Contract Working Program Manager Executive Acquisition Support & Program Leadership Location: Huntsville, Alabama (Redstone Arsenal) Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI Required
The Opportunity Team Hive is seeking an exceptional Contract Working Program Manager to lead our team supporting the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Technical Acquisition and Contracting Support (TACS) contract. This position extends beyond traditional program management. The successful candidate will serve in a unique dual-capacity leadership role, providing direct acquisition and contracting support to senior MDA executives while maintaining responsibility for the successful execution, performance, and operational management of a complex federal services contract. This is not simply a customer relationship management position, nor is it exclusively an acquisition advisory role. It requires an accomplished leader who can operate effectively at the executive level, lead a diverse team of acquisition professionals, and establish the organizational structure, accountability, and operational discipline necessary for sustained program success.
The position is structured around two equally important responsibilities:
- Executive Acquisition and Contracting Support (Approximately 50%): Provide direct, high-level acquisition, contracting, and strategic advisory support to senior MDA leadership. This includes supporting executive priorities, evaluating complex acquisition challenges, developing actionable recommendations, and contributing directly to mission-critical initiatives.
- Contract and Program Leadership (Approximately 50%): Lead the overall execution and management of the TACS contract, including personnel leadership, staffing, contractual compliance, financial oversight, subcontractor coordination, customer engagement, and integration with Hive's corporate support functions.
The successful candidate must recognize that these responsibilities are complementary but equally demanding. Executive priorities may require significant personal attention, making the ability to establish effective delegation, empower qualified personnel, and maintain operational continuity essential. The standards are exceptionally high. This position demands mature executive judgment, exceptional organizational discipline, proactive leadership, accountability, and the ability to accomplish results through others. This opportunity is intended for seasoned acquisition and program management professionals who thrive in demanding executive environments, take ownership of complex challenges, and understand that successful leadership is measured not only by personal contributions but also by the performance of the organization they lead.
What Success Looks Like Success in this position is measured by the ability to deliver exceptional executive acquisition support while maintaining a disciplined, responsive, and well-managed contract operation.
The successful candidate consistently demonstrates the ability to:
- Balance two demanding responsibilities. Provide high-value executive acquisition support while maintaining effective oversight of program execution, personnel, contractual requirements, and operational performance.
- Lead through others. Establish a clear delegation and support structure that empowers qualified personnel, distributes responsibilities appropriately, and ensures continuity without requiring constant personal involvement.
- Create organizational clarity. Define roles, responsibilities, decision-making authorities, reporting relationships, and escalation procedures across the program and supporting corporate functions.
- Exercise sound executive judgment. Navigate sensitive personnel matters, competing stakeholder priorities, contractual considerations, and complex organizational challenges with discretion, professionalism, and maturity.
- Take ownership and drive resolution. Anticipate problems, evaluate alternatives, make informed decisions, and ensure issues are resolved rather than simply identified or elevated.
- Lead and develop people. Establish clear expectations, maintain employee accountability, address performance concerns promptly, and foster a professional, high-performing team.
- Maintain operational and financial discipline. Ensure visibility into staffing, labor utilization, funding, contract deliverables, risks, and performance commitments.
- Build productive relationships. Earn the confidence of senior Government leaders, program personnel, and Hive corporate leadership through reliability, transparency, sound judgment, and consistent execution.
- Communicate with purpose. Provide accurate, timely, and actionable information, distinguish between matters requiring decisions and those requiring awareness, and bring recommended solutions to leadership.
- Adapt without losing control. Respond effectively to changing mission priorities, emerging requirements, and organizational challenges while maintaining continuity across program operations.
The strongest candidates understand that effective program leadership is not measured by personal involvement in every decision or activity, but by the ability to establish an organization that consistently performs, remains accountable, and delivers results. This role is best suited for professionals who are equally comfortable advising senior acquisition executives, leading experienced personnel, making difficult management decisions, and establishing the structure necessary to sustain a high-performing federal services program.
Primary Responsibilities
The Contract Working Program Manager will:
Executive Acquisition and Contracting Support
- Provide direct acquisition, contracting, and strategic advisory support to senior MDA leadership.
- Serve as a trusted acquisition professional supporting executive priorities, complex procurement matters, and mission-critical initiatives.
- Develop and evaluate acquisition strategies, contracting approaches, and recommendations consistent with FAR, DFARS, and applicable DoD and MDA policies.
- Conduct independent research and analysis, assess acquisition risks, and develop practical solutions to complex contracting challenges.
- Prepare and review executive briefings, decision-support materials, acquisition analyses, and other mission-related work products.
- Support time-sensitive executive requirements, special initiatives, and emerging acquisition priorities.
