Programs Manager Jobs in Lawrence, KS (NOW HIRING)

Job: Federal Programs Manager

Location: Lenexa, KS

At GBA, we bring vision to life through collaboration, expertise, and commitment. Our teams are driven by a shared passion for delivering innovative, high-quality solutions that support critical infrastructure and national defense priorities.

Were looking for a Federal Programs Manager to join our Industrial Group. This role Supports the Industrial Group Leader in the day-to-day operations, business development, and project oversight activities of GBA's Industrial Group. This position serves as a key point of contact for federal and Army Ammunition Plant (AAP) clients, leads pursuit and account management efforts within assigned federal accounts, provides on-site and remote quality assurance and project coordination services on active AAP programs, and helps manage internal group operations to enable the Group Leader to focus on strategic priorities.

This is a hybrid BD/operations/QA role uniquely suited to a self-motivated professional who thrives in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment and has a strong interest in growing GBA's presence in the federal defense facilities market.

Federal Client Management & Business Development

• Execute growth initiatives for assigned federal accounts including AAP installations by contributing to capture plans, pursuit strategies, and prepositioning efforts.
• Identify, qualify, and pursue new federal client opportunities while expanding existing AAP accounts through promotion of GBA's full-service A&E capabilities.
• Manage a portfolio of federal and industrial client accounts, serving as a primary point of contact and ensuring consistent communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead client communications related to scope and service alignment; participate in contract negotiations in coordination with project teams and GBA leadership.
• Coordinate and strengthen proposals, budgets, and pursuit materials with technical staff and GBA Marketing to enhance competitive positioning for federal programs.
• Build and maintain GBA's industry presence in the federal defense facilities sector through events such as SAME (Society of American Military Engineers) and NDIA (National Defense Industrial Association), relationship development, and proactive engagement.
• Coach seller-doers and junior staff on client service, federal account growth, and pursuit strategy specific to AAP and government clients.
• Monitor account performance indicators and coordinate with project managers to support financial health and client satisfaction across assigned accounts.

AAP Program QA & Project Oversight

• Attend weekly Integrated Project Team (IPT) meetings with the operating contractor and the U.S. Government (USG); prepare and distribute meeting minutes within two (2) days of each meeting, summarizing discussion, decisions, and outstanding action items.
• Provide weekly written project status updates to the client, summarizing progress, risks, schedule status, and outstanding items.
• Provide general oversight and coordination of GBA and vendor personnel assigned to active AAP programs, ensuring accountability and consistent performance.
• Review change order submissions from the general construction contractor (GC) and provide a written summary to the client including validation of scope, cost, and schedule impact.
• Review planned project high-level work breakdown structures (WBS) provided by the client and, using the applicable QAS Worksheet, assign estimated hours for each applicable discipline including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Fire Protection, Telecom/IT/Cybersecurity, and Safety engineering for each WBS Item Description.
• As directed by the client and subject to prior approval in each instance, interact with the design architect-engineer of record (A/E of record), general construction contractor(s), remediation contractor(s), and commissioning contractor on program-related matters.

Industrial Group Operations Support

• Support the Industrial Group Leader with internal group operations, including resource planning, scheduling coordination, and workload tracking across active projects and pursuits.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of the group's BD pipeline, opportunity tracking, and CRM entries for federal and industrial accounts.
• Help develop and refine internal processes, templates, and tools that support consistent, efficient project and BD delivery across the group.
• Coordinate with GBA's Life Sciences and Mission Critical groups on shared resources, cross-group utilization, and internal communications as needed.
• Support GBA leadership with reporting, metrics, and periodic updates on group performance, pipeline status, and market trends in the federal defense facilities sector.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No direct reports at time of hire; provides guidance and coordination oversight to project team personnel and vendor staff on assigned programs. This role is expected to grow into a supervisory capacity as the Industrial Group expands and federal program volume increases.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field AND 10+ years of combined professional experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. U.S. military service, including non-commissioned and commissioned officer experience in the Army or other service branches, is considered highly relevant and will be evaluated accordingly.
• Demonstrated experience in federal, defense, or government program environments including DoD installation management, military construction (MILCON), base operations, or logistics/industrial facility oversight is strongly preferred. Retiring or recently separated military professionals with relevant program, operational, or facilities experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Prior exposure to Army Ammunition Plant programs, USACE-regulated projects, or other DoD facility programs is a significant plus.
• Familiarity with CRM systems, MS Office Suite, and proposal preparation tools.
• Experience with federal RFP processes, government contracting vehicles (IDIQ, MATOC, SATOC), and proposal coordination is preferred.
• confidence, particularly within federal and defense accounts.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of A/E project lifecycles, federal procurement processes, and GBA's service offerings within the Industrial and defense sectors.
• Collaborates effectively across disciplines and project teams while exercising sound judgment in client-related decisions.
• Applies strong organizational and problem-solving skills to manage competing account priorities, program milestones, and IPT coordination demands.
• Prepares clear, professional written communications including meeting minutes, project update reports, and change order summary documents.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to represent GBA professionally in federal client and contractor settings.
• Comfortable operating in structured, compliance-conscious program environments with defined reporting cadences and documentation standards.

• Represent GBA professionally in all internal and external interactions, maintaining client-appropriate attire and presence consistent with company standards and federal installation expectations.
• Ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to access controlled-access federal installations, including U.S. Army Ammunition Plants, as required. Candidates must be able to satisfy applicable visitor/access requirements.

• Ability to travel as needed, including overnight stays for project site visits, IPT meetings at client installations, industry conferences (SAME, NDIA), and professional events.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license and an insurable driving record under the company's insurance carrier requirements to operate or rent vehicles for business purposes.

At GBA, youll be part of a team that values integrity, safety, and innovation. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, accident, and disability coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness initiatives
• Paid company holidays, floating holidays, and flexible time off
• Opportunities for training, professional growth, and advancement

If youre a motivated professional who takes pride in delivering safe, high-quality work, wed love to hear from you.

Apply today and build your future with GBA.

At GBA, we are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer promoting diversity in our workforce by including all individuals regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law.