Program Manager- Cargo Systems Program Directorate

Program Manager- Cargo Systems Program Directorate

Location: Ashburn, VA

Description:

Seeking an experienced and highly motivated Program Manager to join our team. The Program Manager is accountable for the overall leadership, coordination, and management of all contract activities supporting the CSPD for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Office of Information and Technology (OIT). The Program Manager ensures that all contractual obligations are met, deliverables are provided on schedule, performance standards are achieved, and business objectives are realized according to government priorities and the Statement of Work (SOW).

This individual serves as the principal point of contact with the Government, providing proactive management, communications, and rapid resolution of issues. The Program Manager is responsible for full life-cycle project execution across multiple concurrent task orders, integrating agile methodologies, quality control, risk management, resource allocation, and IT service delivery practices consistent with CBP/DHS policies, procedures, and security requirements.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide executive leadership for the BPA, overseeing all project management, technical, and administrative activities.
• Ensure fulfillment of SOW objectives, performance requirements, and deliverables, maintaining compliance with CBP/DHS policies, security protocols, and quality standards.
• Lead, coach, and evaluate cross-functional teams, with responsibility for workforce planning, onboarding, orientation, and compliance with all personnel security requirements.
• Serve as the primary interface between the Government (CO, COR, Program Office, and technical stakeholders) and the contractor.
• Facilitate regular status meetings, briefings, and contract reviews.
• Implement program governance, change management, and rapid response to evolving requirements.
• Direct execution of multiple, concurrent, complex IT development, integration, and maintenance projects using agile and traditional methodologies.
• Establish and maintain effective project management controls for cost, schedule, scope, and performance.
• Identify, track, and mitigate risks and obstacles; escalate major issues with recommended solutions.
• Ensure timely recruitment and clearance processing for all contractor personnel; promptly propose qualified, vetted replacements as needed.
• Oversee timekeeping, performance evaluations, and compliance with training, privacy, and Rules of Behavior requirements.
• Enforce disciplined quality management plans, ensuring all contract deliverables and services meet or exceed specified standards.
• Support metrics-driven program improvement and lessons learned.
• Coordinate with QA Managers to execute all required test, validation, and reporting activities.
• Ensure all activities adhere to DHS, CBP, and federal IT security, privacy, and controlled unclassified information (CUI) handling directives.
• Oversee timely completion of all required training, badging, background checks, and documentation.
• Prepare and deliver recurring contract status, performance, and financial reports.
• Communicate effectively at all levels-executive, technical, and operational; ensure rapid escalation and resolution of issues.
• Support government-required audits, inspections, and program reviews

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience managing the delivery of IT application development, O&M, and systems integration services in an agile environment.
• Proven knowledge of Government contract administration, FAR/HSAR compliance, quality management, risk management, and performance monitoring processes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to interface with senior government stakeholders and lead diverse project teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection, DHS, or similarly complex federal organizations.

Knowledge and experience managing cloud solutions, Salesforce platforms, and/or critical infrastructure IT programs.

PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent is highly desired; relevant agile, ITIL, or government PM certifications are a plus.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in an IT-related field or business discipline required; master's degree preferred.

Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive program/project management experience in IT, including leadership of large, complex, multi-task contract engagements (preferably in a Federal environment).

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About HigherEchelon, Inc.

HigherEchelon, Inc. (HE) is a service-disabled veteran owned small business (SDVOSB) with offerings in Engineering, Gaming, Human Capital, Enterprise Technology and Cyber Solutions. HigherEchelon aims to be the premier trusted partner in organizational excellence and achieves this through sustained investment in talent and the employee experience. HigherEchelon puts the employee first to better serve customer needs and sustain excellence.

HigherEchelon offers competitive full-time benefits including paid vacation and holidays, 401(k) matching, full health/dental/vision coverage, plus much more. For on-site and remote employees, flexible work schedules are offered when authorized.

By joining our team, you are choosing to embark on a journey towards excellence as a valued team member and trusted partner. We appreciate your inquiry and look forward to discussing the opportunity further.

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled:

HigherEchelon, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in its job application procedures.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. HigherEchelon, Inc. participates in E-Verify.