Serco

Operations Vice President

Serco$175K — $210K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active U.S. Department of War Secret security clearance
  • Master's degree in Business, Management, Engineering, or related field, or Bachelor's with 5 additional years of experience
  • 12 years of leadership experience in Department of Defense programs
  • Track record in managing large-scale operations with financial accountability
  • Experience in strategic planning and customer relationship management in DoD sector
  • Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and foster inclusivity
  • Exceptional communication skills for senior stakeholder engagement

Responsibilities

  • Lead operational performance and strategic growth of a $150M+ Department of Defense portfolio
  • Provide direction to Business Directors for U.S. Navy program execution
  • Establish business strategies and operational priorities for growth
  • Maintain financial performance accountability including profitability and revenue
  • Drive development of innovative solutions for varied mission needs
  • Act as an executive liaison to strengthen customer and industry partnerships
  • Spearhead business development activities in the DoD market

Benefits

  • Opportunity for executive leadership in a high-impact role
  • Potential to influence organizational strategy and drive growth
  • Collaboration with senior leaders and government stakeholders
  • Engagement in organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in support of the Navy
Full Job Description
Position Description & Qualifications

Discover your next opportunity as OperationsVice President of Defense Programs at Serco. This executive leadership position is responsible for the strategic direction, operational performance, financial success, and growth of a major Department of Defense portfolio. The Vice President leads a large, geographically dispersed workforce supporting U.S. Navy and Department of Defense customers while ensuring operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and delivery of business objectives.

Must have an active U.S. Department of War (DoW) Secret security clearance.

In this role, you will provide executive leadership for a portfolio exceeding $150M+ in annual revenue and a workforce of more than 360 employees worldwide. You will collaborate closely with customers, industry partners, and senior Serco leadership to drive business growth, strengthen customer relationships, and advance strategic priorities. This position requires a proven leader with experience managing complex operations, leading organizational change, developing high-performing teams, and delivering and growing business results in a dynamic defense environment.

This is a high-impact executive role offering the opportunity to shape strategy, drive operational performance, expand customer relationships, and contribute directly to Serco's continued growth and success. This position is located in Washington, D.C.

In this role, you will:
  • Lead the strategic growth and operational performance of a diverse Department of Defense portfolio with annual revenue exceeding $150M and a worldwide workforce of more than 360 employees.
  • Provide executive leadership and direction to Business Directors responsible for the successful execution of multiple U.S. Navy Acquisition, Modernization, and In-Service Maintenance programs and contracts.
  • Establish and execute business strategies, objectives, and operational priorities that support company growth, customer satisfaction, and long-term business objectives.
  • Maintain accountability for portfolio financial performance, including revenue, profitability, forecasting, cost management, and achievement of annual business goals.
  • Drive development of innovative, technology-enabled solutions that address customer requirements across diverse mission areas, delivery models, and contract vehicles.
  • Serve as an executive liaison with senior government stakeholders, industry partners, and Serco leadership to strengthen customer relationships and identify growth opportunities.
  • Spearhead business development activities, pipeline expansion, capture support, and organic growth initiatives across the Department of Defense market.
  • Develop and execute workforce, talent, and succession strategies to ensure organizational effectiveness, leadership continuity, and future growth.
  • Lead organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives in support of evolving customer, market, and business requirements.
  • Ensure effective management of operational, financial, contractual, and programmatic risks while maintaining high standards of performance, quality, and customer satisfaction.
  • Partner with executive leadership to develop objectives, policies, and strategies that support Serco's corporate vision and business goals.


To be successful in this role, you must have:
  • An active DoW Secret security clearance.
    • A U.S. citizenship.
  • A Master's degree in Business, Management, Engineering, or a related field.
  • or a Bachelor's degree plus additional 5 years of relevant experience.
  • 12 years of progressively responsible leadership experience supporting Department of Defense programs, including responsibility for business operations, financial performance, customer engagement, and organizational leadership.
  • To demonstrate success leading large, complex organizations and delivering operational excellence across multiple programs, contracts, or business functions.
  • Experience managing large-scale business operations with direct responsibility for financial performance, revenue growth, and profit and loss accountability.
  • A proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams while fostering an inclusive, results-oriented culture.
  • A strong strategic planning, business development, and customer relationship management experience within the Department of Defense market.
  • Exceptional communication and executive leadership skills with the ability to engage effectively with senior government customers, industry partners, and corporate leadership.
  • The ability to travel up to 25%.


Preferred Qualifications
  • DAWIA, PMP, or other relevant professional certifications.
  • Experience supporting U.S. Navy customers and acquisition, modernization, sustainment, or mission support programs.
  • Experience managing large, geographically dispersed workforces and complex contract portfolios.


Take this opportunity to join a high-performing team, advance your career, and make a real difference supporting America's Navy. Join the Serco team today!

About Serco

Serco Group plc is a British company providing public services. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. The company has four divisions: Health, Justice and Immigration, Transport, and Defence, and operates across the UK and Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Serco primarily provides public services to governments, including the operation of prisons and hospitals, defence and aerospace services, and transport services. The company also provides IT and consultancy services to the public sector. Serco has been involved in a number of controversies, including allegations of overcharging the UK government and mismanagement of contracts.
Learn more about Serco
Size
50,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1988

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