Operations Planning Manager

Hunter Strategy•Fort Meade, MD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Hunter Strategy seeks an Operations Planning Manager to lead operational planning portfolio management for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). This senior leadership position provides direct supervision to a team of three operational planning professionals while coordinating multiple concurrent Joint Planning Groups (JPGs) and serving as the primary liaison between DISA leadership and cross-functional planning teams. The role emphasizes portfolio management, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to lead teams through complex planning cycles in a high-tempo environment. Familiarity with DISA cyberspace operations is beneficial but not required.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of experience in government Program Management Office (PMO) environments with demonstrated portfolio or program leadership
Proven track record leading cross-functional teams with at least 2 years of direct supervisory experience
Bachelor's degree in related field (Military Science, International Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent)
Strong background in collaborative leadership within matrix or multi-disciplinary team structures
Demonstrated experience with Joint Planning Process (JPP) and military planning methodologies
Experience managing multiple concurrent initiatives with competing priorities and diverse stakeholders
Must be able to obtain and maintain TS/SCI security clearance
U.S. citizenship required
Portfolio management capabilities with ability to oversee multiple planning initiatives simultaneously
Strong cross-functional leadership skills with proven ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups
Understanding of DoD planning processes, APEX framework, and Joint Publication 5-0 methodologies
Knowledge of national security strategy documents and DoD planning frameworks
General understanding of cyber operations concepts (DCO, CSSP, C4 resiliency) sufficient to guide planning teams
Experience with planning tools and collaboration platforms (Microsoft Project, SharePoint, Jira, or similar)
Exceptional leadership and people management abilities with focus on mentoring, coaching, and team development
Advanced stakeholder management and relationship-building skills across organizational boundaries
Strong facilitation and consensus-building capabilities in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
Superior written and verbal communication skills for executive briefings and cross-organizational coordination
Strategic thinking with ability to synthesize information across multiple planning efforts and translate into actionable direction
Proven ability to work effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments while maintaining team morale and productivity
Collaborative mindset with ability to influence without direct authority across matrix organizations
Experience delegating effectively while maintaining oversight and quality control
Ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution through team leadership

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with DISA cyberspace operations is beneficial but not required.
Military Background: Active duty or veteran status with operational planning or staff experience
Leadership Training: Formal leadership development programs or management certifications
Joint Professional Military Education (JPME): Level I or Level II certification
Project/Program Management: PMP, PgMP, or equivalent portfolio management credentials
DISA/Cyber Mission Experience: Previous experience supporting DISA, USCYBERCOM, JFHQ-DODIN, or understanding of DoD cyber mission areas
Technical Certifications: CISSP, CISM, Security+, or equivalent (beneficial for cyber context but not required)
Advanced Education: Master's degree in relevant field (Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Strategic Studies)
Federal Contracting Knowledge: Understanding of federal compliance requirements, FAR/DFARS, and government deliverable standards
Cross-Organizational Leadership: Experience leading teams across prime/subcontractor boundaries or multi-vendor environments
Agile/Portfolio Management: Experience with Agile portfolio management, SAFe, or similar methodologies

Responsibilities

Provide portfolio-level oversight of concurrent planning initiatives across three Joint Planning Groups (JPGs), directly supervising three operational planning professionals
Establish planning priorities, allocate resources, and ensure 95% quality standards across all deliverables
Lead cross-functional collaboration across DISA directorates, service components, USCYBERCOM, JFHQ-DODIN, Combatant Commands, and DoD agencies
Foster team development while monitoring workload distribution and resolving planning impediments
Oversee team execution of Joint Planning Process (JPP) and Adaptive Planning and Execution (APEX) framework across multiple concurrent efforts
Coordinate crisis action planning support during evolving global crises, ensuring rapid response within directed timelines
Guide team analysis of national and DoD-level directives (National Military Strategy, National Defense Strategy, DISA Charter, DoD CIO Guidance)
Review and approve planning products including Planning Reports, Information Papers, COA documents, and campaign plans
Oversee team development of cyberspace plans and orders for DoD cyberspace Areas of Operation and Sectors
Coordinate with cyber SMEs to ensure planning addresses C4 resiliency, DCO/CSSP requirements, and emerging threats
Engage senior DISA leadership and external stakeholders through executive briefings and Operations Approval Board (OAB) presentations
Facilitate collaboration across Operational Planning Teams (OPTs) and Battle Rhythm Command and Control Working Groups using secure platforms (JWICS, SIPRNet)