Acquisition Program Manager

As an Acquisition Program Manager at Apogee, your primary responsibilities include assessing the schedule and cost baselines of various programs, preparing essential reports such as the Defense Acquisition Executive Summaries (DAES), and managing resources based on program requirements. You'll also lead meetings and provide briefings to senior management, ensuring that everyone is informed about program statuses while mentoring junior Acquisition Support Specialists.

To be considered for the Acquisition Program Manager position at Apogee, you must be a US citizen and have a Secret clearance. A Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field is required, along with at least 12 years of experience in DoD acquisition programs. Comprehensive knowledge of acquisition principles and familiarity with various funding types and budgets is essential for this role.

The Acquisition Program Manager position is based at Peterson Space Force Base (SFB) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This location offers a unique work environment, allowing you to contribute to defense initiatives while enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Colorado Springs.

Yes, the Acquisition Program Manager role at Apogee offers hybrid work arrangements, allowing for telework approximately two days a week. However, this option may change based on customer discretion, providing a balance between in-office collaboration and flexible work environments.

Preferred candidates for the Acquisition Program Manager position at Apogee should possess a Master's degree in Business or a related field and have around 10 years of experience with DoD acquisition programs. Additionally, certifications like DAWIA Advanced in Program Management or Engineering & Technical Management will strengthen your application.

It's important to provide detailed examples of your work within the DoD acquisition landscape. Discuss specific programs you've worked on, your role in managing timelines and budgets, and any challenges you faced, along with how you overcame them to ensure project success.

Explain your organizational strategies and time management skills. You might consider discussing your methods for assessing urgency and impact, utilizing project management tools, and how you communicate with stakeholders to align on priorities.

Share a specific instance where you provided a program briefing, detailing your preparation process, the audience's reactions, and the outcome. Highlight your ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively, which is crucial for the Acquisition Program Manager role.

Mention your familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project and any other project management applications. Be sure to explain how you use these tools to track progress, monitor deadlines, and facilitate communication among team members.

Discuss your approach to budgeting, including tracking expenditures, forecasting potential overruns, and making recommendations to optimize resource allocation. Provide examples of how you've successfully maintained budgets in previous roles.

Talk about your mentorship philosophy and practical strategies, such as one-on-one coaching sessions, providing constructive feedback, and creating opportunities for skill development. Emphasize the importance of building confidence and competence in your team.

Describe your conflict resolution skills and techniques for addressing misalignment. Explain how you facilitate discussions to find common ground and ensure that all stakeholders feel heard and valued while working toward a unified goal.

Explain how you utilize qualitative and quantitative techniques to gather and analyze data relevant to program performance. Provide an example of a time when your analysis influenced decision-making or improved a program's outcome.

Share your methods for keeping current with industry trends, such as participating in professional organizations, attending workshops or conferences, and utilizing online resources. Highlight how this knowledge enhances your capabilities as an Acquisition Program Manager.

Provide a detailed example of a challenging situation you encountered in a past project. Discuss the specific actions you took to mitigate risks, your thought process during the challenge, and the resulting improvements to the program.