- Collaborate with senior Government officials and acquisition professionals to support effective decision-making and mission execution.
- Exercise discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism when addressing sensitive or high-visibility matters.
Contract Execution and Program Leadership
- Maintain overall accountability for the successful execution, performance, and operational management of the MDA TACS contract.
- Oversee contractual requirements, staffing, financial performance, subcontractor activities, risk management, and customer commitments.
- Integrate schedule, cost, labor utilization, funded levels of effort, risks, and performance requirements into effective program management practices.
- Establish and maintain a structured management cadence that provides visibility into program performance, staffing, financial execution, emerging risks, and required decisions.
- Ensure accurate and timely preparation, review, and submission of contract deliverables, reports, and required documentation.
- Anticipate operational challenges, develop corrective actions, and drive issues through resolution.
- Maintain effective communication with Government stakeholders and Hive leadership regarding program performance, risks, and emerging requirements.
- Ensure program execution remains consistent with contractual obligations, company policies, and applicable regulations.
Delegation, Organizational Structure, and Operational Continuity
- Establish an effective management and delegation structure that enables sustained program performance while balancing significant direct executive-support responsibilities.
- Identify and empower appropriate team leads, functional representatives, and support personnel to manage routine operational activities.
- Clearly define responsibilities, decision-making authorities, reporting expectations, and escalation procedures.
- Establish management processes that allow routine staffing, personnel, administrative, and operational matters to progress without continuous Program Manager intervention.
- Leverage Hive's Human Resources, Recruiting, Finance, Contracts, Security, and Operations functions to support effective program execution.
- Maintain appropriate oversight of delegated activities, ensuring accountability, follow-through, and timely resolution of outstanding actions.
- Establish backup coverage and continuity procedures to maintain program effectiveness during periods of intensive executive support or competing priorities.
- Recognize when direct involvement is necessary and when responsibility should be delegated to qualified personnel.
Personnel Leadership and Corporate Coordination
- Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of acquisition and contracting professionals.
- Establish clear employee performance expectations, accountability measures, and professional standards.
- Maintain regular engagement with program personnel to assess performance, workload, staffing needs, and emerging concerns.
- Address performance deficiencies promptly and professionally, coordinating corrective actions with Human Resources when appropriate.
- Manage difficult personnel matters with sound judgment, discretion, consistency, and appropriate documentation.
- Coordinate with Recruiting and Human Resources to maintain qualified staffing, address vacancies, and support timely onboarding and personnel transitions.
- Maintain productive working relationships with Hive corporate leadership and support functions.
- Exercise independent judgment within delegated authority while recognizing when corporate coordination, approval, or escalation is required.
- Provide leadership with timely, accurate assessments and recommended courses of action on significant operational, personnel, financial, and contractual matters.
- Promote a culture of ownership, professionalism, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
Experience That Will Help You Succeed The strongest candidates will bring a combination of senior-level defense acquisition expertise and demonstrated success leading complex federal service contracts.
Relevant experience may include:
- Serving as a senior acquisition executive, Head of Contracting Activity, Chief of Contracting, senior contracting official, or acquisition advisor within a major DoD organization.
- Managing complex federal contracts involving multidisciplinary teams, subcontractors, staffing requirements, financial oversight, and contractual performance.
- Leading Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) programs supporting senior Government officials or acquisition organizations.
- Providing direct acquisition and contracting advisory support to senior executives while maintaining responsibility for personnel, operations, or program execution.
- Establishing effective delegation structures, functional leadership arrangements, and management processes that enable operational continuity.
- Managing Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) and level-of-effort contracts, including labor utilization, funding, staffing alignment, and performance reporting.
- Leading geographically dispersed personnel and coordinating activities across multiple Government organizations.
- Navigating complex organizational environments requiring executive judgment, independent decision-making, and effective stakeholder engagement.
Experience supporting MDA, ACAT I/II acquisition programs, defense systems development, contracting policy, and procurement oversight is highly desirable. However, technical acquisition expertise alone is not the defining characteristic of a successful candidate. We are particularly interested in professionals who have demonstrated the ability to lead people, establish organizational discipline, delegate effectively, manage competing priorities, and take ownership of complex operational challenges. Candidates who bring substantial defense acquisition experience combined with proven leadership of high-performing federal services programs are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required Qualifications
- Active TS/SCI security clearance.
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Procurement and Contract Management, Finance, or a related field.
- Significant experience in federal contracting, acquisition management, or defense acquisition functions, generally reflected in 20 or more years of progressively responsible experience.
- At least 10 years of combined DoD procurement experience, including experience supporting major defense acquisition programs, systems development, or A&AS environments.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex federal service contracts or comparable mission-support organizations.
