Program Manager

Defender Contracting & Construction (Defender) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Program Manager to join our team at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. This role offers an exciting opportunity to support mission-critical construction and engineering projects as part of a Military Construction (MILCON) program, Simplified Acquisition of Base Engineering Requirements (SABER) contract.

As an 8(a) certified Federal contractor, Defender specializes in delivering efficient, high-quality construction services to military installations nationwide. Our work at Joint Base Charleston involves managing high-volume, multi-discipline maintenance, repair, and minor construction projects that are critical to the operations of the 628th Air Force Base and Naval Weapons Station.

Defender Contracting & Construction, LLC is a Joint Venture (JV) formed through a strategic partnership between Infinite Energy and Matai Services, combining over 35 years of industry expertise. This partnership leverages IEC’s proven capabilities in federal and military construction contracting with Matai Services’ specialized experience as an 8(a) certified firm in project execution, subcontractor management, and mission-critical infrastructure. Together, Defender delivers comprehensive, high-quality construction solutions for government and defense clients, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and operational excellence across all projects.

About the Role

The Contract Manager will be responsible for the overall program management of the SABER contract, ensuring compliance with federal standards, managing subcontractors, client interface, and overseeing a team while they navigate project execution from inception to close-out. This role requires a proactive/solutions-based mindset, exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills to handle simultaneous task orders (TOs) across a variety of disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive contract management, including subcontract purchasing and administration.
• Review material submittals, shop drawings, and develop detailed cost proposals.
• Negotiate terms, awards, and modifications to contracts.
• Manage a team of Project Managers, Quality Control Managers, CAD Technicians and Superintendents supporting the contract.
• Represent Defender in joint Government/Contractor weekly status meetings, pre-performance site visits, pre-final, and final inspections.
• Align site visits, design development, and project timelines with contractual requirements to ensure compliance and maintain strong CPARS ratings.
• Manage the team through all phases of construction from inception to closeout to ensure competitive pricing, scope alignment, contractual requirements, project financials and closeout.
• Ensure compliance with all contract terms, specifications, and federal regulations.
• Respond promptly to contract-related emergencies (within 1 hour) and routine issues (within 8 hours).

What We Are Looking For

Candidates must meet the following qualifications:

Required: The contract requires a BA in the engineering practices below OR at least 15 years' relative experience as detailed below.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil, structural, mechanical, or electrical engineering; or architecture.
• Experience: 15 years of experience managing multi-discipline commercial construction projects for a general contracting firm or as a primary manager of MILCON contracts.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Proven experience managing subcontractors and vendors.
• Ability to obtain access to a U.S. military installation (subject to pre-employment background checks).
• Program Management experience.
• Strong people management skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with Military Construction Programs; SABER, JOC, MACC, or MATOC contracts.
• Knowledge of Procore, Microsoft Project, and line-item pricing software (RS Means, Gordian).
• Experience with relationship-based contracting and fostering client trust through transparent and reliable operations.
• Possesses a proactive solutions-based mindset to anticipate challenges and implement preventive measures.

Qualifications:

• Construction project management, contract administration, and budgeting skills
• Knowledge of military construction regulations and specifications
• Experience in overseeing electrical scopes and excavation services
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with contractors, subcontractors, and government agencies
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
• PMP certification is a plus

Why Join DCC?

Defender offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401k with company contribution.
• Paid leave and company-paid holidays.
• Opportunities for growth within a nationwide network of federal and commercial construction projects.
• Professional development opportunities, including negotiation training and advanced project management workshops.

Join Our Mission

At Defender, we unite expertise and innovation to support the essential missions of our federal clients. If you are ready to advance your career in a challenging and rewarding environment, we encourage you to apply.