Project Manager Operations Lead
About this role
The Project Manager – TAP Operations Lead will serve as the day-to-day leader of TAP field operations, responsible for translating program requirements into effective staffing, scheduling, field execution, and operational controls. The Operations Lead will oversee workforce coverage and readiness, coordinate resources across locations, resolve operational issues, and help ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.
The VA Transition Assistance Program (TAP) helps transitioning Service members and their families understand and access the VA benefits, services, and resources available to them as they transition from military to civilian life. VA delivers TAP services at more than 300 military installations across the Continental United States (CONUS) and areas Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) through a network of Benefits Advisors, supported by standardized curriculum, training, program operations, and performance management. The program is part of the broader interagency Transition Assistance Program delivered in partnership with the Department of War, Department of Labor, and other Federal agencies.
Please note that this position is contingent upon award (estimated December 2026). We expect this role to be remote, but periodic travel may be required to support program activities, customer meetings, and operations at U.S. and overseas locations. Travel frequency will vary based on program needs.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Direct day-to-day operational execution of nationwide and OCONUS TAP field delivery across 300+ installations and a Benefits Advisor workforce of approximately 250-280 personnel.
- Maintain required Benefits Advisor staffing and operational coverage across permanent and itinerant locations, including continuity during vacancies, leave, training, and other staffing disruptions.
- Manage and coordinate regional/field leadership structures, personnel assignments, schedules, and operational priorities.
- Develop and issue operational directives, schedules, assignments, and implementation guidance necessary for consistent execution of Government requirements.
- Monitor vacancies, staffing levels, coverage requirements, attrition, onboarding, training status, and operational readiness; coordinate new-hire training needs with staffing forecasts.
- Coordinate field travel and temporary coverage while minimizing unnecessary temporary-duty travel and associated costs.
- Ensure timely event scheduling, operational reporting, and consistent delivery of VA Benefits and Services briefings and other required TAP support activities.
- Monitor installation-level service delivery, facilities, equipment, stakeholder relationships, and emerging issues that could affect performance.
- Track operational performance, risks, issues, staffing challenges, and corrective actions; escalate issues before they affect service delivery.
- Coordinate field activities with the Program Manager, Curriculum Lead, Data Analytics Lead, Government stakeholders, and installation-level partners.
- Support implementation of Government-approved operating procedures, curriculum changes, modernization initiatives, and program changes across the field organization.
- Maintain effective communications and knowledge sharing across geographically dispersed teams and locations.
- Ensure workforce onboarding, training, qualification, deployment, and continuing operational readiness.
- Contribute to weekly, monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc operational reports and Government briefings and support rapid response to Government requests.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree.
- Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience managing large-scale, geographically dispersed service-delivery operations involving workforce staffing, scheduling, coordination, and performance management.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing projects of national scope within the Federal Government or Department of War (DoW).
- Proven experience managing the day-to-day operations of a geographically dispersed workforce.
- Proven experience developing and issuing operational directives and schedules necessary to effectively manage program operations.
- Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supporting VA, DoW, military transition, Veteran services, training, or similarly complex Federal programs.
- Experience managing geographically dispersed service delivery across multiple military installations.
- Experience coordinating both CONUS and OCONUS operations.
- Experience managing workforce staffing, scheduling, vacancies, coverage, operational performance, and quality.
- Experience managing or supporting a Service Contract Act (SCA)-covered workforce.
- PMP or comparable project management certification.
Benefits (including but not limited to):
- Health, dental, and vision plans
- Optional FSA
- Paid parental leave
- Safe Harbor 401(k) with employer contributions 100% vested from day 1
- Paid time off and 11 paid holidays
- No cost group term life/AD&D plan, and optional supplemental coverage
- Pet insurance
- Monthly phone and internet stipend
- Tuition and training reimbursement
Originally posted on Himalayas
