Manager of Projects, Defense Contractors

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The Defense Contractor portfolio within Federal – Buildings & Infrastructure is seeking candidates for a new Defense Contractor Manager of Projects (MoP) position . This role may be performed anywhere within the US. Travel is required to visit client and operations locations where we operate. This is an exciting opportunity to oversee a portfolio of projects, driving financial success while fostering professional growth among aligned Project Managers (PMs). As an MoP, you will play a crucial role in delivering budgeted Gross Margin (GM) by optimizing change management, cash flow, and the delivery of high-quality, value-added services to clients. Your leadership will ensure the seamless execution of projects, providing guidance and career development opportunities for PMs while supporting Client Account Managers (CAMs) in maintaining strong client relationships and satisfaction.

In this role, you will review and approve key proposal and project contract documents, assess risks, and set pricing strategies. Upholding Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards will be a priority across all projects, ensuring compliance and best practices are consistently maintained. You will collaborate with Operations Management and Performance Unit Financial and Project Controls leads to align business plan forecasting and ensure project estimates to completion (ETCs) are accurately projected. Additionally, you will drive adherence to client policies, procedures, and operational guidelines while leveraging industry-leading project management tools to enhance efficiency.

Key responsibilities include minimizing financial uncertainties, strengthening performance expectations, and fostering a culture of accountability to drive project excellence. You will work to improve operational gaps, increase margin performance, and establish rigorous quality control standards. A commitment to inclusion and diversity within project teams will be fundamental to your leadership approach, ensuring a collaborative and dynamic work environment. Ultimately, as a MoP, your mission will be to cultivate and empower PMs for both financial and professional success, shaping the future of project leadership in the industry.

The location for this position is flexible as you will work with clients in a variety of timezones and locations.

When you join us, we'll look to you to:

• Review and approval of Project Risk Register/Mitigation Plans, Project Execution Plans, and Project Quality Plans

• Conduct monthly Project Reviews on projects and document critical issues and actions

• Attend Project Administrative Reviews (PARs) as required to discuss projects within the MOP portfolio that meet PAR thresholds

• Participation/leadership of Pricing Reviews

• Review accuracy of ETCs/EACs and address variances or issues with PMs

• Approve Revenue Recognition Workflows

• Provide Contract Delivery Review System (CDRS) approvals

#LI-KD1 #LI-KS1

Here's what you'll need

• US Citizenship is required
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Architecture or Engineering
• Professional licensure, such as Professional Engineer (any state), AIA Registration or PMP
• Project management and project execution experience with Defense Industrial Clients
• Financial experience required along with demonstrated business acumen
• Experience with contracts and risk management
• Strong organizational, communications (both verbal and written) skills, and leadership abilities
• A passion for focusing on staff management (for PMs) and a desire to focus on helping our PMs deliver successful solutions for our clients

Ideally, You’ll Also Have:

• Advanced degree in related field or MBA
• Experience managing international programs
• Experience managing large (over $300m TIC) industrial campus projects (design or construction)
• Strong inspirational leadership skills

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

195,000.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

225,000.00

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $195,000.00 to $225,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on January 15, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .

Locations

City State Country
Los Angeles	California	United States