Contract Manager (Subject Matter Expert – Program Implementation)

We are seeking an experienced Contract Manager (Subject Matter Expert – Program Implementation) to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Healthcare Engineering Facilities Program (HEFP) under the Sustainable Energy Program (SEP). In this role, you will serve as the Contractor's primary contract manager, overseeing all aspects of contract performance, personnel management, and program delivery in direct support of VA healthcare facility engineering and infrastructure initiatives. You will act as the senior liaison between contractor staff and VA stakeholders — including the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), Technical Representatives, and Contracting Officers — ensuring seamless execution of program objectives that directly improve the quality and sustainability of VA healthcare environments for our nation's Veterans.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned program management professional with deep federal healthcare or VA contracting experience who thrives in high-visibility, senior leadership environments and brings a structured, proactive approach to risk management, team coordination, and executive communication. You are a recognized expert who can independently drive contract performance while building strong working relationships across government and contractor teams.

• Serve as the Contractor's primary contract manager, formulating and enforcing work standards, assigning contractor schedules, and resolving work discrepancies to ensure overall contract performance meets VA HEFP SEP program requirements.
• Manage all contractor on-boarding activities and coordinate the orientation of new contract staff, ensuring personnel are fully prepared to meet VA access, compliance, and operational requirements from day one.
• Act as the principal point of contact for contract-related issues, working directly with the COR, technical representatives, and Contracting Officer to address performance concerns, contract modifications, and compliance matters in a timely and professional manner.
• Lead senior management briefings and present program status, performance metrics, risks, and improvement opportunities to VA leadership and executive stakeholders, serving as a recognized expert in program management best practices.
• Coordinate the identification, documentation, and communication of program risks and schedule/cost variances to HEFP Program Engineers, and actively manage mitigation strategies to maintain project execution on track.
• Continuously oversee contract performance and proactively identify opportunities for program improvement, process optimization, and efficiency gains aligned with VHA healthcare engineering and sustainability objectives.

• Minimum of 20 years of relevant experience with a BS degree; OR 15 years of program management experience with an MS degree; OR 5 years of VA program management experience combined with 15 years of total relevant experience.
• Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant medical, engineering, or science discipline required; Master of Science degree preferred and may substitute for years of experience per the qualifications matrix.
• Demonstrated experience working within VA, VHA, or federal healthcare agency environments, with a strong understanding of federal contracting structures, COR/CO relationships, and government program management frameworks.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required VA facility access credentials, including completion of VA Talent Management System (TMS) training, PIV/CAC credentialing, and any site-specific background investigation requirements.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; this position does not offer visa sponsorship.
• Active Project Management Professional (PMP) or Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification issued by PMI is required at time of application; certification must remain current throughout the period of performance.

Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. ​

We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. ​

Founded: 2012
Employees: 300+ nationwide

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.