Operations Manager

Who We Are Lawelawe is a Native Hawaiian Owned Small Disadvantaged Business (NHO SDB) that specializes in providing a range of services to federal government clients, including program management, digital solutions, human capital and training, and medical staffing. Lawelawe leverages our NHO status to secure federal contracts that not only drive business success but also support our mission to uplift economically disadvantaged Native Hawaiian families and preserve the Native Hawaiian heritage. 

Summary

The Operations Manager is a senior member of the LDI leadership team and serves as the President's principal operational partner for the performance and execution of LDI's federal contract portfolio. The Operations Manager provides executive oversight and leadership to Program Managers, serves as the primary escalation point for contract operations, monitors portfolio-wide operational and financial performance, strengthens government customer relationships, and ensures risks and performance issues are identified and resolved before they affect mission delivery.

This position requires a seasoned federal contracting leader capable of exercising independent judgment, leading through influence, resolving complex operational challenges, and representing executive leadership with customers and employees.

Responsibilities

• Provides executive oversight of LDI's portfolio of federal contracts
• Serves as the primary operational escalation point for Program Managers and senior contract leadership
• Leads, mentors, and holds Program Managers accountable for contract execution and customer satisfaction
• Maintains executive-level visibility into the health of the contract portfolio
• Partners with Finance, Contracts, Human Resources, Recruiting, Security, and other corporate functions to proactively manage contract performance
• Builds and maintains trusted relationships with government customers and key stakeholders
• Acts as a strategic operational advisor and trusted partner to the President
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Determines labor needs to meet production goals.
• Assists with budget preparation for operations unit .
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• Excellent managerial and supervisory skills.
• Extensive knowledge of operations and production management.
• Ability to interpret financial data as needed to set production goals.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Experience in operations and growth of a Native Hawaiian/Alaskan tribal 8(a) organization.
• Manage, plan, direct and coordinate operations.

  Supervisory Responsibility

• Works with Senior Management to hire and train new employees.
• Organizes and oversees the schedules and work of assigned staff.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Occasionally moves about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Expresses or exchanges ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly or quickly.
• Frequently moves some equipment up to 40 pounds.
• Must be able to work indoor conditions 90% of the time.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and may require overtime occasionally. Evening and weekend hours required, as required by business need. Position is remote.

Experience and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration, or related field required; M.B.A. preferred.
• Certification through the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) preferred.
• 8-10 years of related experience required.
• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Top Secret security clearance

Travel

• Up to 25%

 
Why Join Us? 

At Lawelawe Defense Inc, your work goes beyond managing day-to-day operations, you will help shape the growth, performance, and long-term success of a mission-driven Native Hawaiian organization. This highly visible leadership role offers the opportunity to work alongside senior management, strengthen operational excellence, and support critical federal missions. By joining our team, you will contribute to an organization where business success directly supports Native Hawaiian families, communities, and cultural heritage. If you are an experienced operations leader who values accountability, collaboration, and purpose-driven growth, we invite you to bring your expertise to Lawelawe Defense Imc.



 

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Candidates possessing the necessary qualifications for the position will be considered.

Lawelawe Defense Inc is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a comprehensive background verification, inclusive of a criminal record check. Employment may be subject to other background checks, as required by the position.

We are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices and are transparent about our pay s tructures. Our pay transparency efforts are aligned with state laws and regulations to ensure compliance and promote pay equity.