Job DescriptionOverviewContingent Upon Contract AwardSOS International LLC is seeking an Operations Chief to to lead day-to-day operational planning, coordination, and execution for federal public health emergency response missions. This role ensures SOSi teams, assets, and capabilities are ready, integrated, and able to rapidly support national-level incidents.
The Operations Chief is a central leader in mission execution-driving readiness, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, and ensuring smooth, effective operations during high-tempo response activities.
Essential Job Duties- Operational Leadership: Directs daily operations supporting SOSi readiness, deployment, sustainment, and demobilization activities. Leads operational planning for public health emergencies, disasters, and national-level response missions. Oversees the development and execution of operational plans, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and mission workflows.
- Incident Response & Coordination:Serves in operational leadership roles during activations, supporting Incident Command or Unified Command structures.Coordinates with subcontractors, vendors, federal partners (HHS, FEMA, DoD), state/local agencies, and contracted response teams.Ensures operational integration across logistics, medical, communications, and administrative functions.
- Readiness & Capability Management: Maintains operational readiness of ERSS teams, equipment, and mission packages.Oversees training, exercises, and readiness assessments to ensure deployable capability.Identifies operational gaps and lead improvement initiatives.
- Program Execution & Oversight:Manages operational schedules, staffing plans, and resource allocation for response missions.Monitors mission performance, operational metrics, and compliance with ASPR requirements.Leads after-action reviews and implements corrective actions to strengthen future operations.
- Team Leadership:Supervises operations personnel, including planners, coordinators, and field operations staff.Establishes performance expectations and ensures staff maintain required qualifications and readiness.Fosters a culture of safety, accountability, and mission focus.
QualificationsMinimum Requirements- Bachelor's degree in emergency management, business, public administration, logistics, or related field.
- 7 years experience in emergency management, public health response, or operational leadership.
- Strong understanding of federal response frameworks (ICS, NIMS).
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex operations in high-tempo or high-risk environments.
- Experience coordinating with subcontractors and vendors and federal, state, and local emergency response partners.
- Excellent communication, planning, and decision-making skills.
- U.S. citizenship required.
- May have to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or Secret clearance (depending on customer).
Preferred Qualifications- 10 years experience supporting HHS/ASPR, FEMA, DoD, or similar federal response programs.
- Background in medical operations, deployable teams, or field response environments.
- Professional certifications such as CEM, CHS, or PMP.
- Experience with operational planning, mission management systems, or emergency operations centers.
Additional InformationWork Environment- Travel, including deployment to emergency sites, is required.
- Position may require irregular hours during emergency activations