Sr. Operations Manager

Systems Planning & Analysis; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking a highly proactive Sr. Operations Manager to provide technical management and executive support to the front office of senior OUSD(R&E) leadership.

You will oversee daily operations, improve processes, map workflows, and allocate resources to ensure timely, high‑quality taskings and requirements. Responsibilities include developing project artifacts, coordinating cross‑functional efforts, evaluating programs against objectives, and creating

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in management or technical discipline
• 10+ years of experience in technical management and leadership
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Able to work onsite full-time

Responsibilities

• Provide technical management and executive support to the front office of senior OUSD(R&E) leadership.
• Oversee daily operations, lead process improvement, workflow mapping, and resource allocation to ensure timely, high‑quality taskings and requirements.
• Develop and track assignments, design organizational support systems, and implement knowledge-management tools.
• Evaluate programs against objectives, establish performance metrics, and provide recommendations to senior leaders.
• Lead project planning, create artifacts, run meetings, and synchronize cross‑functional efforts.

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues. The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID specializes in the application of multi‑disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the Department of War (DoW). These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S)), DARPA, the Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM. SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly proactive, detail‑driven Sr. Operations Manager to provide technical management, leadership, and exceptional executive‑level support to the front office operations of senior OUSD(R&E) leadership. I will oversee and manage daily operations, lead continuous process improvement, workflow mapping, and resource allocation to ensure the timely, high‑quality execution of all taskings and operational requirements. Develop and track assignments, design and implement organizational support systems, recommend knowledge‑management technologies, and create management tools that enhance coordination and workflow transparency across the enterprise. Conduct staffing and operational analyses, implementing process efficiencies, and developing standard operating procedures that strengthen organizational performance. Evaluate programs against strategic objectives, establish performance metrics, and provide actionable recommendations to senior leaders for improving effectiveness and mission alignment. Lead project planning and management activities, including the development of project artifacts, facilitation of team meetings, and synchronization of cross‑functional efforts. Support senior government clients with structured decision‑making frameworks, and provide personnel management and strategic planning support as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• 10+ years of experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a management or technical discipline.
• Proven experience in technical management and leadership, specifically in front office operations within government or military environments, with a strong ability to interface with personnel at various levels, from action officers to senior leaders.
• Demonstrated expertise in workflow management, process improvement, and organizational efficiency, including the ability to develop standard operating procedures and implement knowledge management technologies.
• Strong skills in project planning and management, including the ability to create project artifacts such as plans, schedules, and status reports, alongside experience in performance metrics development and resource allocation.
• Mastery of management tools, including MS Office suite.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired

• Experience and skills in project management, operational management, strategy development and planning, and executive decision support.
• Advanced program management education or certificate.
• Demonstrated ability to assess urgency and prioritize work assignments, determine optimal courses of action, and manage actions to timely execution.

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $135,000.00/Yr. - USD $165,000.00/Yr.