BTS Behind the Scenes is a chance to showcase the people who are making things happen at BTS and give you a “behind the scenes” look into their worlds. In this month’s feature we’ll talk with BTS’ legendary recruiting trio and learn where they came from, what drives them, and what’s trending with the intel and govcon job market right now. Let’s go!

---

Roll call! Let’s meet the team and tell us one surprising thing about you that most people don’t know about you.

Chris Manning: I spent 24+ Years in the Marine Corps, 18 of those years deployed to 30+ countries, and also have been inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame (2018). I also have a fight record of 15-0 w/ 6 KO’s. I am also a former MMA judge and tied to the Medal of Honor.

Eric Cope: I’m a 10-year veteran of the US Navy. I graduated from Oklahoma State University (no, not the Sooners) and was a certified Master Helmsman in the Navy (drove Guided Missile Destroyers and Cruisers).

Kevin Oliveira: I’m a 1988 graduate of the University of Maryland College Park and Stratford University School of Culinary Arts in Vienna, Va. I’m also a former News Editor for Fox 5 DC, NBC 2 Baltimore and CSPAN DC as well as the former owner of Nova Billiards and Café in Chantilly VA.

What unique skillset or background does each of you bring to this team?

Chris: Passion, heart, drive, and service before self. These attributes come directly out of my past roles as an Operations Chief and Anti-Terrorism Officer.

Eric: I am very analytic as I was a SIGINT Analyst in the Navy for 10 years. I’m also driven by Team Results and not individual results.

Kevin: I have a passion for working with others and helping others advance in their careers. The ability to sell others on BTS and watching a young company grow to its max and beyond!

We’re experiencing a pretty wild ride when it comes to hiring and staffing. What are you seeing right now in your space?

Eric: There are far more cleared with Poly IT positions than there are cleared with Poly IT professionals. In the Intelligence Analysis space there seems to be a shift in the workforce from Counter Terrorism to Cyber and other areas of emphasis.

Word on the street is that nearly 50% of all professionals will be changing jobs this year. What advice would you give to someone reading this asking themselves if they should change jobs?

Eric: The first thing they should ask themselves is if they look forward to going to work on Monday morning. If not, it’s likely time to start getting ready to look for a new position. The second thing they should ask themselves is if they’re actually ready to find a new position (updated CV, networked, and research). Lastly, they need to ask themselves how changing positions will impact their family (both positively and negatively).

What’s the hottest job you have right now and who are you looking for?

• Counterintelligence Cyber Special Agent Trainer/Mentor
• All Source Analysts
• Counterintelligence Analysts
• Capture Manager
• (Check these positions and more here on our site)

What’s your experience been like at BTS so far? What do you tell others when they ask you if you like it here?

Chris: Absolutely amazing. Phenomenal Culture, Team, and Leadership.

Eric: It’s been awesome and very fulfilling!! I’ve learned so much from the leadership and I am so appreciative of the opportunities they’ve given me.

Kevin: Best company I’ve ever worked for. We work hard but boy can this company play- and the generosity is unbelievable!

(Stay tuned for Part 2)

---

• Want to talk MMA or careers with Chris Manning?
• Want chat about the Army/Navy game or open positions with Eric Cope?
• Need some Wagyu beef or a resume tip from Kevin Oliveira?

Ready to join this team and see what your future with BTS could be? Click here.

---

Tags: behind the scenes, Careers, recruiting