Significance is a woman-owned consulting firm serving the federal government. We are known for building trusted relationships within our teams and with our clients and hiring the highest-level experts who implement innovative solutions. We also like to have fun! Our focus on culture has contributed to Significance being named a Washington Business Journal Best Place to Work each of the last seven years.Significance Inc is seeking a Senior Manager of Operational Excellence. The Senior Manager, Operational Excellence, will act as the chief operational partner to the COO to strengthen company operations, drive accountability, and ensure alignment with organizational goals. This role is both strategic and hands-on, overseeing key operational processes, providing financial and performance oversight across accounts, and leading initiatives that improve efficiency, scalability, and compliance. The Senior Manager will serve as a trusted advisor to leadership while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and instilling operational rigor across the organization.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational Reviews & Governance:
- Lead and Govern Program Management Reviews (PMRs) to track performance, compliance, and risk.
- Ensure data integrity by maintaining and updating the active client list for accurate reporting.
- Track and manage bench staff utilization, supporting proactive workforce planning.
- Establish, define, and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance, margin health, and process improvement outcomes.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Business Development and Delivery Directors to ensure proposed staffing on submitted proposals is optimized.
- Create and manage standardized documentation processes across programs to ensure audit readiness (DCAA, ISO-9001, CMMI) and operational transparency using SharePoint or similar collaboration tools."
- Financial & Account Oversight:
- Partner with Directors and Program Managers to ensure margins, account goals, and financial targets align with company objectives.
- Coordinate training and coaching to Program Managers in financial management, including forecasting, revenue, and budget control.
- Collaborate with Contracts, Finance, and Operations to ensure accurate data tracking and timely escalation of issues to leadership.
- Process Improvement, Innovation & Certifications:
- Champion and lead continuous process improvement initiatives (CPI), leveraging Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
- Drive operational innovation by applying AI and automation to improve efficiency, streamline processes, and strengthen data-driven decision-making.
- Direct and coordinate company-wide certification initiatives, including ISO, CMMI, and CMMC readiness and maintenance.
- Lead and support change management efforts to ensure smooth adoption of new processes, tools, and standards.
- Executive Support & Reporting:
- Prepare and deliver executive-level reports and dashboards that provide insights into company performance and operational health.
- Act as a key liaison between the COO and functional leaders, ensuring alignment, collaboration, and accountability across the organization.
- Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships to drive operational initiatives forward.
Responsibilities:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Operations, or related field (required).
- Master’s degree (MBA or similar) preferred.
- 7+ years of relevant experience in operations, financial management, or program oversight.
- Strong project and program management, analytical, and communication skills.
- Proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and supporting executive leadership.
- Ability to handle changing priorities and use good judgment when working in challenging situations.
- High degree of integrity and ability to handle confidential matters and sensitive situations with discretion.
- Federal contracting and audit readiness experience (highly desired).
- Knowledge of some AI/automation tools for business operations (preferred).
- Certifications (Preferred/Desired)
- PMP (Project Management Professional).
- Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt (highly desirable).
- Knowledge of ISO, CMMI, or other certification frameworks (a plus).
$175,000 - $205,000 a year
At Significance, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package and is determined within a range. Our pay ranges are based on the local cost of labor benchmarks for each specific role, level, and geographic location.We carefully consider a wide range of factors when determining compensation, including but not limited to experience; job-related skill sets; relevant education or training; and other business and organizational needs. The salary range listed is for the level at which this job has been scoped. In the event that you are considered for a different level, a higher or lower pay range would apply. This position is also eligible for a comprehensive and generous benefits package.We are an E-Verify Employerhttps://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster.pdfhttps://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPoster.pdfWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
