Program Manager

As a Program Manager at Core One, you will oversee project operations, ensuring production schedules are met and fostering strong customer relationships. Your key responsibilities will include managing project costs, schedules, and technical performance, while also ensuring compliance with security and governance guidelines. You’ll collect and analyze performance metrics to measure operational execution and provide regular updates and reports to the Government through Program Management Reviews.

To qualify for the Program Manager position at Core One, you need TS/SCI clearance with a Polygraph, a minimum of eight years of relevant program management experience, and a Bachelor's Degree in a related field (a Master's Degree is preferred). Additionally, having a current PMP Certification and demonstrable experience in managing project costs and schedules are crucial for success in this role.

Core One is committed to supporting employee growth for Program Managers by fostering a team-oriented culture that emphasizes ongoing training and development. We believe in recruiting top talent and providing opportunities for professional growth through mentorship, workshops, and continued education in program and project management best practices.

A Program Manager at Core One will oversee national security-related projects that require complex analytical and operational solutions. You will manage various aspects of these projects, including technical performance, cost management, delivery milestones, and ensuring that all work adheres to security requirements and contractual obligations.

To be a successful Program Manager at Core One, you need to possess strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills. You must be able to manage budgets and schedules efficiently while leading a team and ensuring compliance with security protocols. Additionally, having a problem-solving mindset and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly will be crucial in your interactions with stakeholders.

In answering this question, share specific examples of your past program management experiences. Highlight your role in overseeing project operations, your management of costs and schedules, and any leadership experiences that showcase your ability to lead teams effectively.

Discuss your approach to prioritizing tasks, emphasizing your use of tools or techniques such as task matrices or prioritization frameworks. Mention how you collaborate with your team to ensure critical tasks are addressed promptly while adhering to deadlines.

Explain the communication methods you utilize, such as regular updates, meetings, or status reports. Highlight your belief in transparency and how you tailor communication strategies to the needs of different stakeholders.

Demonstrate your conflict resolution skills by sharing a specific example. Describe your approach to understanding different perspectives, encouraging open communication, and facilitating a resolution that aligns with project goals.

Discuss the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics you track to assess project performance. Share examples of how you utilized data to drive decision-making and make course corrections when necessary.

Share a specific example of a project setback, detailing the issue you faced and the steps you took to mitigate it. Discuss your proactive communication with stakeholders and how you adjusted project plans to realign with objectives.

In your response, outline how you identify potential risks early in the project lifecycle. Discuss your methods for assessing risk impact and probability, as well as how you develop mitigation strategies to minimize risks.

Explain your leadership style and how you create an inclusive environment. Discuss ways you recognize team contributions, offer professional development opportunities, and encourage open feedback to maintain high levels of engagement.

Share a specific instance where you identified opportunities for process improvement. Explain the changes you implemented, how you collected feedback from team members, and the positive outcomes that resulted from those changes.

Talk about a particularly challenging project, noting its complexity or hurdles you encountered. Focus on the lessons learned, particularly in areas like team dynamics, stakeholder management, or risk assessment, and how you applied those lessons to future projects.