Small Business Liaison Office Program Manager

Agile Defense • McLean, VA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced, motivated Small Business Program Manager to lead and grow our Small Business Liaison Office (SBLO). This critical role will own and be accountable for the strategy, execution, compliance, and continuous improvement of the company’s small business infrastructure, policies, and processes. As a mid-size defense contractor supporting both Defense and Federal Civilian sectors, we are committed to advancing small business participation in alignment with FAR, DFARS, and SBA goals. The Program Manager will serve as the company’s designated SBLO with enterprise-wide accountability for subcontracting plan compliance, reporting accuracy, audit readiness, and achievement of small business goals. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with deep federal contracting expertise who can collaborate across functions, operate independently, and enforce compliance standards while influencing cross-functional stakeholders.

What We’re Looking for in a Candidate
A self-starter who thrives in a building role and is comfortable with both strategic planning and hands-on execution. A mission-driven individual with a passion for creating meaningful impact through small business engagement. Highly detail-oriented, with the discipline to ensure full compliance and quality in all deliverables. A strong collaborator and influencer, capable of working cross-functionally to align objectives and implement change. Someone who can think both strategically and tactically, balancing long-term program development with immediate operational needs. A partner to the business, especially the growth and business development teams, contributing to winning strategies through effective small business integration. Comfortable exercising independent judgment and holding stakeholders accountable to subcontracting commitments and reporting requirements. Able to operate with minimal oversight and take proactive ownership of deadlines, audits, and compliance risks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Contract Management, or related field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in government contracting, supplier diversity, or procurement, with 5+ years in a leadership or management capacity.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing compliant small business subcontracting plans.
• Experience with federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFARS), SBA requirements, eSRS reporting, and CPSR preparation.
• Familiarity with the defense and/or federal civilian contracting environment.
• Demonstrated experience owning and delivering compliant subcontracting programs in a CPSR-regulated environment.
• Experience being directly accountable for ISR/SSR submissions and subcontracting goal performance.
• Proven ability to establish structure and process in environments lacking mature small business governance.
• Deep understanding of small business regulations, compliance, and federal subcontracting practices.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience creating reports and executive briefings.
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills, with the ability to partner across procurement, contracts, legal, growth, and leadership teams.
• Highly analytical with the ability to derive insights from data and present actionable recommendations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel (reporting), Word (plan development), and PowerPoint (briefings).
• Demonstrated experience with systems such as Deltek Costpoint, MS SharePoint and Teams, and/or similar procurement platforms (e.g., SpendLogic Salesforce, etc.).
• Strong executive presence and ability to escalate compliance risks appropriately.
• High level of personal accountability and follow-through.
• Ability to create structure, timelines, and internal accountability mechanisms

Nice To Haves

• Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), or equivalent is preferred.
• Prior experience standing up or significantly expanding a small business program is highly desirable.
• Master’s degree or additional training in Federal Acquisition, Supply Chain, or Public Administration.
• Experience working in the defense or national security sector with an understanding of its unique compliance and operational challenges.
• Experience participating in or leading Mentor-Protégé programs.
• Active involvement in industry groups (e.g., NCMA, NMSDC, SBA advocacy coalitions).
• Ability to support OCONUS programs and compliance considerations.
• Data visualization and dashboard creation skills.

Responsibilities

• Build, formalize, and mature the company's Small Business Program and Liaison Office, expanding on current foundational elements.
• Design and implement small business strategies, policies, and procedures that align with FAR, DFARS, and SBA regulations.
• Develop, manage, and submit Small Business Subcontracting Plans and related documentation for new proposals and existing contracts.
• Ensure compliance with small business goals and reporting requirements, including preparation and submission of Individual Subcontracting Reports (ISR) and Summary Subcontracting Reports (SSR) in the Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS).
• Represent the company during SBA audits, CPSRs, and other federal compliance reviews.
• Partner with growth and business development teams to integrate small business strategies into capture and proposal efforts.
• Identify, engage, and maintain relationships with small and diverse businesses (e.g., SDBs, WOSBs, HUBZone, VOSBs, SDVOSBs) to expand a qualified supplier base.
• Conduct outreach, participate in industry matchmaking events and conferences, and represent the company at federal small business engagement forums.
• Develop training, toolkits, and internal advocacy programs to build awareness of small business requirements and drive adoption across teams.
• Generate metrics, dashboards, and executive reports to track program performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Lead or contribute to economic inclusion initiatives, mentor-protégé programs, and corporate supplier diversity goals.
• Develop solicitations, evaluate proposals, conduct negotiations, and issue compliant small business subcontract awards.
• Process subcontract modifications, including changes to scope, funding, and period of performance.
• Ensure subcontract documentation is complete, accurate, and CPSR-compliant.
• Collaborate with program management, finance, and technical teams to resolve subcontractor performance and compliance issues.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level