OPERATIONS MANAGER

The Operations Project Manager/Team Lead is the on-site operational lead responsible for daily execution of the MDMC / III MEF Okinawa task order. This role manages contractor personnel, ensures compliance with PWS requirements (including onboarding, installation access, licensing, safety, and reporting), coordinates tasking with Government stakeholders, and maintains consistent operational rhythm (daily accountability and recurring weekly/monthly reporting). The position is responsible for ensuring the team is properly cleared, trained, and equipped to perform, and for rapidly identifying and resolving execution risks that could impact schedule, readiness, quality, or compliance.

Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense SECRET clearance (Tier 3 / T3) and maintain CAC eligibility for the duration of employment.

Compensation & Benefits: Pay commensurate with experience.

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K and other possible benefits as provided.Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

OPERATIONS MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Includes the following:

Contract execution and Government coordination

• Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for daily execution with Government COR and functional leads; coordinate priorities, tasking, and schedule adjustments.

• Maintain a clear operating picture of staffing, throughput, constraints, and mission impacts; surface risks early and propose mitigation actions.

• Ensure the contractor workforce remains aligned to PWS scope and performance expectations and that work is performed efficiently and professionally. 

Personnel management and workforce readiness

• Oversee day-to-day supervision of the task order team (expected 9 FTE) including scheduling, attendance/accountability, onboarding, performance feedback, and issue resolution.

• Coordinate recruiting status, candidate screening, and start-date synchronization to minimize vacancies and maintain required staffing levels.

• Provide coaching and direction to ensure personnel remain productive, compliant, and responsive to Government needs. 

Onboarding, installation access, and compliance administration (high-visibility)

• Manage onboarding actions required for installation access and operational readiness, including coordination of CAC/badging, clearance processing, and installation administrative requirements.

• Coordinate licensing/credentialing actions required for Government operations (e.g., driver licensing / NTV licensing packet coordination and any required documentation submissions) and track each employee to completion.

• Ensure required training/certifications are scheduled, completed, and documented (e.g., forklift training/certification where applicable), and maintain training records.

Operational controls, reporting, and internal systems

• Establish and maintain internal tracking for staffing status, onboarding progress, daily accountability, timesheet compliance, and required recurring deliverables.

• Prepare and present routine operational updates to CSS and the Prime (CNGS) and provide data-driven reporting to Government stakeholders as required. 

• Develop and enforce internal operational procedures to keep execution consistent and auditable (e.g., reporting templates, roster/accountability process, escalation pathways). 

Safety and quality oversight

• Serve as the contract-level operations and safety lead: reinforce PPE, safe work practices, and compliance with installation rules; coordinate corrective actions when issues are identified.

• Monitor operational quality and professionalism; ensure issues are corrected quickly and documented appropriately.

• Maintain a strong working relationship with Government counterparts and ensure communication is timely, clear, and mission-focused. 

Continuous improvement

• Identify process gaps and implement practical improvements to increase throughput, reduce rework, strengthen compliance, and improve team effectiveness. 

Other duties

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, supply chain management, project management, safety management or related degree.

• 5 years of experience in operations management, program/project coordination, or site management (government services environment preferred). 

• Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing schedules, and driving compliance in a structured environment.

Security / Eligibility Requirements

• Must be able to obtain and maintain required Government access (e.g., CAC) and meet background/clearance requirements associated with this task order.

• Must be eligible to work on U.S. military installations in Japan as required by the contract.

• Security Clearance: SECRET clearance (Tier 3 / T3).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, organization, and execution discipline; able to manage multiple priorities without losing administrative control. 

• Excellent written/verbal communication skills; able to coordinate effectively with Government CORs, functional leads, and internal leadership. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ability to produce clear operational reports and dashboards. 

• Strong judgment and professionalism in a Government customer environment; able to resolve issues quickly and tactfully.

• Ability to develop practical procedures, maintain documentation, and enforce compliance across a small team.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in both office and operational/industrial environments on a military installation; may require walking between work areas and observing field operations. 
• Must be able to perform normal office functions and occasional lifting/carrying of light-to-moderate items as required by the worksite environment (e.g., up to ~50 lbs when needed). 
• Must maintain professionalism and compliance with installation safety rules and Government procedures.

Company Information:

Cherokee Strategic Solutions (CSS) is a part of Cherokee Federal - the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government’s mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CSS, visit cherokee-federal.com.

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Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

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Legal Disclaimer: Cherokee Federal is an equal opportunity employer. Please visit cherokee-federal.com/careers for information regarding our Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer Statement, and Accommodation request.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.