Project Manager

Talascend is currently seeking a Project Manager for a direct hire opportunity with our client in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

OVERVIEW

This role involves planning, executing, and delivering complex defense contracts while overseeing project performance including scope, schedule, cost, and risk management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the full project lifecycle from inception through planning, execution, monitoring, and close.
• Develop and maintain detailed project documents such as schedules, budgets, communication plans, and any other contractual requirements or organization standards.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams of engineers, logistics coordinators, supply chain and procurement, and manufacturing personnel.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for government customers, other defense contractors, subcontractors and vendors, and internal leadership regarding project performance and status.
• Monitor and control project progress by implementing corrective actions, where necessary, to ensure milestones, deliverables, and financial targets are achieved.
• Manage project risks and issues through strict risk management and documentation processes.
• Ensure compliance with defense industry regulations and contractual requirements, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Federal Acquisition Regulations and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (FAR/DFARS).
• Prepare and deliver project reviews, status reports, and briefings to senior leadership, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee subcontractor performance and coordinate deliverables across the supply chain.
• Manage customer relationships and expectations in order to drive additional business opportunities.
• Identify and champion continuous improvement efforts as well as participate in process improvement exercises.
• Drive company success by maintaining a business focused mindset and understanding the company’s overall objectives.
• Operate within, review, improve, and generate internal processes where applicable.
• Accountable for any other such duties that may be reasonably compatible with the nature and scope of the role.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering, or other related field.
• At least 5 years of project management experience.
• Preferred: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.

• Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex technical projects with multiple stakeholders and strict requirements.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Experience managing project budgets, schedule, and resource allocation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, including direct customer engagement.
• Strong commercial and contractual acumen with the ability to extract project requirements from a contract.
• A positive ‘can do’ approach with an ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, with additional preference for technical knowledge or experience.
• High level of computer literacy including MS Project, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• U.S. citizen with full driving license to drive in the US and abroad.
• Valid passport with no travel restrictions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

• Experience with defense acquisition processes and government contract types such as cost-plus and firm fixed price.
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management (EVM) and program performance metrics.
• Experience managing subcontractors and working within a complex defense supply chain.