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Acquisition Program Manager Jobs in Lake Forest, IL

Specialized

Program Manager

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Program Manager (Onsite) Reports to: Chief Operating Officer About Us: Specialized - One Force ... Track cross-functional dependencies across Workforce Operations, Talent Acquisition, Fusion Center ...

Acquisition Network

ETA Searcher

Chicago, IL · Remote

$150K - $200K/yr

It is an opportunity to pre-qualify for an exclusive acquisition program where you partner with our team to acquire and manage a profitable company. What the Program Includes (Paid Service) End-to ...

Walker-Miller Energy

Senior Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$119K - $120K/yr

Please submit your application, and a member of our Talent Acquisition team will reach out when a ... The Senior Program Manager, Strategy & Planning is responsible for leading program planning ...

Walker-Miller Energy

Senior Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$119K - $120K/yr

Please submit your application, and a member of our Talent Acquisition team will reach out when a ... The Senior Program Manager, Strategy & Planning is responsible for leading program planning ...

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All JobsAcquisition Program JobsAcquisition Program Manager JobsAcquisition Program Manager Jobs in Lake Forest, IL

Acquisition Program Manager information

See Lake Forest, IL salary details

$43.1K

$85.9K

$148.5K

How much do acquisition program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for acquisition program manager in Lake Forest, IL is $85,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $110,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an acquisition program manager?

Acquisition Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the procurement and lifecycle of products, services, or systems within an organization, often in government or defense sectors. They coordinate project timelines, budgets, and requirements to ensure successful delivery and compliance with regulations. Their role involves working with cross-functional teams, managing contracts, and mitigating risks throughout the acquisition process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an acquisition program manager?

To thrive as an Acquisition Program Manager, you need strong project management skills, knowledge of procurement regulations, and typically a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with acquisition management systems, federal contracting tools, and certifications like DAWIA or PMP are highly valued. Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities help build consensus among stakeholders and manage complex projects effectively. These skills ensure successful program delivery, regulatory compliance, and efficient use of resources in acquisition environments.

What are some common challenges acquisition program managers face when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Acquisition Program Managers often work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including engineers, finance specialists, and contract officers, which can present challenges in aligning priorities and communication styles. Balancing the needs of various departments while ensuring program timelines and budgets are met requires strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills. Additionally, adapting to shifting requirements and regulatory changes is a frequent challenge, making flexibility and proactive problem-solving important qualities for success in the role.

What is the difference between Acquisition Program Manager vs Contract Specialist?

AspectAcquisition Program ManagerContract Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's degree, often with contracting certifications like FAC-C or DAWIA
Work EnvironmentOversees large acquisition projects, collaborates with multiple teamsFocuses on contract development, negotiation, and compliance
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, defense, aerospaceGovernment agencies, defense, federal contracting
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding project management roles in acquisitionsUnderstanding contract management roles in acquisitions

The Acquisition Program Manager and Contract Specialist roles both operate within government and defense sectors, but the Program Manager oversees entire acquisition projects, while the Contract Specialist focuses on contract details and compliance. Both require related certifications and work environments, making them common points of comparison for professionals in procurement and acquisition fields.

What cities near Lake Forest, IL are hiring for Acquisition Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Lake Forest, IL with the most Acquisition Program Manager job openings:

Acquisition Program Manager jobs near you

Exportability / Acquisition Analyst

JMark Services Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$85 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The Exportability/Acquisition Analyst supports Department of War (DoW) acquisition programs by integrating exportability considerations throughout the acquisition lifecycle. This position provides program management support, acquisition analysis, security cooperation expertise, and guidance on Defense Exportability Features (DEF) to ensure weapon systems and technologies are developed with future foreign military sales (FMS), international partnerships, and export compliance in mind.

The successful candidate will work closely with Program Managers, engineers, security cooperation offices, contracting personnel, and international partners to evaluate exportability requirements, assess acquisition strategies, and support program execution while ensuring compliance with applicable U.S. export control regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Support DoW acquisition programs throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
  • Analyze acquisition documentation, schedules, milestones, and program risks.
  • Assist in developing acquisition strategies that incorporate Defense Exportability Features (DEF).
  • Evaluate program requirements for future Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and international partner interoperability.
  • Coordinate with engineering, logistics, contracting, legal, and security stakeholders regarding exportability considerations.
  • Support Program Managers with planning, execution, cost, schedule, and performance reporting.
  • Develop and maintain acquisition documentation, briefings, reports, and decision support materials.
  • Assist with milestone preparation and acquisition reviews.
  • Research and interpret acquisition policies, directives, and guidance.
  • Analyze program risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
  • Support security cooperation initiatives and international program coordination.
  • Interpret and apply International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
  • Participate in Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), technical interchange meetings, and program reviews.
  • Prepare executive-level briefings and presentations.
  • Track action items and ensure timely completion of assigned deliverables.
  • Support continuous process improvement initiatives across acquisition and program management activities.
Required Qualifications Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, International Business, Engineering, Project Management, Public Administration, or a related discipline.
  • Master's degree preferred.
Experience
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience supporting Department of War acquisition programs.
  • Five (5) or more years of relevant experience preferred.
  • Experience supporting one or more of the following:
    • Defense acquisition programs
    • Security Cooperation
    • Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
    • Defense Exportability Features (DEF)
    • Program Management Offices (PMOs)
  • Experience preparing acquisition documentation and executive briefings.
  • Working knowledge of the Defense Acquisition System.
Certifications
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
  • DAWIA/Back-to-Basics acquisition certification is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Knowledge of DoW acquisition policies and processes.
  • Familiarity with Defense Exportability Features (DEF).
  • Understanding of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) processes.
  • Working knowledge of:
    • International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
    • Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to coordinate across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
Security Clearance
  • Active Secret security clearance required.
  • Top Secret/SCI preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
  • PMP certification.
  • Experience with Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs).
  • Experience supporting Program Executive Offices (PEOs) or Program Management Offices (PMOs).
  • Knowledge of Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF) pathways.
  • Experience with Security Assistance or Security Cooperation organizations.
  • Familiarity with JCIDS, PPBE, and defense acquisition documentation.
  • Experience working with DoD or Service-level acquisition organizations.
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