Deputy Program Manager*- User Engagement Lead

Orbis is seeking an experienced Deputy Program Manager - User Engagement Lead to serve as the #2 leadership position on a complex, technology-enabled international defense program in the Middle East. Reporting directly to the Program Manager, the Deputy PM will have day-to-day program execution, team coordination, and client engagement while supporting program growth and contributing to the firm's regional footprint. This is a senior individual contributor and team leadership role requiring operational maturity, cross-functional management experience, and the ability to thrive in dynamic, forward-deployed environments.

TRAVEL: Extended travel to the Middle East, including time spent in geopolitical hot zones on a rotational basis (60 days in country and 60 days in the US working remotely) is required. Please apply if you meet this requirement.

MANAGE

Support program delivery, team operations, and execution quality.

• Program Execution: Assist the Program Manager in overseeing all program delivery activities, including execution of deliverables across integration teams, maintenance of sprint cadence, and alignment of delivery scope with client requirements.
• Team Coordination: Support the leadership and day-to-day coordination of a blended team of 20-40 personnel including U.S. persons and local nationals across engineering, operations, logistics, and customer support functions.
• Client Engagement: Participate in client engagements and support the PM in maintaining strong senior-level relationships. Assist in capturing client feedback that informs technical development and program adjustments.
• Compliance Support: Ensure program activities adhere to all applicable regulatory standards including ITAR requirements and host nation protocols in coordination with the Program Manager.

GROW

Support program growth and regional business development efforts.

• Business Development Support: Assist the Program Manager and Country Manager in identifying and pursuing program growth opportunities within the Middle East region.
• Capability Awareness: Develop working familiarity with the full spectrum of Orbis offerings - including proprietary tools, service offerings, and training - to identify opportunities for capability reuse and new business.
• Relationship Building: Build and sustain working-level and senior-level relationships with the client and adjacent stakeholders. Invest in broad connectivity as a platform for long-term partnership.
• Proposals and Pricing: Contribute to program proposals, concept pitches, and pricing reviews as requested to support strategic alignment and Orbis quality standards.

CONNECT

Link program insights into firm-wide strategy and capability development.

• Market Intelligence: Monitor regional and international trends with the potential to disrupt key markets. Share insights proactively with the Program Manager to inform investment decisions and risk mitigation.
• Capability Input: Contribute operational experience and client insights to support internal concept and capability development.
• Cross-Division Support: Support firm-wide strategy and business development efforts across divisions when requested.

EVOLVE

Help build the team culture that sustains program performance.

• Team Development: Actively contribute to team performance management, promoting individual contributions to the program and firm.
• Career Growth: Support individual team member aspirations by identifying organizational and professional growth opportunities aligned with contract growth.
• Mentorship: Act as a teammate and mentor to professionals within the firm. Foster a culture where people and capabilities grow together.

EXPERIENCE

• 8-10 years in the U.S. military, special operations, or U.S. intelligence community
• Demonstrated experience working with international and foreign partners, particularly in the Middle East
• Operational, analytical, or program management experience supporting and growing government clients
• Proven track record leading or supporting teams of 15 personnel in deployed or forward environments
• Experience contributing to program execution in complex, technology-enabled environments
• Hands-on experience operating, integrating, and/or maintaining air defense systems and radars with C2 systems
• Exposure to Agile or sprint-based delivery in a technology integration environment
• Experience using CRM platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics365 or Salesforce

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience coordinating blended U.S. and local national workforces
• Familiarity with Middle East defense markets, procurement processes, and partner nation cultures
• Professional working proficiency in Arabic

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The following describes the physical demands of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the ADA.

Sedentary Work: Primarily performs work in a seated position for extended periods; occasionally required to stand, walk, or move within the work area
Fine Motor Skills: Regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and standard office equipment
Vision: Must be able to read and view a computer screen for extended periods; close vision and ability to adjust focus required
Communication: Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in person, via telephone, and through video conferencing platforms; ability to hear and understand spoken information in a professional setting required
Lifting: Occasionally required to lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds (e.g., files, documents, office supplies)
Concentration: Must be able to maintain sustained focus and attention to detail in a professional office or hybrid work environment

Travel: Extended travel to the Middle East, including time spent in geopolitical hot zones on a rotational basis (60 days in country and 60 days in the US working remotely).

Orbis Operations is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Orbis Operations is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued and respected. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those from underrepresented groups.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Orbis Operations will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. If you require an accommodation, please contact us at hr@orbisops.com