Vice President of Operational Excellence - Federal Programs

Quantam Solutions provides IT solutions and consulting for various clients. We are currently seeking a Vice President of Operational Excellence . This role offers a onsite schedule suited for individuals who can be present on-site weekly in Reston, VA.

Job Description:

Location: Reston, VA

Work Arrangement: Hybrid / Primarily Onsite

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Level: Executive Leadership

About Our Client

Our client is an established federal government contractor providing mission-critical services and solutions supporting national defense, aerospace, space exploration, public health, and other government initiatives.

The organization is committed to delivering operational excellence, driving innovation, and maintaining high standards of quality, accountability, and program performance across its federal government contracts.

Our client is seeking an experienced Vice President of Operational Excellence to lead enterprise-wide improvements in program management, quality assurance, risk management, and operational efficiency.

Position Overview

The Vice President of Operational Excellence will provide strategic leadership in developing, implementing, and overseeing operational standards and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple business units.

This executive will be responsible for strengthening program execution, implementing standardized management processes, improving organizational performance, and ensuring alignment with federal government contracting requirements.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in federal government program management, with progressive leadership experience overseeing program portfolios, operational transformation, quality management systems, and enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives.

This position requires an executive capable of working across business units, partnering with senior leadership, and developing scalable processes that support business growth and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Operational Leadership

• Develop and execute enterprise-wide operational excellence strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Establish standardized program management processes, policies, procedures, and performance expectations across business units.
• Provide executive oversight of program management, quality, Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), risk management, independent review, and continuous improvement functions.
• Drive operational consistency, efficiency, and accountability throughout the organization.
• Develop scalable operational frameworks that support business expansion and long-term strategic objectives.

Program Management & Performance

• Establish and maintain program management best practices across multiple federal government programs and portfolios.
• Develop and implement program performance metrics covering cost, schedule, quality, technical performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with organizational goals and strategic initiatives.
• Identify performance gaps, operational risks, and inefficiencies affecting contract and program execution.
• Implement corrective actions and process improvements to strengthen program delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Develop and oversee enterprise-level program management training and professional development initiatives.

Quality Management & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee the implementation and improvement of quality management systems and industry-recognized frameworks.
• Ensure operational practices support applicable certification requirements, including ISO 9001 and CMMI Level 3.
• Lead organization-wide continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational performance, efficiency, and service delivery.
• Develop standardized process documentation, policy libraries, and knowledge management systems.
• Streamline existing business processes, eliminate unnecessary procedures, and improve organizational decision-making.
• Promote consistent use of quality standards, risk management practices, and performance measurement methodologies.

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead large-scale change management and business transformation initiatives involving multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Partner with executive leadership, operating groups, and shared services functions, including Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Business Development, and Communications.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to improve operational efficiency and business performance.
• Build leadership capabilities, support succession planning, and develop high-performing teams.
• Foster an organizational culture focused on accountability, innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Provide strategic recommendations to executive leadership based on performance data, operational assessments, and business priorities.

Required Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Technical Management, Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive program management experience , including direct responsibility for program execution, performance, and oversight of complex program portfolios.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in cross-functional process improvement and operational leadership .
• Significant experience within the aerospace and defense services or federal government contracting industries.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and managing quality frameworks and Quality Management Systems (QMS) designed to meet industry certification standards.
• Hands-on knowledge of quality and process improvement frameworks, including ISO 9001, CMMI Level 3, or comparable standards.
• Senior-level experience in operations management, strategic planning, enterprise quality management, and risk management.
• Proven success leading large-scale organizational change, operational transformation, and process improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience developing enterprise-wide operational standards, policies, procedures, and performance metrics.

Leadership & Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of federal government contracting environments and program management requirements.
• Ability to standardize program management best practices across multiple business units and operating groups.
• Experience developing and monitoring organizational KPIs, program performance metrics, and operational scorecards.
• Strong background in risk identification, mitigation, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
• Experience working closely with senior executives, functional leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to lead complex organizational change and drive adoption of standardized processes.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional executive communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to influence organizational performance and establish a culture of accountability.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Education assistance
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Additional paid leave in accordance with applicable laws

Equal Employment Opportunity

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.