Program Manager

Program Manager Contract/Contract To Hire Atlanta,GA

We are seeking an experienced IT Technical Project Manager to lead and deliver enterprise cybersecurity initiatives focused on Firewall & Network Security, Cyber Incident Response, and Threat Intelligence. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of cybersecurity expertise and project management experience, successfully leading cross-functional teams to enhance enterprise security, improve incident response capabilities, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end delivery of cybersecurity projects including firewall deployments, network security enhancements, incident response initiatives, and threat intelligence programs.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, budgets, resource plans, and risk registers.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects while balancing priorities, dependencies, and timelines.
• Drive projects through the complete project lifecycle from initiation through closure.
• Track project milestones, KPIs, deliverables, and provide executive-level status reporting.

• Coordinate firewall deployments, rule management, migrations, and modernization projects using enterprise firewall platforms.
• Lead network segmentation, Zero Trust, and micro-segmentation initiatives.
• Manage projects involving IDS/IPS, Web Application Firewalls (WAF), VPN, DDoS mitigation, and SD-WAN security.
• Oversee Network Access Control (NAC) and perimeter security enhancement initiatives.

• Manage projects that improve incident response processes, procedures, and security playbooks.
• Coordinate tabletop exercises, red/blue team engagements, and incident simulation activities.
• Lead implementation of Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) solutions.
• Collaborate with Security Operations teams to improve detection, monitoring, and response capabilities.

• Lead implementation and integration of threat intelligence platforms and feeds with enterprise security tools.
• Coordinate threat hunting and security automation initiatives.
• Manage third-party vendors providing threat intelligence services.
• Drive projects that convert threat intelligence into actionable security improvements.

• Serve as the primary liaison between cybersecurity teams, IT infrastructure, business stakeholders, and leadership.
• Facilitate governance meetings, steering committees, and change management reviews.
• Manage vendor relationships, contractors, and external service providers.
• Prepare executive dashboards, project reports, risk assessments, and presentation materials.

Top 5 Must-Have Skills:

• 10+ years of IT Project Management experience with 8+ years in Cybersecurity or Network Security
• Strong experience managing Firewall & Network Security projects (Palo Alto, Cisco, Fortinet, Check Point)
• Expertise in Cyber Incident Response, Threat Intelligence, SIEM, and SOAR platforms
• Experience leading enterprise projects using Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid methodologies
• Excellent stakeholder management, executive communication, and risk management skills

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of IT Project Management experience, including at least 8 years supporting cybersecurity or network security initiatives.
• Experience leading firewall migration, network security infrastructure, and security operations projects within large enterprise environments.
• Proven ability to deliver projects on time, within budget, and meeting quality expectations.
• Experience managing enterprise-scale budgets and cross-functional project teams.

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of enterprise firewall technologies including Palo Alto, Cisco ASA/Firepower, Fortinet, and Check Point.
• Experience with network security architectures including DMZ, Zero Trust, segmentation, and SD-WAN.
• Familiarity with incident response frameworks such as NIST CSF, SANS, and MITRE ATT&CK.
• Understanding of threat intelligence platforms, indicators of compromise (IOCs), and threat intelligence lifecycle.
• Experience with SIEM and SOAR platforms such as Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, Phantom, or Cortex XSOAR.
• Knowledge of security and regulatory frameworks including PCI-DSS, SOX, NIST 800-53, and related cybersecurity compliance standards.

Project Management:

• Strong knowledge of Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid delivery methodologies.
• Experience using ServiceNow, Jira, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or similar project management tools.
• Excellent risk management, issue resolution, and change management experience.
• Understanding of Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.

Preferred Certifications:

• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• CISSP
• CISM
• CompTIA Security+
• GIAC (GSEC, GCIH, or GCTI)
• CCNP Security or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting aviation, transportation, or critical infrastructure environments.
• Knowledge of airline or transportation cybersecurity regulations.
• Experience managing cloud security initiatives across AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
• Familiarity with PKI, certificate lifecycle management, and identity security.
• Experience leading security product evaluations, RFPs, and vendor selection.
• ITIL Foundation certification or higher.
• SAFe Agilist or Scrum Master certification.

Core Competencies:

• Strong technical leadership with the ability to communicate effectively across technical and executive audiences.
• Proven ability to deliver complex projects with accountability and urgency.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt in fast-paced, rapidly changing environments.
• Collaborative leadership style with cross-functional teams.

Travel: Up to 10% domestic travel.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.