Aerospace & Defense Senior Acquisition & Sustainment Program Manager

Guidehouse•Tysons Corner, VA

About The Position

The Senior Program Manager leads and manages engagements with major Department of Defense (DoD) clients to improve operations and outcomes for major DoD programs. This role supports program acquisition and sustainment functions, drives alignment with cost, schedule, and performance objectives, leads teams of mid- and junior-level staff, and identifies new client challenges to address. The position oversees large-scale consulting projects for major DoD weapon systems across acquisition, sustainment, and modernization. It serves as the primary point of contact for senior government stakeholders and provides strategic guidance and status updates. The Senior Program Manager develops and maintains integrated master schedules, risk management plans, and performance metrics; coordinates cross-functional teams, subcontractors, and internal resources; and identifies and implements process improvements. The role also engages client stakeholders to build consensus, design solutions aligned with client objectives, gain buy-in for a common operating picture, solution architecture, and execution roadmap, and recommend cost-effective government-approved technologies, frameworks, and systems.

Requirements

Active and maintained Secret federal or DoD security clearance.
Bachelor's degree.
At least 10 years of experience with DoD organizations.
Currently authorized to work in the country.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Proven ability to manage complex projects, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in business, engineering, or a related field.
At least 15 years of experience in aerospace and defense or DoD production, acquisition, engineering, and/or supply chain management.
Additional certifications in program/project management and/or other relevant functional areas.
Experience applying in-depth knowledge of aerospace and defense and/or DoD practices to improve operational performance and drive cost reductions.
Experience managing programs for DoD weapon systems.
Experience with lifecycle logistics planning and maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations.
Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, flexible, fast-paced environment and adapt quickly to new information or evolving requirements.
Experience managing complex programs, ideally in DoD or aerospace and defense.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage large-scale consulting projects for major DoD weapon systems across acquisition, sustainment, and modernization activities.
Support program acquisition and sustainment functions and drive alignment with cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
Lead multiple teams of mid- and junior-level staff toward project execution.
Serve as the primary point of contact for senior government stakeholders, providing strategic guidance and status updates.
Develop and maintain integrated master schedules, risk management plans, and performance metrics.
Coordinate cross-functional teams, subcontractors, and internal resources to achieve program goals.
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance program efficiency and effectiveness.
Engage client-enterprise stakeholders to build consensus and design solutions aligned with client objectives.
Develop strategies to gain customer buy-in for a common operating picture, solution architecture, and execution roadmap.
Research and recommend cost-effective government-approved technologies, frameworks, and systems to achieve the desired future state.
Identify new client challenges to solve.