Senior Program Manager – Software Implementation Programs with Security Clearance

Senior Program Manager – Software Implementation Programs We are seeking a Senior Program Manager / Director to lead and oversee a high-visibility Human Capital Management System (HCMS) software implementation program within the Defense/Intelligence Community. This individual will have end-to-end responsibility for large-scale software development and implementation efforts, spanning multiple teams and workstreams, and will serve as the senior delivery leader accountable for execution, outcomes, and government confidence. The ideal candidate brings deep experience leading complex, enterprise-scale software development programs, demonstrates strong delivery ownership, and has the judgment to operate effectively in mission-critical, high-stakes federal environments. This is not a hands-on technical role, but it requires a leader who understands modern software delivery well enough to guide teams, manage risk, and engage government stakeholders with credibility. This position requires a regular onsite presence in a SCIF environment to support mission needs, with limited flexibility for remote work when appropriate. Key Responsibilities Program & Delivery Leadership · Lead overall program execution for large-scale software development and implementation efforts · Own end-to-end delivery across multiple teams and concurrent workstreams · Establish and maintain disciplined program cadence, delivery metrics, and execution transparency · Ensure schedules, budgets, staffing, and deliverables remain aligned with program objectives and contractual requirements · Drive accountability across teams, partners, and vendors to ensure delivery commitments are met Software Implementation Oversight · Provide senior leadership for enterprise software implementation programs, including application-focused and front-end delivery · Partner effectively with technical leads and architects to translate delivery realities into executable plans · Anticipate and manage software delivery risks related to scope, integration, dependencies, and timelines · Ensure implementation efforts move beyond advisory or sustainment work into true delivery and execution Compliance, Risk, and Performance · Ensure compliance with contract terms, policies, and Intelligence Community security requirements · Identify program and delivery risks early and implement mitigation strategies · Monitor performance across teams and partners, surfacing issues clearly and driving resolution · Balance government expectations with delivery realities through proactive leadership and judgment Government Engagement · Serve as the senior program interface with client stakeholders · Facilitate structured discussions on priorities, dependencies, risks, and delivery tradeoffs · Provide informed recommendations to support government decision-making · Build trusted relationships through consistent, high-quality software delivery Team, Partner & Vendor Oversight · Align task leads, software teams, and partners to shared delivery objectives · Oversee subcontractor and vendor performance related to software implementation · Ensure effective coordination of reporting, deliverables, and staffing activities Program Growth & Continuity · Support identification and shaping of follow-on work and program expansion opportunities · Partner with internal leadership to ensure continuity and long-term program success · Contribute to proposal development and solution shaping as needed Work Environment & Location · Primary work location: Onsite in a SCIF in the Washington, DC metro area · In-person presence required approximately 3–4 days per week · Limited work-from-home flexibility available when mission needs allow · Travel to conferences and other mission needs may be required Required Qualifications · U.S. Citizenship required per contract requirements · Active TS clearance required; must be eligible for SCI (Groundswell will sponsor SCI) · Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience) · 15+ years supporting DoD and/or Intelligence Community programs · 10+ years leading large, complex programs with delivery accountability · Demonstrated experience managing enterprise-scale software development or implementation programs · Proven ability to lead multi-team, multi-workstream software delivery efforts · Strong understanding of federal contracting, compliance, and risk management · Must be local to the Washington, DC metro area Preferred Qualifications · Experience supporting software implementation programs, including application or front-end delivery · Experience with Human Capital Management (HCM) systems (preferred, not required) · Workday implementation or program oversight experience · PMP or equivalent program management certification What Success Looks Like · Software implementation delivery is predictable, disciplined, and transparent · Risks and issues are identified early and addressed effectively · Teams and partners operate with clear expectations and accountability · Government stakeholders view the program as well-managed, credible, and delivery-focused · Strong execution enables long-term program stability and growth Apply tot his job