Program Manager

About the role

Blue Water Thinking is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead a large, multi‑workstream initiative for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The role combines disciplined program leadership with deep expertise in federal acquisition and risk management, ensuring successful delivery of transformational outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the contractor’s functional expert and day‑to‑day program lead, maintaining proactive communication with the Contracting Officer’s Representative, government leadership, senior executives, and other stakeholders.
• Lead and coordinate contractor personnel across all task areas, defining roles, work plans, priorities, schedules, dependencies, and accountability.
• Develop, maintain, and execute the program management plan, covering integrated schedule, milestones, staffing, resource allocation, risk and issue management, quality assurance, and performance controls.
• Manage contract execution and administration, including deliverable tracking, financial and labor‑hour monitoring, staffing and vacancy management, compliance with task order requirements, change control, and support for contract modifications and closeout.
• Prepare recurring task reports, status briefings, and monthly updates for senior leadership.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading complex federal programs, preferably within the Veterans Affairs or similar government environment.
• Strong knowledge of federal acquisition management, acquisition risk governance, and oversight‑driven transformation initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with senior executives, government officials, and cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple integrated workstreams and drive results under tight timelines.

Required skills