Program Manager

DescriptionProgram Manager – NIH Federal ContractPosition SummaryThe Program Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, execution, and financial performance of a federal contract supporting the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This role serves as the primary point of contact for the client and internal leadership, with full responsibility for program delivery, contract compliance, cost management, and profit and loss (P&L) performance. The Program Manager ensures the contract is executed on time, within budget, and in accordance with all contractual, regulatory, and quality requirements.This position requires a strong federal contracting background, proven experience managing complex programs, and the ability to balance customer satisfaction, operational performance, and financial results.RequirementsEssential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProgram and Contract ManagementLead day-to-day management of the NIH contract, ensuring successful delivery of all contract requirements, deliverables, milestones, and performance objectives.Serve as the primary liaison between the company, NIH customer stakeholders, subcontractors, and internal leadership.Develop and maintain program management plans, staffing plans, risk management plans, and performance reporting processes.Monitor contract scope and performance to ensure alignment with the statement of work, service level requirements, and customer expectations.Identify and resolve program risks, issues, and performance gaps in a timely manner.Manage subcontractor performance, deliverables, and compliance, as applicable.Ensure adherence to all federal acquisition regulations, contract terms and conditions, company policies, and NIH-specific requirements.Financial Management / P&L OwnershipOwn the financial performance of the program, including revenue, gross margin, direct costs, indirect cost impacts, and overall contract profitability.Develop, manage, and monitor program budgets, forecasts, and financial projections.Track and analyze labor costs, subcontractor costs, travel, ODCs, and other direct contract expenses to ensure cost control and budget compliance.Review monthly financial results, identify cost variances, and implement corrective actions to protect margin and contract profitability.Partner with finance, contracts, and executive leadership to support monthly revenue forecasting, accruals, invoicing support, and program financial reviews.Monitor burn rates, funded value, ceiling limitations, and contract modifications to ensure financial performance remains aligned with contractual obligations.Provide financial and operational reporting to leadership, including revenue forecasts, margin analysis, cost trends, staffing utilization, and risk areas.Support pricing strategy, change order analysis, and financial evaluation of contract modifications or scope changes.Drive cost efficiencies while maintaining service quality and customer satisfaction.Staffing and Operational OversightOversee staffing, workforce planning, recruiting coordination, onboarding, and resource allocation for contract personnel.Ensure staffing levels and labor mix align with contract requirements, budget constraints, and performance goals.Supervise team leads and/or key personnel and hold them accountable for performance, responsiveness, and quality of work.Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, responsiveness, collaboration, and customer service.Support employee engagement, retention, performance management, and professional development of program staff.Client Relationship ManagementBuild and maintain strong relationships with NIH stakeholders, CORs, program offices, and other client representatives.Lead regular status meetings, program reviews, and executive briefings with internal and external stakeholders.Anticipate customer needs, address concerns proactively, and identify opportunities for expanded support or follow-on work.Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction while protecting company interests and contract performance.Compliance, Quality, and ReportingEnsure all contract reporting, invoicing support documentation, staffing reports, financial updates, and deliverables are submitted accurately and on time.Maintain audit-ready documentation and support internal or external audits, contract reviews, and compliance reviews.Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), service metrics, and quality standards for the program.Ensure compliance with company policies, federal regulations, cybersecurity requirements, and NIH/agency procedures.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in business, finance, healthcare administration, public administration, information technology, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.8+ years of progressive experience in program or project management within a federal contracting environment.3+ years of experience managing federal health-related contracts, preferably with NIH, HHS, CMS, or another civilian health agency.Demonstrated experience with program financial management, budget oversight, cost control, and P&L responsibility.Strong knowledge of federal contract types, including T&M, FFP, and cost-reimbursable environments.Experience managing contract staffing, subcontractors, deliverables, and customer relationships.Proven ability to analyze financial reports, manage forecasts, monitor margins, and take action to improve profitability.Strong understanding of FAR/DFARS principles, contract compliance, and federal reporting requirements.Excellent communication, leadership, presentation, and problem-solving skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and reporting tools used for budget and program analysis.Preferred QualificationsMaster’s degree in business administration, public health, healthcare administration, finance, or a related field.PMP, PgMP, FAC-P/PM, or other relevant program management certification.Prior experience supporting NIH or other HHS operating divisions.Experience supporting healthcare IT, biomedical research, public health, scientific, or administrative support contracts.Familiarity with Earned Value Management principles, resource forecasting, and government invoicing support processes.Key CompetenciesProgram leadership and executionCost management and financial disciplineP&L accountabilityFederal contract administrationForecasting and budget managementRisk management and problem resolutionCustomer relationship managementTeam leadership and workforce planningStrategic thinking and decision-makingExecutive communication and reportingWork Environment / Additional RequirementsMust be able to work effectively in a fast-paced federal contracting environment with multiple priorities and deadlines.May require occasional travel to NIH or customer sites, depending on contract requirements.Ability to obtain and maintain any required background investigation or clearance associated with the contract.