- Proven experience leading personnel, establishing performance expectations, addressing employee issues, and maintaining accountability.
- Demonstrated ability to establish delegation structures, coordinate functional support resources, and lead through others.
- Experience managing competing executive-level priorities while maintaining responsibility for operational or program performance.
- Strong understanding of FAR, DFARS, federal contracting regulations, and DoD acquisition processes.
- Demonstrated ability to assess complex issues, exercise independent judgment, develop actionable recommendations, and drive resolution.
- Exceptional executive communication, organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior Government officials, corporate leadership, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using program management tools to monitor schedules, staffing, risks, actions, and performance.
Preferred Qualifications
- Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Certification Level III in Contracting or industry equivalent.
- Previous experience as a Head of Contracting Activity, Chief of Contracting, senior acquisition executive, or senior Program Manager supporting a major DoD acquisition organization.
- Experience supporting the Missile Defense Agency or comparable DoD organizations.
- Demonstrated expertise managing CPFF and level-of-effort contracts.
- Experience establishing and improving program management structures, operating procedures, and performance management systems.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent program management credentials.
Professional Attributes
The successful candidate is recognized by colleagues as someone who:
- Leads with ownership and accountability. Accepts responsibility for outcomes and does not rely on others to identify, manage, or resolve routine program challenges.
- Exercises mature executive judgment. Understands organizational dynamics, communicates with discretion, and knows when to act independently and when to seek alignment.
- Builds effective teams and delegates with confidence. Empowers qualified personnel, establishes clear expectations, and maintains accountability without unnecessary involvement in every decision.
- Creates structure where complexity exists. Establishes processes, responsibilities, and management rhythms that bring clarity and consistency to demanding environments.
- Anticipates rather than reacts. Recognizes emerging challenges, evaluates potential consequences, and acts before issues become critical.
- Makes difficult decisions professionally. Addresses performance concerns, competing priorities, and operational challenges directly, constructively, and without unnecessary delay.
- Communicates with clarity and purpose. Provides accurate information, actionable recommendations, and appropriate visibility without creating unnecessary complexity.
- Maintains composure under pressure. Balances competing executive and program responsibilities while demonstrating consistency, reliability, and professionalism.
- Collaborates across organizational boundaries. Recognizes the value of corporate support functions, builds productive partnerships, and works toward shared organizational objectives.
- Develops others. Invests in personnel, establishes accountability, and creates opportunities for team members to assume greater responsibility.
- Understands the distinction between delegation and abdication. Entrusts qualified personnel with responsibilities while maintaining appropriate oversight and ownership of results.
- Earns trust through execution. Builds credibility with Government stakeholders, employees, and corporate leadership by consistently delivering on commitments.
Why This Opportunity Is Different This position offers an uncommon opportunity to combine direct executive-level acquisition support with leadership of a complex, mission-critical federal services program. The successful candidate will work closely with senior MDA acquisition leadership, contribute to high-priority acquisition initiatives, and play a central role in the execution of the TACS contract. Unlike traditional program management positions, this role requires both direct technical contribution and organizational leadership. The Program Manager must be capable of operating as a trusted acquisition advisor while simultaneously building and maintaining the management structure necessary for sustained program success. The pace is demanding, the expectations are high, and the level of responsibility is significant. In return, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to apply extensive acquisition expertise at the executive level, lead an experienced team of professionals, shape program operations, and make meaningful contributions to the effectiveness of a critical defense acquisition organization. This opportunity is best suited for an accomplished professional who takes pride in developing people, solving complex challenges, establishing effective organizations, and delivering results through disciplined leadership. We are seeking a leader who understands that success is not about being involved in everything. It is about ensuring everything that matters is effectively managed, appropriately delegated, and successfully executed.
Compensation and Benefits Hive Group offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), life and disability insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, federal holidays, professional development opportunities, and lifestyle benefits.
A Commitment to Equal Opportunity Hive Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer dedicated to fair and unbiased employment decisions. We do not discriminate based on race, color, sex (including gender and transgender status), age, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, domestic partner or civil union status, gender identity, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Our hiring and promotion decisions are based exclusively on an individual's qualifications and suitability for the role.
Protecting Your Information Stay vigilant against fraudulent job offers and individuals impersonating Hive Group Talent Acquisition Specialists. Hive Group will never request payment details or money during the application process. Official communications will only come from email addresses ending in @hive-llc.com or @applytojob.com - not from free email services like Gmail or messaging platforms such as WhatsApp. If you receive suspicious messages requesting payment or personal information, please report them immediately to talentacquisition@hive-llc.com.
