VCS - Optical Program Manager

Summary

Join us in making a difference for our nation's Veterans and their caregivers. The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is seeking an experienced and motivated Optical Program Manager to lead operations, optimize customer experience, develop and implement standardized policies, and ensure compliance with industry best practices.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to the following: Program Leadership: Lead the Optical Program across multiple VA locations, ensuring consistent service quality, operational efficiency, and program standards. Team & Performance Management: Oversee remote and onsite optician teams, including staffing, training, performance, and workforce needs across multiple locations. Operational Strategy & Improvement: Develop and implement standardized workflows, policies, and quality standards while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, technology, and service delivery. Business & Financial Performance: Analyze operational and financial data to guide staffing, product selection, pricing, profitability, and opportunities for program growth. Stakeholder & Vendor Management: Build and maintain relationships with clinical partners, VA leadership, suppliers, fabricators, contractors, and other key stakeholders to resolve issues and support program operations. Program Growth & Innovation: Identify opportunities to expand optical services, introduce new products, improve the Veteran experience, and strengthen program visibility through market and industry trends. Additional Responsibilities & Flexibility: Perform and adapt to additional responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

Optical Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of current optical industry practices, products, lens fabrication, optician workflows, trends, and techniques, including commercial and government environments. Business & Operational Leadership: Demonstrated business acumen and experience managing complex operations, with the ability to apply sound judgment, creativity, and strategic thinking to achieve organizational goals. Program & Project Management: Ability to plan, develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate multiple programs, projects, and initiatives while managing competing priorities and changing business needs. Data Analysis & Decision-Making: Ability to gather, analyze, and summarize information to identify trends, evaluate performance, support business decisions, and prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations. Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships and collaborate with clinical and non-clinical stakeholders, employees, leadership, and external partners at all levels. Customer-Focused Problem Solving: Demonstrated commitment to customer service with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving operational challenges, improving service delivery, and enhancing the customer experience. Experience working in healthcare or medical center environments is preferred. Identification Requirement: A current, valid REAL ID is required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.

Education

Education Requirement: High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) required.