SME Transition Manager

Description

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.

Primary 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

• 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

• 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.