Program Manager - Battlefield Staff Ride Program (Germany)

Job Title

Program Manager – Battlefield Staff Rides

Location

Germany (Grafenwöhr/Vilseck area preferred)

Employment Type

Full-time

Description

This position is contingent upon contract award.

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead and oversee the U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Battlefield Staff Rides program. This unique leadership development program uses European battlefields as living classrooms to develop military leaders through historical study, terrain analysis, and professional discussion.

The Program Manager will be responsible for all aspects of program delivery, including instructor coordination, logistics management, quality control, and client relations with U.S. military units across the European theater. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, deep knowledge of military history, and the ability to manage complex multi-day educational events across multiple European countries.

About the Program: Battlefield Staff Rides combine three essential elements: the intellectual (historical study and analysis), the physical (visiting actual battlefields), and the emotional (understanding the human dimension of combat). The program serves commanders seeking to develop their leaders through the study of military campaigns ranging from ancient Greece to World War II, across sites throughout Europe and the Mediterranean basin.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Coordination:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all contractual matters related to program delivery
• Coordinate with the Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) on all program requirements
• Ensure all Battlefield Staff Rides meet commander training objectives across three categories: historical tradition/legacy, military values, and combat performance
• Manage scheduling and coordination of approximately 80+ BSRs annually

Instructor Management:

• Recruit, credential, and manage a team of qualified military history instructors
• Ensure all instructors possess required expertise in battlefield dynamics, military leadership principles, and relevant campaign knowledge
• Coordinate instructor assignments based on battlefield expertise and unit requirements
• Maintain current instructor resumes and qualifications documentation

Quality Control:

• Develop and maintain the Quality Control Plan (QCP) ensuring all services meet contract requirements
• Monitor performance against all deliverables, timelines, and specifications
• Investigate and correct any non-conforming performance
• Collect and analyze student critique sheets; prepare annual summary self-evaluation reports
• Report any issues affecting performance to the COR within 48 hours

Logistics Management:

• Coordinate all logistical support including transportation, hotel accommodations, and meals
• Ensure bus transportation meets requirements (deluxe motor coach with WC, A/C, audio/video equipment)
• Verify hotels meet minimum 3-star standards and Force Protection criteria
• Manage meal coordination including dietary accommodations
• Secure all required approvals and clearances for cross-border travel
• Coordinate with unit POCs on Combat Leadership Workshop locations and itineraries

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of experience managing programs of similar scope within the last 8 years, with annual program value of at least $500,000
• Fluent in spoken and written English
• Understanding of U.S. Army doctrine, terminology, and organizational structure
• Experience coordinating complex logistics including transportation, lodging, and meals across multiple European countries
• Ability to manage and coordinate instructor teams
• Valid authorization to work in Germany (EU citizenship, work permit, or NATO SOFA status)
• Ability to travel extensively throughout Europe
• Available Monday through Friday, 0800-1600 CET, with flexibility for program execution outside these hours

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior U.S. military service or civilian experience supporting military training programs
• Advanced degree in history, military studies, or related field
• Experience with U.S. Government contracting and Performance Work Statements
• Knowledge of German language
• Familiarity with Force Protection requirements and Anti-Terrorism protocols
• Experience developing and implementing Quality Control Plans

Benefits

McColm offers a competitive compensation and benefits package to all of our staff. Compensation is offered according to job requirements, market dynamics, and experience/skills of the successful candidate. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurances, generous Paid Time Off, 11 paid federal holidays, and annual performance-based bonuses.

We are an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, gender identity or expression, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Due to the high volume of applications McColm receives and to ensure we comply with our internal hiring policies, we regret we are not able to respond to individual phone calls or emails regarding application status.