Operations Vice President

Serco; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 230,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Benefits package

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Serco Inc. seeks an Operations Vice President of Defense Programs to shape strategy and lead a large DoD portfolio. This executive role drives growth, customer satisfaction, and operational performance while overseeing a global workforce of 360+ employees.

You will partner with senior Serco leadership and government customers to deliver program objectives, manage financial performance, and foster a high-performing, inclusive culture. This position is based in Washington, DC.

Qualifications

• Active DoW Secret security clearance is required.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Master's degree in Business, Management, Engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic growth and operational performance for a DoD portfolio over $150M in revenue.
• Provide executive leadership to Directors responsible for Navy Acquisition, Modernization, and In-Service Maintenance programs.
• Set and execute business strategies, objectives, and priorities.
• Ensure portfolio financial performance including revenue, profitability, forecasting, and cost management.
• Drive development of technology-enabled solutions addressing diverse mission areas.
• Act as liaison with senior government stakeholders, industry partners, and Serco leadership.
• Lead business development, pipeline expansion, and organic growth in the DoD market.
• Develop workforce, talent, and succession strategies for organizational effectiveness.
• Lead organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage risks across operations, contracts, and programs while maintaining quality.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Customer relationship management

Team development

Communication skills

Travel 25%

Education

Master's degree in Business/Management/Engineering

Bachelor's degree + 5 years experience

Job description

Position Description & Qualifications

Discover your next opportunity as Operations Vice President of Defense Programs at Serco. This executive leadership position is responsible for the strategic direction, operational performance, financial success, and growth of a major Department of Defense portfolio. The Vice President leads a large, geographically dispersed workforce supporting U.S. Navy and Department of Defense customers while ensuring operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and delivery of business objectives.

Must have an active U.S. Department of War (DoW) Secret security clearance.

In this role, you will provide executive leadership for a portfolio exceeding $150M+ in annual revenue and a workforce of more than 360 employees worldwide. You will collaborate closely with customers, industry partners, and senior Serco leadership to drive business growth, strengthen customer relationships, and advance strategic priorities. This position requires a proven leader with experience managing complex operations, leading organizational change, developing high-performing teams, and delivering and growing business results in a dynamic defense environment.

This is a high-impact executive role offering the opportunity to shape strategy, drive operational performance, expand customer relationships, and contribute directly to Serco's continued growth and success. This position is located in Washington, D.C.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the strategic growth and operational performance of a diverse Department of Defense portfolio with annual revenue exceeding $150M and a worldwide workforce of more than 360 employees.

• Provide executive leadership and direction to Business Directors responsible for the successful execution of multiple U.S. Navy Acquisition, Modernization, and In-Service Maintenance programs and contracts.

• Establish and execute business strategies, objectives, and operational priorities that support company growth, customer satisfaction, and long-term business objectives.

• Maintain accountability for portfolio financial performance, including revenue, profitability, forecasting, cost management, and achievement of annual business goals.

• Drive development of innovative, technology-enabled solutions that address customer requirements across diverse mission areas, delivery models, and contract vehicles.

• Serve as an executive liaison with senior government stakeholders, industry partners, and Serco leadership to strengthen customer relationships and identify growth opportunities.

• Spearhead business development activities, pipeline expansion, capture support, and organic growth initiatives across the Department of Defense market.

• Develop and execute workforce, talent, and succession strategies to ensure organizational effectiveness, leadership continuity, and future growth.

• Lead organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives in support of evolving customer, market, and business requirements.

• Ensure effective management of operational, financial, contractual, and programmatic risks while maintaining high standards of performance, quality, and customer satisfaction.

• Partner with executive leadership to develop objectives, policies, and strategies that support Serco's corporate vision and business goals.

To be successful in this role, you must have:

• An active DoW Secret security clearance.

• A U.S. citizenship.

• A Master's degree in Business, Management, Engineering, or a related field.

• or a Bachelor's degree plus additional 5 years of relevant experience.

• 12 years of progressively responsible leadership experience supporting Department of Defense programs, including responsibility for business operations, financial performance, customer engagement, and organizational leadership.

• To demonstrate success leading large, complex organizations and delivering operational excellence across multiple programs, contracts, or business functions.

• Experience managing large-scale business operations with direct responsibility for financial performance, revenue growth, and profit and loss accountability.

• A proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams while fostering an inclusive, results-oriented culture.

• A strong strategic planning, business development, and customer relationship management experience within the Department of Defense market.

• Exceptional communication and executive leadership skills with the ability to engage effectively with senior government customers, industry partners, and corporate leadership.

• The ability to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications

• DAWIA, PMP, or other relevant professional certifications.

• Experience supporting U.S. Navy customers and acquisition, modernization, sustainment, or mission support programs.

• Experience managing large, geographically dispersed workforces and complex contract portfolios.

Company Overview

Serco Inc. (Serco) is the Americas division of Serco Group, plc. In North America, Serco’s 9,000+ employees stride 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 identity 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.