Operations Manager - Senior - OUSD

JMark Services Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

JMark Services Inc. seeks a Senior Operations Manager to oversee daily operations and drive strategic initiatives in support of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD(R&E)).

The role emphasizes performance optimization, compliance, and risk management across multiple functions. The candidate will lead operational planning, workforce performance, and quality assurance, contributing to long-term program goals and providing guidance to high-performing teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a management or technical discipline (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, Science).
• Ten years of experience as an Operations Manager.
• Advanced program management education or certification (e.g., PMP, PgMP) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operational activities to improve performance and support mission objectives.
• Lead workforce management, training, and performance feedback to promote engagement and growth.
• Develop long-term operational strategies aligned with OUSD(R&E) priorities.
• Establish KPIs and report performance to senior leadership.
• Identify operational risks and ensure business continuity.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, industry standards, and internal policies.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in management or technical discipline (Engineering, Mathematics, Science)

Advanced program management education or certification (e.g., PMP, PgMP)

Job description

Location: National Capital Region / Pentagon
Clearance: TS/SCI Eligibility Required
Client: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD(R&E))
Position Type: Full-Time, Onsite

Position Overview

JMark is seeking a highly experienced Senior Operations Manager to oversee daily operational functions and lead strategic initiatives in support of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD(R&E)). This role is responsible for optimizing performance, ensuring compliance, and driving organizational efficiency across multiple functional areas.

The Senior Operations Manager will lead operational planning, workforce performance, risk management, and quality assurance, while contributing to the long-term strategic goals of OUSD(R&E).

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Operations Manager will:

Operational Oversight & Performance Optimization

Oversee and manage daily operational activities to improve overall performance and support mission objectives.

Analyze current operational workflows, identify areas for improvement, and recommend strategies to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Develop and implement quality assurance programs to ensure consistent adherence to established standards, processes, and best practices.

Leadership, Training & Workforce Management

Provide guidance, mentorship, training, and performance feedback to team members to promote engagement, effectiveness, and professional growth.

Support the development of a high-performing, cohesive operational team aligned with OUSD(R&E) priorities.

Strategic Planning & Long-Term Program Support

Contribute to the creation and execution of long-term operational strategies that support broader OUSD(R&E) objectives.

Collaborate with senior leadership to align operational goals with organizational mission and emerging priorities.

Performance Metrics, Reporting & Process Evaluation

Establish, track, and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational effectiveness.

Analyze operational data to assess trends, identify issues, and generate reports for senior leadership decision-making.

Risk Management & Business Continuity

Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Ensure business continuity by maintaining robust operational processes and response plans.

Compliance & Standards Adherence

Ensure all operations comply with applicable laws, regulations, industry standards, and internal policies.

Promote continuous improvement to strengthen compliance and operational integrity.

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a management or technical discipline (e.g., Engineering, Mathematics, Science).

Four (4) years of specialized experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree, at the discretion of the Government.

Advanced program management education or certification (e.g., PMP, PgMP) is preferred.

Experience

Minimum of ten (10) years of experience as an Operations Manager.

Demonstrated experience managing complex operational environments, preferably within DoD or federal programs.

Proven ability to lead teams, streamline processes, and contribute to strategic initiatives.

JMark Services is a direct recipient of federal contracts and associated funding. Our company is therefore required to follow the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, with the provision of a drug-free workplace. Federal law prohibits the use of marijuana, even for medicinal purposes, under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. JMark Services Inc. prohibits the use of medicinal marijuana use, as well as recreational use. This is our company policy for all current and incoming employees.