Acquisition Strategy Lead

Applied Research Solutions•Bedford, MA

13h•$178,000 - $190,000•Onsite

About The Position

Applied Research Solutions is hiring an Acquisition Strategy Lead located at Hanscom AFB in Bedford, Massachusetts. The role provides acquisition strategy and program-management support, including assessment of system acquisition programs across development, production, and deployment of weapons systems and associated equipment. The successful candidate will formulate plans and recommend strategies to meet cost, schedule, and performance objectives; assess program status against schedule and cost baselines; identify solutions to problems; and support acquisition reporting and senior-leader decision-making. The position requires expert-level knowledge of systems acquisition and program-management principles, policies, and practices, including DoDI 5000.02, and familiarity with DoD and Air Force roles and relationships. The Acquisition Strategy Lead develops and coordinates acquisition documentation and reports, supports program management and senior-level reviews, and prepares program-status briefings and schedules. The role also establishes and implements division processes, coordinates responses to complex requests and data calls across functional disciplines, synthesizes information for senior leadership, and delegates and manages work across multiple personnel. As a task/team lead, the position supports and leads employees, oversees well-being and performance, completes annual performance reviews, and helps onboard new hires. It also coordinates timesheets, charge codes, and leave; compiles and edits MSRs; may prepare and present briefings to government stakeholders; represents ARS in day-to-day customer interactions; supports staffing and candidate selection; understands program finances and approves invoices where applicable; oversees contract-execution tasks; identifies new opportunities; and collaborates with the ARS Proposal team when applicable. Candidates must hold an active Top Secret security clearance and be U.S. citizens. Minimum qualification pathways are an advanced degree (MA/MS) and 15 years of relevant experience, including 10 years in DoD; a BA/BS and 20 years of relevant experience, including 10 years in DoD; or 25 years of directly related experience with appropriate certifications, including 10 years in DoD. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, including criminal-history and identity checks. The annual salary range is $178,000–$190,000, dependent on role responsibilities, experience, qualifications, education or training, and key skills.

Requirements

Advanced degree (MA/MS) with 15 years of experience in the relevant technical/professional discipline, including 10 years in DoD; or a BA/BS with 20 years of relevant experience, including 10 years in DoD; or 25 years of directly related experience with appropriate certifications, including 10 years in DoD.
Active Top Secret security clearance.
U.S. citizenship.
Comprehensive knowledge of systems-acquisition and program-management principles, policies, and practices, including DoDI 5000.02.
Knowledge of roles and relationships within the DoD and Air Force.
Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative techniques for gathering and analyzing information and measuring acquisition-program effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and produce quality acquisition and program documentation, including briefings, documents, and plans.
Expert-level knowledge and experience in the relevant technical or professional field, with the ability to perform tasks and oversee junior- and mid-level personnel.
Advanced knowledge of the technical or professional discipline and comprehensive understanding of how to apply relevant standards, procedures, and practices.
Ability to interact with PEO Staff, Air Force and/or DoD Headquarters Staff.
Direct experience with acquisition reporting, including DAES, MAR, Selective Acquisition Review (SAR), and GAO audits.
Ability to delegate and manage multiple individuals.
Successful completion of a background investigation, including criminal-history and identity checks, is required for employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience serving on Air Force Headquarters Staff, preferably at SAF/AQ and/or on PEO Staff.
Experience in more than one acquisition discipline, especially program management and financial management.

Responsibilities

Plan, research, analyze, and assess system acquisition across development, production, and deployment of weapons systems and associated equipment.
Formulate plans and recommend strategies for meeting cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
Assess acquisition-program status against schedule and cost baselines, recommend viable solutions to problems, and pursue alternative courses of action.
Develop and support acquisition reports, including statutory and regulatory reports such as DAES and MAR.
Support program management reviews, senior-level meetings and reviews, and IMP/IMS reviews.
Develop and present program-status and acquisition-task briefings and schedules for senior management; prepare slides and present to government stakeholders if requested.
Establish and implement division processes for efficient review, coordination, and approval of division tasks, briefings, acquisition documentation, reporting, and organizational management.
Interpret complex requests from higher-level organizations and organize data calls across multiple functional disciplines to prepare timely responses for senior-leader review.
Consolidate and synthesize information from programs, functional disciplines, and independent research into products that support senior-leadership decisions.
Delegate and manage multiple individuals to complete assigned work.
Provide team leadership and support; remain available and approachable; oversee employee well-being and performance; and work with the PM on disciplinary actions.
Complete annual employee performance reviews as the Evaluator and discuss the reviews with employees.
Coordinate equipment, badges, and access before new hires start; introduce and orient new employees, explain processes, and assist with onboarding tasks such as timecards.
Ensure timesheets are submitted and accurate, and that pay types and charge codes are used correctly; approve PTO and consult HR regarding bereavement, jury duty, military leave, and LWOP as needed.
Compile and edit MSR.
Represent ARS in day-to-day customer interactions, receive customer feedback, communicate about employee performance, and promptly notify the PM of customer issues while working toward resolution.
Work with the PM on responsibilities and qualifications for new positions or backfills; review resumes and conduct or attend interviews when applicable.
Understand program and project finances, approve invoices, and manage billable hours when applicable.
Oversee tasks related to contract execution.
Watch for new opportunities, understand emerging customer requirements, and promote the team and its capabilities.
Collaborate with the ARS Proposal team on efforts related to the candidate’s expertise when applicable.
Perform other duties as assigned.