SME Transition Manager

Leidos•Gaithersburg, VA

About The Position

Leidos Digital Modernization sector is seeking an experienced SME Transition Manager to lead transition execution for a newly awarded Department of War enterprise data and analytics program supporting the War Data Platform mission. This is a high-visibility, mission-critical leadership role responsible for executing a full program transition from contract award through operational standup within a defined 90-day transition period . The selected candidate will take ownership of transition execution—ensuring continuity of operations, standing up program capabilities, and delivering a fully operational program with no disruption to ongoing mission activities . You will serve as the transition lead , responsible for orchestrating all transition activities across Government stakeholders, incumbent contractors, and cross-functional delivery teams. This role requires a balance of disciplined execution, proactive risk management, and strong stakeholder engagement to ensure the program is operational, aligned, and positioned for sustained success from day one.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field and 12+ years of relevant experience (or Master’s with 10+ years)
Direct experience leading program transition-in and/or transition-out efforts for large-scale Federal or DoD programs
Demonstrated experience executing transitions within compressed timelines (e.g., 60–120 day transition windows)
Experience coordinating with Government stakeholders, incumbent contractors, and cross-functional teams during transition execution
Proven ability to develop and execute transition plans, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies
Demonstrated success ensuring operational continuity and readiness during high-risk program transitions
Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in dynamic, fast-paced environments
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior Government stakeholders

Nice To Haves

PMP, PgMP, or equivalent program/project management certification
Experience supporting transitions for enterprise-scale data, cloud, DevSecOps, or analytics platforms
Experience operating in multi-enclave environments (e.g., NIPRNet, SIPRNet, JWICS)
Experience supporting cost-reimbursable or performance-based contracts
Proven ability to lead transition efforts on high-visibility, mission-critical programs
Experience mentoring or guiding team members and contributing to transition best practices
Experience working within SAFe or other large‑scale Agile frameworks

Responsibilities

Lead and execute the Transition-In Plan from contract award through full operational standup within the defined transition period
Establish and drive transition governance , including schedules, milestones, reporting cadence, and performance tracking
Stand up program operations, including staffing, onboarding, access, processes, and tools , to enable mission execution
Ensure continuity of operations with no degradation to ongoing mission activities during transition
Direct and oversee knowledge transfer activities with incumbent teams, including documentation handoff, briefings, and process alignment
Identify, track, and actively manage transition risks, issues, and dependencies , resolving challenges to maintain schedule and readiness
Coordinate transition execution across program management, engineering, data, DevSecOps, cybersecurity, and user support functions
Serve as the primary interface with Government stakeholders and incumbent contractors , driving alignment, transparency, and timely decision-making
Prepare and deliver clear, executive-level briefings and reports on transition status, risks, and operational readiness
Apply transition best practices to improve execution efficiency, reduce risk, and accelerate time to full operational capability