SME Project Manager lead

Leidos•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

This Department of War enterprise data and analytics program delivers mission-critical capabilities that enable leaders across the Department to make faster, better-informed decisions using trusted data at scale. Leidos Digital Modernization sector is seeking an experienced SME Project Manager Lead to support the delivery, enhancement, and adoption of enterprise data and analytics products used across multiple DoD organizations. In this role, you will work alongside government partners, engineers, and other industry teammates to translate operational and strategic requirements into scalable, production-ready solutions. You will contribute directly to product planning, execution, and continuous improvement—helping ensure capabilities are delivered efficiently, aligned to mission priorities, and positioned for sustained success. This position offers the opportunity to work on a high-visibility, enterprise program at the intersection of data, analytics, and emerging AI technologies. Ideal candidates are motivated by mission impact, comfortable operating in complex stakeholder environments, and interested in building deep domain expertise while delivering capabilities with real-world national security outcomes.

Requirements

Active Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI eligibility.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Information Systems, or related discipline and 12–15 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree in a related field and 10–13 years of relevant experience.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in project management or related roles.
Demonstrated experience managing complex Federal or DoD IT programs with multi-team coordination.
Experience managing project risk, schedule, cost, and performance metrics in cost-reimbursable contract environments.
Experience managing cross-functional teams delivering cloud, data, AI/ML, or enterprise platform capabilities.
Experience managing risks and dependencies across cross-functional technical teams.
Experience operating within SAFe or other large-scale Agile frameworks.
Proven experience managing user support operations in a technical environment.
Strong understanding of IT service management and support processes.
Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and resolve enterprise-level delivery challenges.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders.
Ability to analyze data and metrics to drive decision-making and process improvements.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams of 8-15 direct reports.

Nice To Haves

Active TS/SCI clearance.
PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent project management certification.
SAFe Agilist (SA), SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), or related SAFe certification.
Experience supporting enterprise cloud, DevSecOps, AI/ML, or data modernization initiatives.
Experience supporting programs operating across NIPRNet, SIPRNet, and JWICS environments.
Experience implementing Lean Portfolio Management or Agile portfolio governance frameworks.
Experience supporting high-visibility, mission-critical DoD modernization programs.
Proven track record of driving customer success and satisfaction initiatives.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with automation tools and user support technologies.
Experience preparing executive-level briefings and contractual reporting artifacts.
Experience supporting enterprise platforms operating across NIPRNet, SIPRNet, and JWICS.
Experience supporting DevSecOps, AI/ML, or enterprise data platform initiatives.
Experience integrating AI/ML-enabled capabilities into operational workflows.
Experience supporting DoD enterprise AI, data or analytics platforms
Experience supporting multi-cloud or hybrid cloud modernization efforts.
Familiarity with cloud-based environments and security protocols.
Familiarity with ServiceNow or similar ITSM platforms

Responsibilities

Coordinate and manage project portfolios to meet strategic and contractual objectives.
Oversee execution of customer agreements, ensuring timelines, budgets, deliverables, and resources align with defined use cases and technical requirements.
Ensure cost, schedule, and technical objectives are achieved while proactively identifying and mitigating risks
Maintain proactive communication with stakeholders, serving as the primary liaison between the customer and internal delivery teams.
Ensure alignment between technical execution, business outcomes, and program performance goals.
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Lead execution of highly complex technical projects with significant operational and contractual impact.
Develop and maintain integrated project schedules, cost forecasts, risk registers, and performance dashboards aligned to PI objectives and contract milestones.
Oversee management of project risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation strategies across multiple Agile teams.
Ensure alignment between technical execution, financial performance, and contractual deliverables.
Partner with engineering, DevSecOps, cybersecurity, data, AI/ML, and user support leads to ensure synchronized delivery across workstreams.
Provide executive-level status briefings to program leadership and Government stakeholders.
Drive measurable improvements in delivery predictability, schedule adherence, and cost control.
Support preparation of Monthly Status Reports (MSRs), Program Management Reviews (PMRs), and other contractual reporting artifacts.
Ensure operational continuity during transition-in/out activities and major release cycles.
Lead workforce planning and resource allocation across project teams.
Establish governance standards for schedule management, risk tracking, financial forecasting, and reporting quality.
Foster a high-performance, accountable, and collaborative project management culture.
Provide direct supervision, mentoring, and performance management for assigned direct reports.
Lead and mentor a team of 8-15 direct reports, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
Conduct performance evaluations, career development planning, and professional coaching.