Acquisition Strategy Lead

Applied Research Solutions•Bedford, MA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Applied Research Solutions is seeking an Acquisition Strategy Lead to work at Hanscom AFB in Bedford, Massachusetts. The role provides acquisition strategy and program management support for weapons systems and associated equipment, including development, production, and deployment. The selected candidate will apply advanced expertise in systems acquisition and DoD and Air Force processes, support senior-leader decision-making, and oversee the work of junior and mid-level personnel. The position also includes task and team leadership responsibilities, such as supporting employee performance and well-being, managing customer interactions, and overseeing contract execution and team administration.

Requirements

Advanced degree (MA/MS) and 15 years of experience in the respective technical or professional discipline, including 10 years in the DoD; or a BA/BS degree and 20 years of experience in the discipline, including 10 years in the DoD; or 25 years of directly related experience with the required certifications, including 10 years in the DoD.
Active Top Secret security clearance.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Extensive experience interacting with PEO Staff, Air Force Headquarters Staff, and/or DoD Headquarters Staff.
Comprehensive knowledge of systems acquisition and program management principles, policies, and practices as defined in DoDI 5000.02.
Knowledge of roles and relationships within the DoD and the Air Force.
Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative techniques for gathering, analyzing, and measuring the effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of acquisition programs.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and produce quality acquisition and program documentation, including briefings, documents, and plans.
Advanced expertise in the technical or professional discipline, including the ability to apply associated standards, procedures, and practices.
Ability to interpret complex taskings, coordinate information across multiple functional disciplines, synthesize data, and manage multiple individuals.
All positions are subject to background investigations; employment is contingent on successful completion of a background investigation, including criminal history and identity checks.

Nice To Haves

Experience holding a position on Air Force Headquarters Staff, preferably at SAF/AQ and/or PEO Staff.
Direct experience with acquisition reporting, including DAES, MAR, Selective Acquisition Review (SAR), and GAO audits.
Experience in more than one acquisition discipline, especially program management and financial management.

Responsibilities

Plan, research, analyze, and assess system acquisition activities for development, production, and deployment of weapons systems and associated equipment.
Formulate plans and recommend strategies to meet cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
Assess 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; experience with SAR and GAO audits is also relevant to the role.
Support program management reviews, senior-level meetings and reviews, and IMP/IMS reviews.
Develop and present briefings and schedules covering program status and acquisition tasks for senior management.
Establish and implement division processes for efficient review, coordination, and approval of tasks, briefings, acquisition documentation, reporting, and organizational management.
Interpret complex requests from higher-level organizations, organize data calls across multiple functional disciplines, and develop timely responses for senior-leader review.
Consolidate and synthesize information from multiple programs, functional disciplines, and independent research into products that support senior-leadership decisions.
Delegate and manage the work of multiple team members and oversee junior and mid-level personnel.
Provide leadership and support to the team, remain approachable, monitor employee well-being, manage performance, and work with the Program Manager on disciplinary matters.
Complete annual employee performance reviews as evaluator and discuss the reviews with employees.
Coordinate equipment, badges, and access before new hires start; orient new hires, introduce them to the team and processes, and assist with onboarding tasks such as timecards.
Ensure timesheets are submitted on time and are accurate, using delegated authority as needed; ensure pay types and charge codes are used correctly.
Approve PTO and consult HR regarding bereavement, jury duty, military leave, and leave without pay as needed.
Compile and edit MSR, and prepare slides and present them to the Government if requested.
Represent ARS in day-to-day customer interactions, receive customer feedback, and communicate customer feedback about employee performance.
Notify the Program Manager promptly of customer issues and work to resolve them.
Work with the Program Manager on responsibilities and qualifications for new positions or backfills; review candidate 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 and identify new opportunities and emerging customer requirements; communicate the team's capabilities.
Collaborate with the ARS Proposal team on efforts related to the employee's expertise when applicable.
Perform other duties as assigned.