Operations Lead

Overview

REI Systems’ mission is to deliver reliable, innovative technology solutions that advance Federal clients' missions and exceed their expectations. Our technologists and consultants are passionate about solving complex challenges that impact millions of lives. We take a Mindful Modernization® approach in delivering our services, including application modernization, grants management, case management systems, government data analytics, and advisory services. This approach, the REI Way, ensures mission impact by aligning our clients' strategic objectives with measurable outcomes through people, processes, and technology.

We offer the same commitment to our employees by providing professional development, meaningful projects, and flexibility to spend time with family and friends. We believe employees are at their best when fulfilled in both their professional careers and their personal lives. Learn more at

Employees voted REI Systems a Washington Post Top Workplace in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024!

Have you ever wondered how the food you eat is deemed to be safe, or how pharmaceutical companies are inspected to ensure the drugs they produce meet FDA regulations? If so, we have a very large new program with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and would love to have you join us!

Position Overview

The Operations Lead is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day leadership of program operations, ensuring seamless coordination across delivery, governance, compliance, resource management, and stakeholder communication. This role oversees operational execution, ensures alignment with contractual obligations, maintains compliance with federal security frameworks, and drives continuous improvement across the program lifecycle.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in operations management, federal IT programs, cybersecurity frameworks (FISMA/NIST), performance tracking, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Program Oversight

Lead daily operations for a large federal IT program ensuring delivery excellence, timeliness, and contract compliance. Oversee and manage operational workflows, program governance processes, performance metrics, and reporting. Partner closely with Program Manager, Technical Leads, and client stakeholders to resolve issues, remove blockers, and ensure program alignment with strategic priorities. Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), operational dashboards, weekly/monthly reporting, and KPIs.

Coordinate resource planning, forecasting, and staffing alignment across agile teams and work streams. Ensure continuity of operations, risk mitigation, and escalation management for all program-related activities. Oversee onboarding/offboarding processes, system access requests, training plans, and compliance documentation for team members.

Contract, Compliance, & Governance

Serve as the key point of contact supporting contract administration, performance monitoring, SLAs, and deliverable tracking. Ensure program documentation, deliverables, and operational artifacts meet agency standards, audit requirements, and contractual expectations. Support financial governance: monthly reporting, burn rate tracking, work authorization management, and budget alignment. Manage risk logs, action items, compliance checklists, and audit responses.

Security Operations & Compliance Requirements

Apply FISMA and NIST 800-53 frameworks to system architecture, design, development, evaluation, and integration. Develop and deliver IT Security Plans and ensure all security documentation remains current. Provide Web Application and OS vulnerability scan reports and assist in remediation tracking. Deliver POA&M updates and corrective action documentation according to GSA CIO IT Security Procedural Guides. Review and update System Security Plans (SSP) and Contingency Plans annually (NIST 800-34).

Maintain and validate annual user access reviews and separation of duties matrix. Provide documentation for AT-2/AT-3 security and role-based training. Lead annual FISMA self-assessments, security testing coordination, and independent…