US NATO Program Manager

About Bluestaq
At Bluestaq, we build secure data platforms that matter for space missions, national defense, healthcare systems, and commercial innovation. Founded in 2018, we've become a leader in enterprise software and secure data management by staying focused on what counts: modern architecture, operational excellence, and mission impact.

We're engineers, problem-solvers, and builders who take the mission seriously, but not ourselves. We automate the repeatable, question the status quo, and design systems that are as reliable as they are scalable. Whether we're supporting space, defense systems, or healthcare advancements, we build with the same principles: cloud-native solutions, security by design, and relentless simplicity.

Our name? "Blue" (military shorthand for the good guys) and "staq" (as in software stack). It's who we are, mission-aligned technologists building platforms that protect the world’s most valuable data.

Recognized Excellence We've earned national recognition as one of Inc. Magazine's Fastest-Growing Private Companies and consistently rank among Colorado's Best Workplaces. But what we're most proud of? The systems we build, the teams we develop, and the mission outcomes we enable.

Why This Role Matters

The US NATO Program Manager is accountable for how the NATO portfolio executes day-to-day. You own the schedule, the risk register, the financials, and the cross-functional coordination that keeps delivery on track. The NATO Portfolio Manager sets the strategic direction — you make it happen.

Your role is upstream — making sure the right commitments exist — and downstream — making sure what gets built matches what was promised. When programs deliver on time and customers trust what they see, you're the reason. When something starts to drift, you're the first to surface it, and the first to arrive with a plan.

What You'll Own

Program Execution & Delivery

• Own cost, schedule, risk, and performance for the US NATO program management area within the NATO portfolio from planning through sustainment and closeout.
• Drive cross-functional execution across engineering, product, and operations to ensure contract fidelity and mission success.
• Manage cross-functional dependencies, internal handoffs, and subcontractor coordination with Bluestaq UK and Europe.
• Maintain program artifacts: schedules, risk registers, action item logs, and status reports.
• Champion AI adoption across the program team — identify where AI tools sharpen reporting, surface risk faster, and reduce manual overhead.

Customer Engagement & Communication

• Serve as the working-level point of contact for NATO customers; build and sustain trusted relationships with customer technical teams and program offices.
• Support the Portfolio Manager in senior customer interactions; ensure they are never surprised by program status.
• Produce a written brief-back within 24 hours of every customer-facing meeting — program reviews, sprint reviews, technical exchange meetings, or bilaterals — and distribute to the program team.
• Align with Engineering and Product on capacity before accepting any new customer commitment.
• Prepare and lead program reviews, milestone briefings, and customer status updates.

Compliance & Contract Management

• Navigate NATO-specific procurement processes, funding mechanisms, security requirements, and export controls; ensure full compliance.
• Coordinate day-to-day execution with Bluestaq UK and Europe subsidiaries — task assignment, delivery tracking, schedule integration, and technical handoffs.
• Align program execution with contract deliverables, DoD standards, and reporting requirements (CDRLs, CPARs).
• Maintain fluency with contract types and how they impact scope, schedule, and cost tradeoffs.
• Ensure full compliance with customer contracts, regulatory frameworks, and internal policies.

Deployment Readiness

• Own deployment readiness — coordinate with Engineering and Program Operations to ensure every deployment is on-spec, on-schedule, and operationally ready.
• Coordinate deployment of product updates to managed customer environments.
• Own the customer relationship conversation about deployment scope: what can be disclosed, what flexibility exists, and what the customer's operational readiness looks like.

Financial Tracking

• Own program-facing financials: burn rate against contract, budget variance, CLIN-level tracking, and forecasting against deliverables.
• Track spend against contract phases and flag variance to the Portfolio Manager before it becomes a problem — mid-month, not month-end.
• Ensure R&D and contract work are clearly separated, planned with real budgets, and executed without late charge code surprises.

What You Bring

Must Have

• Demonstrated experience managing complex government or defense programs end-to-end — from kickoff through closeout.
• Fluency with government contract types (FFP, T&M, CPFF), CDRLs, CPARs, and program reporting requirements.
• Track record of hands-on program management: budget tracking, schedule management, risk registers, and earned value.
• Technical fluency — comfortable in engineering discussions; able to learn new technical concepts quickly and apply them in program decisions.
• Judgment and composure in high-pressure, ambiguous situations; builds structure where none exists.
• Meticulous attention to detail; holds a high-quality bar and doesn't lower it under schedule pressure.
• Ability to hold ground with customers and internal leadership alike — clear, confident, and credible.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel approximately 25%, primarily to Europe; valid U.S. passport required and eligibility for EU/Schengen travel authorizations required.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with NATO structures: NCIA, HQ Brussels, Allied Commands, and procurement processes including NSIP and tenders.
• Experience with NATO, EU defense, US DoD/Federal, or similar international government accounts.
• Background in defense software domains: C4ISR, cloud, or cybersecurity.
• Experience with export control compliance in multinational defense programs.
• Experience coordinating with international subsidiaries or subcontractors.

What We Offer

Bluestaq offers one of the strongest total comp packages in defense tech. We cover 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your family. Retirement contributions from Bluestaq can reach up to 10% of your salary. Every role is eligible for a performance bonus. Twenty days of PTO, 8 paid holidays. Not to mention limitless kombucha and snacks.

Clearance Requirement: This position may require the ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance. To be eligible for a security clearance, U.S. citizenship is required, and an employee must agree to participate in a background screen and credit check. Eligibility for a TS/SCI Clearance will be assessed as part of the onboarding process or based on programmatic needs.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

Relocation: This position does not offer relocation. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.

Bluestaq is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by state or local law.

Bluestaq will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities and employees whose work requirements interfere with a religious belief unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to Bluestaq or a direct threat. Employees needing such accommodation are instructed to contact Human Resources immediately at contact.us@bluestaq.com.

Date the Position Closes: Applications will be accepted for 60 days beyond the posting date, or until the position is filled, whichever comes first.