Front Office Program Manager

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers. 

Acquisition Program Management Lead (On-Site)

Support a high-visibility Air Force front office organization by leading acquisition and program management activities across multiple mission-critical efforts. Serve as a key advisor and task lead supporting senior Air Force leadership, ensuring acquisition objectives, program execution, and strategic priorities are aligned with Department of the Air Force and DoD directives.

Acquisition & Program Management

• Lead and manage acquisition-related program efforts throughout the program lifecycle, including planning, requirements development, execution, sustainment, and transition activities.
• Support Air Force acquisition initiatives in accordance with DoDI 5000 series guidance, Air Force acquisition policies, and applicable program management frameworks.
• Coordinate and monitor program execution activities to ensure cost, schedule, and performance objectives are achieved.

Front Office & Executive-Level Support

• Interface directly with high-level Air Force personnel, government leadership, program offices, and external stakeholders to support strategic acquisition initiatives and mission priorities.
• Prepare and present executive-level briefings, program updates, decision support materials, and status reports for senior leaders and front office leadership teams.
• Support leadership in prioritizing competing requirements, resolving programmatic issues, and driving strategic decision-making.

Task Lead & Team Oversight

• Serve as a task lead overseeing day-to-day activities of cross-functional teams supporting acquisition and program execution efforts.
• Provide supervisory-level leadership, mentorship, and direction to team members while ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and customer expectations.
• Coordinate workload distribution, monitor deliverables, and ensure timely completion of assigned tasks and action items.

Program Planning & Execution

• Develop and maintain integrated program schedules, acquisition documentation, milestone planning activities, and execution strategies.
• Support planning and execution of acquisition phases including requirements analysis, systems engineering coordination, testing, fielding, and sustainment activities.
• Track program metrics and identify risks, dependencies, and resource constraints impacting program objectives.

Compliance, Risk Management & Contract Oversight

• Ensure compliance with Air Force, DoD, and federal acquisition regulations, policies, and governance processes.
• Identify and mitigate program risks related to schedule, cost, technical performance, and contract execution.
• Monitor contractor performance and coordinate with contracting, engineering, and program office personnel to ensure deliverables meet mission requirements.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare, review, and maintain acquisition and program management documentation including Acquisition Strategies, Program Management Reviews (PMRs), Systems Engineering Plans (SEPs), risk assessments, briefing packages, and executive correspondence.
• Provide detailed reporting and recommendations to senior Air Force leadership regarding program health, acquisition strategy, and operational impacts.

Additional Responsibilities

• Foster collaboration across government, military, and contractor teams in a dynamic Air Force operational environment.
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