Exercise Operations Functional Lead - Suffolk, VA

Serco; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement program

Life insurance and disability coverage

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

A key player in defense services is looking for an Exercise Operations Functional Lead in Suffolk, Virginia. The role requires managing a dedicated team to enhance military operational readiness through effective joint training exercises. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with extensive operational experience and possess strong leadership and analytical skills. This position demands excellent communication abilities and a commitment to maintaining high standards in joint military operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 6 years of joint operational experience.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work on-site in Suffolk, Virginia.

Responsibilities

• Supervise five Joint Support Team Functional Branches.
• Manage and synchronize functional support across Joint Exercise Life Cycle.
• Coordinate surge support and balance workloads.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Experience

Analytical Skills

Attention to Detail

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

Position Description & Qualifications

Serco is seeking an Exercise Operations Functional Lead to join our dynamic team supporting the Joint Staff J-7 Team in Suffolk, Virginia. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team of professionals committed to enhancing military operational readiness through Collective Joint Training (CJT).

An active U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.

In This Role, You Will

• Supervise the five Joint Support Team (JST) Functional Branches providing Performance Work Statement (PWS) deliverable support to Combatant Command directed exercises across planning, coordination, and execution activities.
• Manage and synchronize functional support across all phases of the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC).
• Translate Joint Staff J-7 Deputy Directorate for Joint Training and Exercises (DDJTE) guidance and government taskings into clear supervisory direction and prioritized execution.
• Oversee functional timelines, battle rhythm, and cross-functional coordination supporting multiple concurrent joint and multinational exercises.
• Ensure alignment and synchronization across the Operational Environment (OE), Master Scenario Event List (MSEL), Modeling and Simulation (M&S), Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Media Replication Branches, and other execution functions, as required.
• Interface daily with Chairman’s Joint Exercise Division (CJExD) government OE Branch leadership, Joint Event Support Team (JEST) Leads, and Division and Branch Chiefs to maintain synchronized, responsive, and execution-focused operations.
• Monitor execution performance, identify operational risks, and elevate issues with recommended mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate surge support and balance workloads across the Functionals to meet dynamic operational requirements.
• Ensure functional deliverables meet quality, accuracy, and timeliness standards consistent with joint doctrine and PWS requirements.
• Maintain shared situational awareness across the Collective Joint Training (CJT) enterprise through routine updates, integrated calendars, and SharePoint collaboration pages.

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Have

• U.S. citizenship.
• An active U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of joint operational experience,
• or Master’s degree with 4 years of joint operational staff experience.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience on a 3-star or 4-star Joint or Service Headquarters staff, or civilian equivalent.
• To demonstrate familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts, including the responsible application of Department of Defense approved generative AI tools.
• To be highly self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
• To be able to effectively prioritize tasks in a high Op-Tempo environment.
• To demonstrate supervisory experience overseeing teams engaged in exercise planning, coordination, or execution.
• An extensive familiarity with joint and multinational training and exercises.
• Familiarity with the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC), Universal Joint Task List (UJTL), and MSEL processes, with a strong understanding of joint operational planning.
• Intermediate Service School graduate.
• An xxcellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• The ability to collaborate and work closely with senior military and civilian leaders.
• The ability to work on-site in Suffolk, Virginia.
• The willingness and ability to travel (up to 25% of the time).
• The possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid U.S. Passport.

Additional Desired Experience And Skills

• An active U.S. DoD Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• Joint Forces Staff College or JPMEII graduate.
• Senior Service School graduate.
• Joint Staff or OSD experience.
• Operational experience working with General Officer/Flag Officer/Senior Executive Service (SES) leaders.
• Command tour at O-5 or O-6 level.
• Joint training or exercise experience.
• Experience with operational planning efforts at the operational and strategic levels.

If you are interested in supporting and working with a passionate Serco team then submit your application now for immediate consideration. It only takes a few minutes and could change your career!

Company Overview

Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco’s 9,000+ employees strive to make an impact every day across 100+ sites in the areas of Defense, Citizen Services, and Transportation. We help our clients deliver vital services more efficiently while increasing the satisfaction of their end customers. Serco serves every branch of the U.S. military, numerous U.S. Federal civilian agencies, the Intelligence Community, the Canadian government, state, provincial and local governments, and commercial clients. While your place may look a little different depending on your role, we know you will find yours here. Wherever you work and whatever you do, we invite you to discover your place in our world. Serco is a place you can count on and where you can make an impact because every contribution matters.

To review Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/what-we-offer. If you require an accommodation with the application process please email: [e-mail] or call the HR Service Desk at 800-628-6458, option 1. Please note, due to EEOC/OFCCP compliance, Serco is unable to accept resumes by email.

Candidates may be asked to present proof of identify during the selection process. If requested, this will require presentation of a government-issued I.D. (with photo) with name and address that match the information entered on the application. Serco will not take possession of or retain/store the information provided as proof of identity. For more information on how Serco uses your information, please see our Applicant Privacy Policy and Notice.

Serco does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies without being a contracted approved vendor. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Serco and will not be obligated to pay a placement or contract fee. If you are interested in becoming an approved vendor at Serco, please email [e-mail].

Serco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Pay Transparency

Our Total Rewards package includes competitive pay, performance-based incentives, and benefits that promote well-being and work-life balance—so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Eligible employees also gain access to a wide range of benefits from comprehensive health coverage and health savings accounts to retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and time-off programs that support work-life balance. Program availability may vary based on factors such as contract type, location, hire date, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Salary range: The range for this position can be found at the top of this posting. This range is provided as a general guideline and represents a good faith estimate across all experience levels. Actual base salary will be determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the scope of the role, relevant experience, job-related knowledge, education and training, key skills, and geographic market considerations. For roles available in multiple states, the range may vary to reflect differences in local labor markets. In addition to base salary, eligible positions may include other forms of compensation such as annual bonuses or long-term incentive opportunities. Benefits – Comprehensible benefits for full-time employees (part-time employees receive a limited package tailored to their role):

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Robust vacation and sick leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements where permitted by role or contract
• 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages that can be purchased, including pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Plan

To review all Serco benefits please visit: https://careers.serco-na.com/us/en/about-us.

Serco complies with all applicable state and local leave laws, including providing time off under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for eligible Colorado residents, in alignment with our policies and benefit plans. The application window for this position is for no more than 60 days. We encourage candidates to apply promptly after the posting date, as the position may close earlier if filled or if the application volume exceeds expectations. Please submit applications exclusively through Serco’s external (or internal) career site. If an applicant has any concerns with job posting compliance, please send an email to: [e-mail].