge and experience in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and Engineering domains, including IT systems and integrations.
• Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Minimum Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with clients, partners, security stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with rigorous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• High adaptability and ability to quickly learn new concepts, technologies, customer missions, and security protocols.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while also thriving in cross-functional, collaborative team settings.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Existing relationships with potential clients and teaming partners, enabling rapid engagement and impact.
• Willingness and ability to travel for short-term assignments as required.
• Strong business acumen and industry awareness, with demonstrated ability to translate market and mission insights into actionable program and business strategies.
• Ability to forge new individual and teaming relationships to expand Cayuse’s reach and capabilities within the federal and secure-facility marketplace.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other relevant advanced degree.
• Veteran status strongly preferred.
• Experience in market and business development, including capture, pipeline management, and growth strategy execution.
• Account management experience supporting Federal Government clients, preferably in complex, multi-year programs.
• Completion of Conventional Physical Security Course (7H-31D/830-ASIH3) or service equivalent.
• Physical Security Certification from CDSE or equivalent credential.
• Familiarity with SCA contracts, access control systems (e.g., Lenel, AMAG), video management systems (VMS), and visitor access protocols.
• Security/supervisory training (e.g., POST, FEMA IS-100/200/700).

Our Commitment to you / overview of benefits 

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter).
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided).
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year.
• Paid Time Off.

• Reports to: Managing Director

Working Conditions 

• Professional office environment with the ability to work on-site.
• Must meet all physical, medical, and position-specific requirements associated with secure facility access and continuous security operations.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time looking at computer screen.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

Other Duties:  Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

Cayuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, skills, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or local law.