Contract Operations Manager Jobs in Edwardsville, IL

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Operations Manager serves as a critical multi-functional leader responsible for supporting and advancing the organization across a broad range of operational domains. This role requires a dynamic, detail-oriented professional capable of simultaneously managing marketing initiatives, business development activities, information technology coordination, corporate security compliance, financial analysis, and people leadership. The Operations Manager will act as a linchpin between departments, ensuring cohesive execution of strategic objectives and operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Marketing Support
•    Coordinate and support the development and execution of marketing campaigns, collateral, and communications materials.
•    Manage the organization's brand presence across digital and print channels, ensuring consistency and quality.
•    Track and report on marketing metrics and return on investment for campaigns and outreach efforts.
•    Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver marketing objectives on time and within budget.
Business Development
•    Support the identification, qualification, and pursuit of new business opportunities aligned with organizational growth strategies.
•    Assist in the preparation of capability statements, white papers, and other business development collateral.
•    Participate in customer engagement, industry events, and networking activities to advance pipeline development.
•    Coordinate teaming arrangements and partnership agreements in support of proposal efforts.
Information Technology Coordination
•    Serve as the operational liaison to the IT function, coordinating technology needs across business units and contract programs.
•    Oversee IT asset management, software licensing, and systems procurement in coordination with technical staff.
•    Support development and maintenance of IT policies, procedures, and user training initiatives.
•    Ensure IT support services are aligned with operational timelines, contract requirements, and security protocols.
FCL Security Management (Security Manager)
•    Assist the designated Security Manager supporting the Facility Clearance (FCL) and classified program operations.
•    Interface with Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and other government security representatives as required.
•    Maintain and update the Standard Practice and Procedures (SPP) and other required security documentation.
•    Support efforts for CMMC L2 certification.
Financial Analysis for Proposed Contract Work
•    Develop and review cost models, price-to-win analyses, and financial projections for new and recompete contract opportunities.
•    Analyze direct and indirect costs, labor rates, and overhead structures to support competitive pricing strategies.
•    Coordinate with finance, contracts, and program management to ensure accurate and compliant cost volume development.
•    Monitor financial performance of operational activities and prepare reports for senior leadership decision-making.
•    Support budget development and tracking for operational overhead and indirect cost pools.
People Leadership – New Hire Onboarding to Contract
•    Serve as the primary people leader and point of contact for new hires.
•    Oversee end-to-end onboarding processes including badging, clearance activation, orientation, and contract-specific training requirements.
•    Build and maintain strong relationships with new hires to support engagement, retention, and performance expectations.
•    Partner with HR, contracts, and program managers to ensure personnel are appropriately positioned and compliant prior to work commencement.
•    Identify and escalate onboarding issues or blockers that may affect contract start dates or compliance requirements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•    Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in operations management, ideally within a government contracting or defense environment.
•    Active or ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance (Top Secret or higher); FCL Security Manager experience strongly preferred.
•    Demonstrated experience supporting multiple functional areas including marketing, business development, IT, or financial analysis.
•    Strong knowledge of the NISPOM and industrial security compliance requirements.
•    Proven track record as a people leader with experience managing onboarding and employee relations.
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interface across all levels of the organization.
•    Strong analytical skills with proficiency in financial modeling and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•    Master’s degree in Business Administration or related discipline. The degree can be substituted for 8 years of relevant professional experience.
•    Completion of DCSA FSO training curriculum or Security Manager training.
•    Experience with business development and financial management platforms and processes.
•    Prior experience as a Security Manager on a DoD or intelligence community program.
•    Prior leadership experience.

CORE COMPETENCIES
Strategic & Analytical Thinking    Leadership & People Development
Security & Compliance Expertise    Financial Acumen
Cross-Functional Collaboration    Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
Adaptability & Multi-Tasking    Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

WORKING CONDITIONS
•    Office-based with potential for hybrid/remote arrangements depending on program requirements and security constraints.
•    Some travel may be required for client meetings, industry events, or government site visits.
•    Must be able to work in a classified environment and comply with all associated security protocols.
•    This position may require occasional work outside normal business hours to meet proposal, contract, or operational deadlines.