Summary

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking an experienced and motivated Optical Program Manager to lead operations, optimize customer experience, develop and implement standardized policies, and ensure compliance with industry best practices.

Duties

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Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Program Leadership: Lead the Optical Program across multiple VA locations, ensuring consistent service quality, operational efficiency, and program standards.
• Team & Performance Management: Oversee remote and onsite optician teams, including staffing, training, performance, and workforce needs across multiple locations.
• Operational Strategy & Improvement: Develop and implement standardized workflows, policies, and quality standards while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, technology, and service delivery.
• Business & Financial Performance: Analyze operational and financial data to guide staffing, product selection, pricing, profitability, and opportunities for program growth.
• Stakeholder & Vendor Management: Build and maintain relationships with clinical partners, VA leadership, suppliers, fabricators, contractors, and other key stakeholders to resolve issues and support program operations.
• Program Growth & Innovation: Identify opportunities to expand optical services, introduce new products, improve the Veteran experience, and strengthen program visibility through market and industry trends.
• Additional Responsibilities & Flexibility: Perform and adapt to additional responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

As a Condition of Employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

- Your performance and conduct

- The needs and interests of the agency

- Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government

- Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Additional Conditions of Employment include:

-Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

-Subject to background/security investigation.

Qualifications

• Optical Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of current optical industry practices, products, lens fabrication, optician workflows, trends, and techniques, including commercial and government environments.
• Business & Operational Leadership: Demonstrated business acumen and experience managing complex operations, with the ability to apply sound judgment, creativity, and strategic thinking to achieve organizational goals.
• Program & Project Management: Ability to plan, develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate multiple programs, projects, and initiatives while managing competing priorities and changing business needs.
• Data Analysis & Decision-Making: Ability to gather, analyze, and summarize information to identify trends, evaluate performance, support business decisions, and prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships and collaborate with clinical and non-clinical stakeholders, employees, leadership, and external partners at all levels.
• Customer-Focused Problem Solving: Demonstrated commitment to customer service with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving operational challenges, improving service delivery, and enhancing the customer experience. Experience working in healthcare or medical center environments is preferred.
• Identification Requirement: A current, valid REAL ID is required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.

Education

Education Requirement: High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) required.

Additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.