Operations Project Manager

At FTI Defense, we are united by one common mission; supporting those that protect our nation so they can make the best-informed decisions during critical moments when seconds count. We want you to bring your passion and expertise to contribute to that essential mission. We strive to incorporate our values to create a culture of collaboration and trust, where you can share your ideas and innovate. If you are inspired by making a positive impact through developing data driven solutions, FTI would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about you.

FTI is excited to hire a Technical Project Manager to join our team. This IT-focused position emphasizes personnel, project, and financial management for the AFMC SIPR Modernization Team at WPAFB. In this role, you will manage projects as directed by the customer for the IT-focused AFMC SIPR and ADSV technical teams at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where you will have a full-time, on-site work schedule. You will manage financial, contractual, and project objectives and utilize MS Teams applications to enhance program office operations. A successful candidate must be able to work closely with the customer to understand project deliverables, schedules, budgets, goals, and objectives.

Core Responsibilities:

Provide overall management, governance, direction, and execution of assigned projects, as directed by the customer (to include IT/Technical projects).
• Oversee project financials, including tracking, forecasting, and reporting of status.
• Prioritize quality standards while ensuring tasks and deliverables are submitted on time and within budget.
• Evaluate project requirements and determine related technical goals to accomplish required objectives.
• Identify deviations from financial and execution plans and implement corrective actions, as required, to ensure project success.
• Communicate program status, technical progress, and business impacts to team management and other interested parties.
• Foster positive relationships with government customers, ensuring proactive and consistent communication.
• Foster an open and collaborative environment with support staff, ensuring consistent communication and feedback.
• Drive implementation of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) technologies into funded customer projects.
• Manage IT projects, as directed by the customer.

*In addition to the selected individual's daily program responsibilities they also have the following leadership responsibilities for the individuals assigned to them.

• Effective Leadership:
• Vision and Strategy: Clearly articulate the team's vision and strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization's goals.
• Decision-Making: Make informed and timely decisions, considering the impact on the team and the organization.
• Conflict Resolution: Address and resolve conflicts within the team promptly and fairly.
• Empowerment: Empower team members by delegating responsibilities and encouraging autonomy.
• Anticipate and Balance Needs: Anticipate and balance the needs of multiple stakeholders which may span across one or more customers, leaders, and organizations both internally and externally.
• Mitigate Risk: Identify, communicate, and mitigate risks to teamwork execution (personnel, technical, organizational). This includes ensuring tasks assigned align with individuals' skill sets to set them and the deliverables up for success.
• Build High Performing Teams: Build high performing teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve customer goals.
• Employee Intimacy:
• Build Strong Relationships: Develop and maintain strong, trusting relationships with team members.
• Understand Individual Motivations: Take the time to understand each team member's motivations, strengths, and areas for improvement.
• Personal Engagement: Show genuine interest in team members' well-being, both professionally and personally.
• Celebrate Successes: Recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements regularly.
• Coaching Through Change:
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate adaptability and a positive attitude toward change, setting a tone for the team.
• Provide Resources and Training: Offer necessary resources and training to help team members adapt to new processes, technologies, or organizational changes.
• Support Emotional Well-being: Recognize and address the emotional impact of change on team members, offering support and understanding while promoting the business decision.
• Communicate Vision: Clearly communicate and champion the reasons for change, the benefits, and how it aligns with the organization's goals.
• Intentional Mentoring:
• Identify Development Opportunities: Proactively identify and provide opportunities for team members' professional and personal growth.
• Set Mentoring Goals: Establish specific mentoring goals and create a plan to achieve them.
• Regular Mentoring Sessions: Schedule and conduct regular mentoring sessions to guide, support, and develop team members.
• Model Desired Behaviors: Demonstrate the behaviors and skills you want to cultivate in your team.
• Managing, Tracking, and Measuring Performance for Accountability:
• Set SMART Goals and Clear Expectations: Establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for team members. Define clear, measurable goals for the team, ensuring each member understands their individual responsibilities and how these goals align with and impact company objectives.
• Performance Check-ins and Reviews: Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to assess progress, provide feedback, coaching and address any issues. Use these opportunities to set action plans for proactive improvement and development. Performance evaluation responsibility for direct reports during mid and end of fiscal year.
• Performance Metrics: Utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) and other metrics to objectively measure and track performance.
• Transparent Communication: Maintain open lines of communication, holding yourself and your team accountable for actions and results. Ensure that expectations and feedback are clearly communicated.
• Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying areas for development, providing necessary support and training, and encouraging proactive growth and learning.
• Approving Time Sheets:
• Timely Approval: Ensure timely and accurate approval of time sheets to comply with company policies and payroll deadlines.
• Accuracy Verification: Verify the accuracy of reported hours, addressing discrepancies promptly.
• Compliance: Ensure that time sheet submissions comply with labor laws and company policies.
• Feedback on Patterns: Provide feedback on attendance patterns and discuss any issues related to time management with team members.

Required:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and possess an active DoD Secret clearance (minimum), with the ability to maintain.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field (such as Computer Science or Information Technology).
• 5+ years of project management experience increasing in scale, scope, and complexity.
• 3+ years of project management experience on programs/projects supporting the Department of War/Department of Defense (DoW/DoD).
• Professional experience in IT-focused environments.
• Professional experience using Microsoft TEAMS and other Microsoft applications such as Microsoft Project, to help facilitate office integration.
• Professional experience with Data Analytics tools, such as PowerBI and/or other similar Dashboard tools.
• Professional budget management experience.
• Professional experience with SoP design/writing.
• Excellent organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, decision-making, and presentation skills.
• Must be physically located near, and willing to report to, the customer site in Dayton, OH full-time.

Preferred:

• Project+ and/or similar certification(s), and/or higher certifications.
• Prior experience supporting Air Force IT systems.
• Masters, MBA, or post-graduate degree in a related field (such as Computer Science or Information Technology).

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