Project Manager

Position Description

Serco is hiring a Project Manager to be part of a dynamic team supporting Department of Defense (DoD) programs in San Diego, CA. The ideal candidate has supported program execution across technical, operational, and compliance domains, understands DoD environments, and brings lessons learned from complex challenges, including failed or delayed initiatives. You will lead integrated teams, drive delivery, and guide stakeholders through programmatic complexity with resilience and insight.

This position is contingent upon your ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance 

In this role you will: 

• Lead and manage complex, multi-disciplinary programs that support DoD clients and contract deliverables.
• Develop and maintain integrated program plans, schedules, and budgets that align with DoD acquisition and performance requirements.
• Serve as a key liaison between internal teams and government stakeholders, ensuring alignment with mission goals and compliance standards.
• Support all phases of the program lifecycle, including planning, execution, performance tracking, reporting, and closeout.
• Identify risks and apply experience from past program support challenges, including exposure to underperforming or failed efforts.
• Implement lessons learned to improve program efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance future performance.
• Ensure all documentation meets DoD and organizational standards, including status reports, risk management plans, and milestone tracking.
• Provide leadership and guidance to cross-functional teams and help translate technical requirements into program execution strategies.

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Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will have: 

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance
• U.S Citizenship required 
• PMP/DAWIA LEVEL III Certification 
• A Bachelors Degree
• Or a High School diploma/GED with minimum 10 years of program or project management experience 
• Minimum 6 years of program or project management experience
• Minimum 6-10 direct years of experience supervising employees
• Assigns work to subordinates based on employee’s capabilities, priorities, and difficulty
• Develops performance standards and evaluates employee performance
• Provides technical and administrative oversight, advice and instruction
• Interviews with candidates and recommendations for hiring, promotions, etc.
• Hears and resolves employee complaints, referring to serious complaints lacking resolution to higher level supervision
• Takes disciplinary measures such as warnings and reprimands and recommends more serious disciplinary measures to higher supervision
• Identifies and arranges for employee developmental and training requirements
• Solid understanding and support of DoD structures & acquisition processes
• Experience contributing to or supporting programs that encountered delivery, performance, or compliance challenges—and the ability to articulate key takeaways and adjustments made
• Demonstrated resilience and stress management
• Complex problem solving 
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated Critical and analytical thinking
• Ability to travel 25% (CONUS & OCONUS)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid U.S Passport

Additional desired experience and skills: 

• Active DoD Secret security clearance 
• Prior experience supporting DoD initiatives under FAR/DFARS compliance
• Familiarity with Agile, hybrid, and Waterfall project management frameworks
• Understanding risk management, change control, and stakeholder communication best practices

Apply today to discover your place in our world!

Company Overview

Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco’s 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.

To review Serco benefits please visit: https://www.serco.com/na/careers/benefits-of-choosing-serco. If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: [email protected] or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email.

Candidates may be asked to present proof of identify during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.

Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email [email protected].

Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Pay Transparency

Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance—so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of the posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities.

Benefits HIGHLIGHTS – Comprehensible Benefits for Full-time Employees (Part-time members receive a customized package tailored to their role).

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
• 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Plan that includes counseling conditions
• Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific contract as well as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement or the Service Contract Act.

To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://www.serco.com/na/careers/about-us.

Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco’s external (or internal) career site. This is a U.S.-based role. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: [email protected].