1

Program Manager Defense Jobs in Fort Liberty, NC

Experience supporting federal government, defense, or intelligence community programs. * Familiarity with Agile transformation or enterprise modernization initiatives. * Experience managing budgets ...

New

Program Analyst

Fort Liberty, NC · Hybrid

$63K - $85K/yr

This position will be responsible and accountable for all PMO business and reports to the Program ... S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of ...

Showing results 21-40

Program Manager Defense information

See Fort Liberty, NC salary details

$37.6K

$104.8K

$153.2K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Fort Liberty, NC is $104,829.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,600.00 and $129,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program manager defense?

A Program Manager in Defense is responsible for overseeing and coordinating large-scale defense projects, which may involve military equipment, technology systems, or defense-related services. They ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet all specified requirements and regulations. This role often includes working with cross-functional teams, managing contracts, and liaising with government agencies or military branches. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential, as is a thorough understanding of defense industry standards and protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program manager defense?

To thrive as a Program Manager in Defense, you need a strong background in project management, defense acquisition processes, and often a relevant degree such as engineering or business, with security clearance frequently required. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), and DoD-specific platforms, as well as certifications like PMP or DAWIA, are typically expected. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills set top performers apart by enabling them to manage diverse teams and stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure effective project execution, compliance with defense regulations, and successful delivery of critical programs within scope, budget, and timeline.

What are some common challenges a program manager defense faces when coordinating multidisciplinary teams?

Program Managers in the defense industry often encounter challenges such as balancing strict security requirements with timely project delivery, managing cross-functional teams that include engineers, analysts, and government stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with evolving defense regulations. Navigating complex stakeholder expectations and adapting to shifting project scopes are also frequent hurdles. Successful Program Managers proactively foster communication across teams and maintain detailed project documentation to address these challenges.

What is the difference between Program Manager Defense vs Project Manager Defense?

AspectProgram Manager DefenseProject Manager Defense
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple related projects, strategic planning, and overall program successManages individual projects, ensuring specific objectives are met within scope, time, and budget
CertificationsTypically PMP, PgMP, or similar certificationsUsually PMP or CAPM certifications
Work EnvironmentOften in defense contractors, government agencies, or military settingsSimilar environments, focusing on specific project deliverables
FocusStrategic coordination and long-term goalsTactical execution of individual projects

While both roles require project management skills and certifications like PMP, the Program Manager Defense oversees multiple projects and aligns them with strategic objectives, whereas the Project Manager Defense focuses on managing specific projects to meet immediate goals.

What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Fort Liberty, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Fort Liberty, NC are:

What cities near Fort Liberty, NC are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Fort Liberty, NC with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Fort Liberty, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,829 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Program Manager (TS Cleared)

Kentro

Fayetteville, NC • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Overview

Thank you for considering IT Concepts dba Kentro, where innovation drives opportunity and collaboration leads to success. Our dynamic community of experts is fully committed to advancing our customers' missions, fostering professional growth, and making a positive impact on our communities.

By joining our supportive community, you will find that Kentro is dedicated to your personal and professional development. Together, we can drive meaningful change, spark innovation, and achieve extraordinary milestones.

Kentro is always interested in connecting with experienced Program Managers who hold an active Top Secret clearance and have a strong track record of leading complex, multi-workstream programs in mission-driven or enterprise environments. Ideal candidates bring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams, drive execution, and ensure alignment between business objectives, technical delivery, and stakeholder expectations.

This posting is intended for candidates who would like to be considered for future opportunities as hiring needs evolve. Our team regularly reviews resumes for both immediate and upcoming openings. If your background aligns with a current or future position, we’ll be in touch.

Location: Onsite in Fayetteville, NC

Responsibilities

You may be a great fit if you have experience with:

  • Leading end-to-end program management across multiple projects, teams, or workstreams.
  • Developing and maintaining integrated program plans, schedules, milestones, and delivery roadmaps.
  • Managing program scope, budget, risks, issues, and dependencies across technical and business initiatives.
  • Coordinating across engineering, cybersecurity, operations, and executive stakeholders to ensure successful delivery.
  • Driving Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, or hybrid program execution methodologies.
  • Facilitating executive-level reporting, briefings, and performance tracking across programs.
  • Managing vendor relationships, subcontractors, and third-party delivery partners.
  • Identifying and mitigating program risks while ensuring alignment to organizational goals and mission priorities.
  • Supporting resource planning, capacity management, and prioritization across competing initiatives.
  • Ensuring compliance with government, security, or regulatory requirements in controlled environments.
  • Leading program governance, documentation, and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Managing multiple high-visibility initiatives in fast-paced, mission-critical environments.
Qualifications
  • Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance required.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 7+ years of experience in program or project management roles of increasing complexity.
  • Demonstrated experience managing large-scale, cross-functional programs.
  • Strong understanding of program governance, lifecycle management, and delivery frameworks.
  • Experience working with technical teams (IT, engineering, cybersecurity, or infrastructure).
  • Highly polished communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines.
Nice to Haves
  • PMP, PgMP, SAFe, or other relevant program/project management certifications.
  • Experience supporting federal government, defense, or intelligence community programs.
  • Familiarity with Agile transformation or enterprise modernization initiatives.
  • Experience managing budgets, contracts, and vendor performance.
  • Knowledge of ITIL or enterprise service delivery frameworks.
  • Experience with program reporting tools such as MS Project, Jira, Confluence, Smartsheet, or similar platforms.
Benefits

We offer a competitive benefits package including paid time off, healthcare benefits, supplemental benefits, 401(k) with employer match, discount perks, rewards, and more. We invest in our employees – every employee is eligible for education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, or professional development. Reimbursement amounts may fluctuate due to IRS limitations. We want you to grow as an expert and a leader and offer flexibility for you to take a course, complete a certification, or other professional growth and networking opportunities.

We work hard; we play hard. Kentro is committed to incorporating fun into everyday activities – including virtual and in-person events such as happy hours, holiday events, fitness & wellness events, and annual celebrations. In alignment with our commitment to our communities, we also host and attend charity galas and events.

Equal Opportunity & VEVRAA

Kentro is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Kentro is strongly committed to compliance with VEVRAA and other applicable federal, state, and local laws governing equal employment opportunity.

We encourage protected veterans to self-identify during the application process. This information is strictly confidential and will only be used for reporting and compliance purposes as required by law. Providing this information is voluntary and will not impact your employment eligibility.

#J-18808-Ljbffr