Platform Program Lead

Sprezzatura Management Consulting • Arlington, VA

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a senior, mission-driven leader to serve as the Platform Program Lead of VA.gov Platform. This individual will be responsible for leading and integrating multiple high-visibility efforts, including VA.gov Platform Management as well as related modernization initiatives. This role serves as the primary delivery and execution authority for platform-related capabilities supporting VA.gov and the VA Health and Benefits mobile application. The Platform Program Lead will coordinate delivery across product, engineering, architecture, and governance functions to ensure that platform services are delivered in a scalable, secure, and highly reliable manner. The ideal candidate brings deep experience with the VA.gov ecosystem and the Veteran-Facing Services Platform (VSP), along with a strong technical foundation and the ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment. This individual must be capable of engaging directly with senior VA leadership, driving alignment across stakeholders, and maintaining composure under pressure while delivering mission-critical outcomes. This is a critical leadership role where success is defined by the ability to translate complex requirements into executable delivery, maintain trust with VA stakeholders, and ensure that all platform capabilities are delivered effectively in support of improved Veteran experiences. The individual in this role is accountable for ensuring successful platform outcomes across all assigned efforts. This role requires balancing ongoing platform operations with the delivery of new capabilities in a complex and evolving environment.

Requirements

• Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate VA background investigation and PIV credential required to perform the role
• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems, Business, or a related scientific/technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Minimum of 15 years of experience managing large-scale federal IT programs
• Minimum of 5 years of experience supporting VA.gov, the Veteran-Facing Services Platform (VSP), or similarly complex federal digital service platforms
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-team programs across development, operations, and sustainment environments
• Experience working in enterprise cloud environments (AWS preferred), including large-scale platform and distributed system environments
• Experience preparing and delivering structured reporting on program performance, risks, and operational health
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams with competing priorities and dependencies
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex, high-visibility digital or platform initiatives within federal environments
• Strong understanding of cloud-native architectures, APIs, CI/CD pipelines, and platform engineering concepts sufficient to guide delivery and decision-making
• Experience with DevSecOps practices and Agile delivery methodologies
• Familiarity with platform performance and operational monitoring practices
• Experience working within secure federal environments, including RMF and ATO processes
• Strong technical acumen with the ability to guide engineering and architecture decisions without performing hands-on development
• Demonstrated executive presence in high-visibility environments and governance forums
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive briefings and reporting
• Proven ability to identify risks proactively and execute structured escalation and mitigation strategies
• High degree of personal accountability, ownership, and urgency
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments
• Strong stakeholder management and influence skills across senior government leadership

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within VA OCTO or similar federal digital service organizations preferred
• Project Management Professional (PMP), SAFe, or equivalent program management certification preferred
• Cloud, security, or platform-related certifications preferred

Responsibilities

• Serve as the accountable owner of delivery for VA.gov Platform capabilities and related initiatives, ensuring successful execution and outcomes across all workstreams
• Drive planning, prioritization, and execution of work aligned to VA priorities and approved backlog
• Ensure delivery is performed within defined scope, schedule expectations, and approved level of effort
• Translate complex technical and business requirements into executable plans across cross-functional teams
• Maintain alignment between product, engineering, design, and architecture to ensure cohesive delivery outcomes
• Make trade-off decisions across scope, schedule, and technical priorities to maintain delivery momentum
• Oversee delivery of platform capabilities supporting VA.gov and the VA Health and Benefits mobile application
• Ensure balance between platform stability, performance, and the delivery of new capabilities
• Monitor platform health, risks, and dependencies to ensure continuity of operations
• Support release planning, deployment coordination, and readiness across development and production environments
• Ensure platform performance, reliability, and scalability expectations are consistently met
• Ensure adherence to VA.gov governance processes (e.g., Collaboration Cycle) and platform standards
• Support compliance with security and operational requirements, including RMF, ATO, and continuous monitoring activities
• Participate in governance forums and provide input on platform-related decisions and trade-offs
• Ensure delivery aligns with contractual requirements, including SOW and PWS expectations
• Identify, track, and mitigate program risks, dependencies, and constraints across multiple workstreams
• Lead escalation management, ensuring timely resolution of technical and programmatic issues
• Make informed decisions in high-pressure situations while maintaining alignment with stakeholder priorities
• Provide proactive recommendations to address emerging risks and improve delivery outcomes
• Serve as the primary interface with VA stakeholders, including OCTO leadership, COR, and Product Owners
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships across government and contractor teams
• Provide clear, concise, and consistent reporting on program status, risks, and outcomes
• Communicate effectively across technical and non-technical audiences, including executive leadership
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams across product, engineering, design, and operations
• Establish clear expectations, accountability, and alignment with program objectives
• Drive Agile delivery practices, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, and program-level coordination
• Mentor and support team leads to ensure consistent execution and continuous improvement
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment focused on delivery excellence

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Health Saving Account (when enrolled in eligible plan) with Company contribution
• Company paid Life, Accidental Death, Short-term & Long-term Disability
• Voluntary Accident, Hospital Indemnity, & Critical Care Insurance
• Voluntary Medical & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Accrued Paid Time Off & Company Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company match

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior