Become a Business Operations Manager at the Department of Defense
The Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) is currently seeking a highly skilled Business Operations Manager to join the Immediate Office of the Director at the Pentagon. This position is a cornerstone of operational excellence, providing critical support to the DoDβs most senior leaders. If you are an experienced administrator with a background in high-stakes environments, this could be the career-defining opportunity you are looking for.
Job Responsibilities
As the Business Operations Manager, you will serve as a senior advisor, ensuring that the WHS Director and Deputy Director have the information and administrative support necessary to execute their duties. Key responsibilities include:
- Executive Support: Directing the flow of high-priority correspondence and briefing materials to the Secretary of War and DoD leadership.
- Operations Management: Managing resource execution and administrative policies, including property accountability and time-and-attendance oversight.
- Leadership: Mentoring a professional staff, managing performance cycles, and fostering an environment of continuous improvement.
- Workflow Optimization: Using data-driven methodologies to re-engineer business processes and streamline organizational goals.
Comparison of Requirements
| Requirement Area | Qualification Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 Year of GS-14 level equivalent |
| Education | Cannot be substituted for experience |
| Assessment | USA Hire Competency Based Assessment required |
| Clearance | Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) |
Requirements
To qualify, you must possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level. This experience must demonstrate your ability to oversee executive-level correspondence and manage complex organizational initiatives. Applicants must ensure their two-page resume clearly documents months and hours worked per week.
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-15 level, with an annual salary range of $169,279 to $197,200. This competitive federal compensation package is commensurate with the significant responsibility associated with supporting top-level DoD leadership.
Benefits
Working for the WHS offers a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Federal Health Insurance Programs (FEHB)
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid federal holidays
- Career-long learning and leadership development opportunities
Application Tips
- Format Matters: The two-page resume limit is absolute. If your resume exceeds this, you will be disqualified.
- Documentation: Ensure all SF-50s or military certifications (if applying as a veteran) are included at the time of initial submission.
- Assessments: Do not overlook the USA Hire assessment email; it is a mandatory gateway in the selection process.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the Pentagon and influence the operational standards of the Department of Defense. We encourage all qualified, motivated candidates to review the full requirements and submit their applications before the closing date.
Why This Business Operations Manager Job Matters
Take the helm of critical operations at the Pentagon and shape the future of high-level DoD executive support.
Business Operations Manager Job Overview
The Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) is seeking a seasoned Business Operations Manager to serve in the Immediate Office of the Director. This high-impact role acts as a primary advisor to the Director and Deputy Director, overseeing executive-level programs, resource execution, and the complex infrastructure of departmental operations. You will lead professional teams, drive continuous process improvement, and manage sensitive, high-priority executive tasks in a fast-paced environment at the heart of the Department of Defense.
Requirements for Business Operations Manager
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level.
- Proven expertise in managing the production and routing of highly sensitive executive correspondence.
- Proficiency with enterprise-level task and correspondence management systems like CATMS, TMT, or ETMS2.
- Experience in resource execution, administrative policy development, and organizational analysis.
- Must be able to maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
- Resume must be strictly limited to two pages in PDF format with at least 0.5-inch margins and 10-point font.
Preferred Qualifications for Business Operations Manager
- Advanced skills in qualitative and quantitative methodologies for process re-engineering.
- Experience leading diverse professional teams within a high-pressure federal environment.
- Demonstrated ability to navigate the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) lifecycle.
- Expertise in records management, NARA compliance, and time/attendance protocols.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βComprehensive federal health and life insurance options.
- βCompetitive retirement programs including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- βPaid federal holidays and generous annual/sick leave accrual.
- βAccess to professional development and career advancement opportunities.
- βTelework eligibility as permitted by agency policy.
π‘ How to Apply Business Operations Manager Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Business Operations Manager Job
- Register for a USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a federal-style resume (maximum 2 pages).
- Review the job announcement and questionnaire requirements.
- Submit your application package, including all required SF-50s or veterans' documentation.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire Competency Based Assessment when prompted via email.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
π‘ General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details the hours worked per week for each role to verify your one-year specialized experience requirement.
- Do not exceed the two-page limit; HR will automatically reject longer resumes.
- Complete the USA Hire assessment as soon as you receive the link; failure to do so will result in removal from consideration.
- Double-check that all uploaded PDFs are clear, legible, and virus-free before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
Can I substitute education for experience?
No, education cannot be substituted for the required specialized experience for this role.
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is located at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. Telework eligibility may be available per agency policy.
Job from Washington Headquarters Services
The Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) functions as the essential services provider for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. WHS operates as a world-class service organization, ensuring that the infrastructure, administrative systems, and executive support required for national defense are functioning at peak efficiency.
