Program Executive – Intelligent Automation - Defense

Groundswell•McLean, VA

1d•$209,708 - $440,099•Hybrid

About The Position

Groundswell is seeking a Vice President-level Program Executive to lead a large-scale intelligent automation program operating across multiple Department of Defense components. This role carries full accountability for program performance, financial outcomes, and strategic growth within participating DoD organizations. Although centered on a single strategic program, the scope operates at enterprise scale demanding disciplined governance, integrated delivery across multiple teams, and executive leadership within complex defense environments. The Vice President will drive P&L performance, delivery oversight, OEM and partner alignment, and executive-level client engagement, ensuring consistent execution, scalable growth, and sustained trust across the program.

Requirements

15+ years of senior leadership experience delivering large-scale programs within the Department of Defense or federal environments
Demonstrated P&L ownership and financial accountability for complex, multi-team programs
Experience leading integrated delivery structures across multiple stakeholders and operating environments
Background in intelligent automation (UiPath strongly preferred), AI/ML systems, ERP modernization, or enterprise financial/operational systems
Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams
Strong executive presence with experience briefing senior uniformed and civilian DoD leadership
Deep familiarity with DoD acquisition, compliance, cybersecurity, and governance environments
Strong executive presence with experience briefing senior DoD leadership
Active Secret clearance required; Top Secret/SCI strongly preferred
Local to Washington, DC metro area; onsite 2–3 days per week

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting multiple DoD components within a single program structure
Background in financial transformation, audit modernization, or enterprise systems modernization
Experience managing OEM or strategic technology partnerships
Experience operating within a growth-oriented organization while maintaining disciplined delivery performance

Responsibilities

Own full P&L responsibility for the intelligent automation program
Ensure profitability, margin performance, and disciplined financial management
Establish executive operating rhythms, governance structures, and performance metrics
Lead integrated execution across multiple delivery teams supporting diverse DoD components
Drive strategic growth within participating DoD organizations
Provide executive oversight of intelligent automation deployments across multiple DoD environments
Ensure disciplined execution across scope, schedule, risk, compliance, and mission alignment
Oversee cross-team coordination to ensure consistency, quality, and performance at scale
Maintain delivery governance, executive reporting, and issue escalation frameworks
Navigate complex DoD acquisition, cybersecurity, and stakeholder governance requirements
Guide implementation of intelligent automation, AI/ML-enabled systems, low-code platforms (UiPath preferred), and enterprise modernization initiatives
Engage senior uniformed and civilian leadership to ensure alignment with mission priorities
Support modernization efforts tied to audit, financial systems, ERP integration, and operational transformation
Partner with Growth leadership to identify and capture expansion opportunities within DoD components
Manage executive-level OEM and strategic technology partner relationships
Represent Groundswell in executive forums and key client engagements
Strengthen Groundswell’s credibility and footprint within the DoD ecosystem