General Manager

Our client is currently seeking a General Manager to work fully onsite in the Syracuse, NY area.

We are in search of a seasoned and highly organized General Manager to steer our day-to-day operations and administration with precision and foresight. This pivotal role encompasses the management of service delivery across geographically dispersed teams working on Air Force, Army, and Navy contracts and direction of the Human Resources, Finance and Supply Chain professional and administrative services that support them. The role involves managing contract operations, participates with the executive team in strategic planning, and has responsibility for the company's financial and operational performance. The successful candidate will ensure that our organization remains compliant with all applicable laws, including (among others) the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and Information Security protocols.

POSITION SUMMARY

The General Manager is responsible for the operational performance, financial health, and execution excellence of the business units and the professional and administrative services that support them, providing senior leadership across geographically dispersed teams supporting Air Force, Army, and Navy contracts. This role is accountable for ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS), and information security requirements.

The General Manager provides leadership and direct oversight across operations, Human Resources administration, finance administration, contract workforce administration, contracts and compliance, supply chain, and serving as the administrative and operational backbone supporting contract execution and sustainable growth in a DoD contracting environment.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Full operational and financial responsibility for the company's business units
• Oversight of administrative and operational functions supporting delivery, compliance, and growth
• Authority to establish operating procedures, internal controls, and performance metrics
• Primary escalation point for operational, compliance, workforce, and delivery risks

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Unit Leadership & Operations

• Provide overall leadership for day-to-day operations across the company ensuring consistent execution, quality delivery, and adherence to contract requirements.
• Lead and support Project and Program Managers to ensure performance expectations, service delivery standards, and customer commitments are met.
• Establish operating cadence, key performance indicators (KPIs), and reporting mechanisms to track operational effectiveness and customer satisfaction.
• Lead cross-functional coordination to resolve execution issues, manage risks, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive modernization initiatives to automate workflows and reduce manual administrative burden.

Financial & P&L Accountability

• Maintain full accountability for business unit financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and margin management.
• Partner with the Controller and Finance leadership to ensure accurate billing, invoicing, labor cost management, and alignment with contract funding and CLIN structures.
• Monitor financial performance against contract and business targets and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee finance deliverables such as period reporting, annual audits, incurred cost submissions, GSA reporting requirements, etc.

Contracts, Compliance & Risk Management

• Oversee the administration of government contracts throughout the contract lifecycle, from onboarding through closeout, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including FAR, DFARS, ITAR, SCLS, and internal policies.
• In conjunction with the Director of Business Affairs liaison with the Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) and Contracting Officer Technical Representatives (COTRs).
• Ensure audit readiness and oversight of internal audits, reviews, and regulatory assessments through delegated managers and established internal controls.

Administrative Leadership

• Provide oversight of Human Resources administration to ensure contract-aligned workforce planning, staffing, onboarding coordination, labor charging, and timekeeping practices meet SCLS requirements, wage determinations, and Performance Work Statements (PWS).
• Partner with HR, Contracts, Operations, and Finance leadership to ensure proper labor classifications, fringe benefit administration, successor contractor obligations, and compliant personnel records throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Ensure workforce documentation, training, certifications, and clearance requirements are maintained to support audit readiness, continuity of service, and compliant contract execution.
• Oversee procurement and supply chain activities supporting contract performance, including vendor management, subcontractor coordination, and purchasing controls.
• Ensure subcontractor and vendor compliance with applicable FAR/DFARS flow-down requirements.
• Support proposal reviews; including technical, management, staffing and transition plans.
• Monitor supplier performance and mitigate delivery, cost, or compliance risks.

Leadership & Accountability

• Lead, support, and develop managers and functional leads across operational and administrative areas.
• Establish clear expectations, accountability mechanisms, and decision-making frameworks.
• Lead change management efforts related to audits, growth initiatives, organizational transitions, or contract lifecycle events.
• Serve as the senior internal and external point of accountability for operational, workforce, and compliance matters.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Consistent contract execution and regulatory compliance
• Clean audits and strong compliance posture
• Predictable financial performance, margin discipline and financial growth
• Scalable operational and workforce processes supporting business growth
• Effective cross-functional collaboration across operations, finance, human resources administration, and business development support
• Engage with DoD stakeholders to enhance customer satisfaction and CPARS ratings

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in government contracting, including responsibility for operations, compliance, workforce administration, and financial performance.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated experience in federal government contracting and operational leadership.
• Strong understanding of applicable laws and regulations, including FAR, DFARS, SCLS, and DoD contracting environments.
• Experience overseeing Human Resources administration, finance administration, contract workforce administration, contracts, and operations.
• Familiarity with GWACs, IDIQs, Firm Fixed Price contracts, and small business reporting requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and standard contract administration tools.

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Strong judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to lead through complexity, change, and growth.
• Excellent communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Proven ability to build trust, manage risk, and maintain accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through audits, contract transitions, and high-risk regulatory environments.
• Ability to translate technical and compliance requirements into operational execution.
• Culturally competent leader with experience managing diverse teams.

Work Conditions

• Ability to travel and work hours to include evenings, weekends, and holidays, as business needs require.