The SPRUCE IDIQ is a $2.4 billion contract vehicle awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs to acquire digital products and services that facilitate better user experiences. It encompasses five technical functional areas: software development and operations, technical advising and architecture planning, service design and user research studies, data science and analytics, and product support operations.
TheLifestage Benefits Crew project, as part of the SPRUCE IDIQ, under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), focuses on modernizing and enhancing the digital experience for Veterans, Caregivers, Service Members, and their families. This initiative aligns with the VA Digital Modernization Vision to deliver self-service tools that rival top private-sector solutions, ensuring a user-centered, secure, and reliable platform.
What will you do?
We are seeking a Sr. Project Manager ("Program Manager") who will oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of the Lifestage Benefits Crew initiative. This role requires strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and an in-depth understanding of digital modernization, human-centered design, and federal service delivery. The Sr. Project Manager ("Program Manager") will be responsible for aligning project goals with VA’s mission, driving performance, and ensuring that digital solutions improve efficiency and accessibility for Veterans.
This is a full-time position contingent on contract award by our client, with a defined performance period of up to one year, with two one-year options. This role offers you a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a project that aligns with Bixal’s mission of delivering innovative, human-centered solutions. While the role has a fixed duration, we are committed to transparency and collaboration, keeping you informed about contract updates and new opportunities. At Bixal, we support your professional journey, ensuring your experience reflects our inclusive, purpose-driven culture and prepares you for future success.
Responsibilities
Lead the Lifestage Benefits Crew project, ensuring successful delivery of digital modernization initiatives.
Develop and execute project plans, timelines, and performance metrics aligned with VA’s objectives.
Oversee cross-functional teams, including software developers, UX researchers, product managers, and government stakeholders.
Ensure the implementation of Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles to enhance user experience and accessibility.
Monitor and improve the dependents management system, ensuring timely updates to VA Forms and digital infrastructure.
Collaborate with VA OCTO leadership, Digital Modernization Council, and various stakeholders to align digital products with policy objectives.
Identify and mitigate risks, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines and security protocols.
Lead Agile development cycles, providing oversight on sprint goals, backlog prioritization, and team performance.
Track and report project progress, ensuring adherence to quality assurance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Drive strategic initiatives, including end-to-end data integration, automation improvements, and service optimization.
Manage the client relationship, building trust and helping to shape follow on opportunities.
Perform other relevant duties as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, plus at least five years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Demonstrated experience in program or project management, preferably in government or digital transformation initiatives
Strong knowledge of Agile methodologies, human-centered design, and digital service delivery.
Proficiency in stakeholder management, cross-functional collaboration, and performance tracking.
Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, adaptability, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
Nice to Haves
Experience working on federal government digital services or other highly regulated environments.
Prior experience working withVeterans Affairs (VA) digital services or similar government agencies.
Familiarity with VA digital services, benefit applications, and claims adjudication processes is a plus.
Certifications such as PMP, CSM, SAFe Agile, or ITIL are preferred.
Experience using SharePoint and virtual collaboration tools such as Miro and JIRA.