Sr. Acquisition Manager - job 2 of 2

As a Sr. Acquisition Manager at Abacus Technology, your main responsibilities include applying your knowledge in acquisition program management to oversee DoD systems procurement tasks throughout their lifecycle. You will develop key program documents, manage resources, and support project management efforts, ensuring cohesive execution of tasks associated with acquisition programs. Your collaboration with functional teams will help streamline processes and drive improvements, all while communicating program recommendations to management.

To qualify for the Sr. Acquisition Manager role at Abacus Technology, you should have over 15 years of experience in acquisitions, with at least 5 years in a DoD environment. A bachelor's degree in a related field is necessary, alongside a deep understanding of DoD acquisition regulations. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and a current Secret clearance are also required, ensuring that you can navigate the complexities of defense contracts and maintain compliance with federal requirements.

Successful Sr. Acquisition Managers at Abacus Technology possess strong analytical skills, a thorough understanding of logistics policies, and the ability to manage budgets and lifecycle cost analysis effectively. Excellent communication skills are crucial for articulating project progress to organizational management. Additionally, technical proficiency in procurement processes and software applications is necessary to facilitate efficient project execution and documentation management.

The Sr. Acquisition Manager at Abacus Technology oversees a variety of projects, primarily focused on the full lifecycle management of acquisitions for different military branches. This includes the procurement and management of subsystems, aircraft configurations, and other defense-related equipment. You will collaborate on process improvements, risk management, and logistics support, ultimately contributing to the effectiveness of defense systems and programs.

Abacus Technology is committed to the professional growth of its Sr. Acquisition Managers through continuous training and participation in Integrated Product Teams. Our culture emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, providing opportunities for you to contribute to strategic initiatives while honing your technical skills and understanding of procurement policies. We also encourage ongoing learning in areas such as compliance with logistics and system maintenance to ensure the success of our projects.

In answering this question, focus on your specific experiences related to DoD acquisition policies. Highlight your understanding of the DoD 5000 series and demonstrate your ability to navigate these policies in various projects. Describe specific instances where you have successfully applied these regulations to achieve project goals.

Discuss strategies such as identifying potential risks at the project's inception and consistently monitoring them throughout the lifecycle. Mention your proficiency in developing risk mitigation strategies and your experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams to minimize project vulnerabilities.

Emphasize your organizational skills and how you employ tools like project management software to assess priorities based on deadlines, resource availability, and strategic importance. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects at once while keeping stakeholders informed.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to highlight a specific instance where you identified inefficiencies and implemented a solution that enhanced project outcomes. Outline measurable results to showcase your impact.

Answer by emphasizing the importance of simplifying technical jargon into relatable concepts. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully communicated technical information to stakeholders, ensuring they grasp essential details without feeling overwhelmed.

Discuss a range of key documents like Statements of Objectives and Analysis of Alternatives. Explain your approach to gathering necessary inputs from stakeholders and ensuring thorough reviews before submission, showcasing your attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Highlight your collaboration skills and provide specific examples of projects where you successfully worked with various departments such as procurement, engineering, and logistics. Discuss how you foster communication and teamwork to achieve program goals.

Explain your approach to budget management, including how you forecast costs and monitor spending throughout the project's lifecycle. Give an example of how you've effectively managed a budget to keep a project on track without compromising quality.

Discuss resources you utilize, such as workshops, industry publications, and online courses, to stay informed about regulatory changes. Emphasize your proactive approach to continuous learning and adapting strategies accordingly.

Share your perspective on common challenges in the role, such as balancing stakeholder expectations with regulatory compliance. Provide insights on how you strategize to overcome these challenges effectively, demonstrating your problem-solving abilities.