HPO Program Manager / Transformation Lead 2026P-0699
Ascension is seeking an experienced Human Performance Optimization (HPO) Program Manager / Transformation Lead to support a Navy Human Performance Optimization transformation initiative. The ideal candidate is a seasoned transformation professional who can bridge strategic vision and operational execution by helping government stakeholders transition from traditional fitness program operations into a comprehensive, integrated HPO framework.
This individual will serve as the primary program integration leader responsible for coordinating stakeholders, managing transformation activities, supporting adoption strategies, establishing governance structures, tracking implementation progress, and ensuring alignment between HPO programs, workforce development, technology enablement, analytics, and operational outcomes.
The successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience leading complex federal transformation initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, implementing organizational change, developing strategic roadmaps, and translating mission objectives into executable programs.
The candidate should be comfortable operating in an environment requiring collaboration among senior leaders, subject matter experts, technology teams, training personnel, and operational staff. The individual must be able to anticipate challenges, develop practical solutions, manage competing priorities, and operate independently with limited supervision.
Summary of Contractor Role
The HPO Program Manager / Transformation Lead will provide program management and organizational transformation support to assist CNIC in implementing an integrated Human Performance Optimization model.
The role will support the development and execution of transformation strategies focused on improving Navy fitness program capabilities through enhanced programming, education, technology integration, data-driven performance measurement, and workforce readiness.
The contractor will support:
- Program governance and transformation management
- HPO implementation roadmap development
- Stakeholder engagement and coordination
- Organizational change management
- Workforce adoption strategies
- Integration of technology-enabled solutions
- Performance measurement frameworks
- Risk management and mitigation
- Executive reporting and decision support
The position supports CNIC’s objective to modernize Navy fitness operations by integrating performance-oriented approaches including strength and conditioning, nutrition, recovery, resilience, analytics, and digital technology solutions.
Position Responsibilities / Expected Activities
The contractor will:
- Lead program governance activities supporting HPO transformation initiatives.
- Develop and maintain HPO transformation roadmaps, milestones, dependencies, and implementation strategies.
- Coordinate across Navy stakeholders, fitness personnel, technology teams, and subject matter experts.
- Facilitate stakeholder meetings, working groups, Integrated Project Teams (IPTs), and executive briefings.
- Develop governance structures, operating models, decision frameworks, and implementation processes.
- Identify organizational impacts associated with transitioning from traditional MWR fitness operations to an HPO framework.
- Develop and execute change management strategies to promote workforce adoption and operational integration.
- Assess implementation risks, develop mitigation strategies, and maintain risk registers.
- Support integration of emerging technologies, including digital applications, virtual delivery platforms, analytics capabilities, and AI-enabled solutions.
- Coordinate development of performance measurement approaches, KPIs, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms.
- Support workforce capability development through training strategies, communications, and adoption planning.
- Review existing processes and recommend improvements supporting operational efficiency and mission readiness.
- Prepare executive-level briefings, status reports, decision papers, and program documentation.
- Track program progress, issues, action items, and outcomes using structured project management methodologies.
How to Apply
CLICK HERE TO APPLY & SUBMIT YOUR RESUMEJob Features
| Job Category | Project Management |
| MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS | Bachelor’s degree required. | Master’s degree preferred | Strong written and verbal communication skills. |
| REQUIRED SKILLS | Minimum 10 years of experience supporting federal program management, organizational transformation, strategic initiatives, or enterprise-level change efforts. |
| TECHNICAL SKILLS | Demonstrated experience leading complex transformation programs involving multiple stakeholders | Experience developing implementation roadmaps, governance frameworks, and strategic plans | Experience managing risks, issues, dependencies, and program performance | Experience facilitating executive-level meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagements. | Demonstrated ability to analyze complex organizational challenges and develop actionable solutions | Experience using project management methodologies such as PMBOK, Agile, Lean, or equivalent approaches. |
| DESIRED/PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS | PMP certification | PMI-ACP, Prosci Change Management, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent certifications | Experience supporting Department of Defense, Navy, military readiness, health, wellness, fitness, or human performance initiatives | Experience supporting organizational modernization initiatives | Experience integrating technology solutions into operational environments | Experience developing dashboards, metrics, and performance management frameworks | Experience supporting AI/ML, digital transformation, virtual platforms, or data-driven decision-making initiatives | Experience supporting workforce training and adoption programs. |
| SUITABILITY/SECURITY REQUIREMENTS | Ability to obtain and maintain required government suitability determination | Public Trust eligibility preferred. |