Deputy Program Manager (Contract Role: Deputy Contract Program M

Overview

Nakupuna Federal is seeking a Deputy Program Manager to support execution of the PMW 760 NexGen C4I Integration Services contract, serving in the role of Deputy Contract Program Manager (DCPM). This role leads day-to-day execution on behalf of the Contract Program Manager (CPM), ensuring contractor activities remain aligned with established direction, priorities, and performance expectations.

The primary purpose of this role is to support the CPM in executing the contract by aligning people, processes, and performance to meet cost, schedule, quality, and responsiveness expectations.

In addition to execution leadership, the DCPM may serve as Functional Lead for one or more labor categories, establishing standards, ensuring quality, and maintaining consistency across assigned functional personnel. The specific functional leadership assignment will align to contract needs. For this position, the DCPM serves as Functional Lead for the Program Management area of support services.

Responsibilities

Job Duties Include : The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Contract Execution Support

• Execute contract activities under the direction and authority of the CPM.
• Lead day-to-day coordination of contractor workstreams to ensure aligned and timely execution.
• Translate CPM direction into clear, actionable guidance for contractor personnel.
• Maintain visibility across all tasking and ensure coordinated delivery across functional areas.
• Resolve execution issues before they impact Government operations.

Functional Leadership (Assigned Area)

• Serve as Functional Lead for assigned labor category or categories (Program Management for this position).
• Establish and enforce standards for reporting, documentation, and execution discipline.
• Ensure consistency in practices, tools, and deliverables across assigned personnel.
• Review and validate functional products prior to Government delivery.
• Mentor and guide staff to improve performance and professional growth.
• Align functional activities with overall contract priorities and Government expectations.

Performance Management Support

• Monitor contract execution performance and provide visibility to the CPM.
• Support the CPM in maintaining contract performance across cost, schedule, quality, and responsiveness.
• Ensure timely delivery of all contract data requirements and executive support products.
• Identify performance risks early and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain awareness of staffing levels, workload distribution, and execution capacity.

Workforce Leadership and Development

• Oversee performance of program management activities and support personnel with assigned functional area.
• Set expectations for professionalism, responsiveness, technical rigor, and execution discipline.
• Provide feedback and guidance to improve individual and team performance.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and workforce planning activities.

Integration and Coordination

• Coordinate activities across portfolio integration functions, executive support, and execution teams.
• Ensure alignment between schedule, risk, technical, and programmatic artifacts.
• Prevent duplication of effort and resolve cross-functional conflicts.
• Maintain consistency in processes, reporting, and execution standards.

Governance and Decision Support

• Prepare contractor teams for Government governance forums and reviews.
• Ensure decisions packages, briefings, and supporting materials are complete and aligned.
• Validate that contractor inputs are accurate, integrated, and decision-ready.
• Support execution of actions resulting from Government decisions.

Customer Engagement

• Serve as primary contractor interface to the Government Deputy Program Manager for execution coordination, under the direction of the CPM.
• Maintain routine communication with Government stakeholders to ensure alignment.
• Elevate significant issues, risks, and decisions to the CPM prior to Government engagement when appropriate.
• Anticipate customer needs and adjust execution approach proactively.

Risk and Issue Management

• Identify and track execution risks and issues across all workstreams.
• Coordinate mitigation actions and monitor resolution progress.
• Elevate material risks to CPM with recommended solutions.
• Ensure alignment between execution risks and portfolio-level risk tracking.

Process Discipline and Continuous Improvement

• Support development and enforcement of standard operating procedures for execution and reporting.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements.
• Maintain consistent use of trackers, tools, and reporting formats.
• Drive a culture of accountability, follow-through, and operational discipline.

Qualifications

Skills/Qualifications:

• Strong program management and execution leadership skills
• Ability to lead and standardize program management practices across a team.
• Ability to integrate multiple disciplines including program management, engineering, schedule, and risk
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and coordinate across stakeholders
• Ability to anticipate issues and drive proactive solutions
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills
• Clear and effective communication at all levels
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and program management tools

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, program management, or related field required. Master's degree preferred.
• 12 to 18 years of relevant experience supporting DoD acquisition programs
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and supporting program execution
• Prior military experience is highly valued, particularly experience in operational or program management roles such as: Department Head or Division Officer; Senior Enlisted leadership (E7-E9) with program or operations oversight.
• Experience leading teams, managing execution, and maintaining accountability in structured environments
• Preferred qualifications
  • Experience supporting DoD, NAVWAR, or similar program offices
  • Experience managing professional services or engineering support contracts
  • Familiarity with DoD acquisition lifecycle, governance forums, and reporting requirements
  • Experience leading program management teams and standardizing processes
  • Experience preparing executive-level briefings and decision support materials
  • Familiarity with contract performance management, including CPARS considerations

Certification:

• No certifications required
• Relevant certifications or training that may strengthen candidacy include:
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent
  • DAWIA or equivalent acquisition certification (Level II or higher preferred)

Clearance Requirements: Active Secret clearance required or ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Work Location:

• San Diego, CA
  • Client site: Old Town Complex (OTC), 4301 Pacific Highway / PMW 760 facilities
  • Company site: TBD
• On-site support required with potential for limited telework as approved

Physical Requirements: The ideal candidate must at a minimum be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers.
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer.

The Nakupuna Companies use a market-based compensation strategy to ensure that our employees are compensated within applicable market ranges commensurate with multiple factors, including but not limited to the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, and position location. The projected compensation range for this position is $150,000.00 to $175,000.00 (annualized USD). The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Nakupuna Companies total compensation package for employees.