The Opportunity: Project Manager – Leadership Pathway

Pathway to Leadership / Operations Manager Roles

Location: Green Bay, WI

Company Overview

This is a fast-paced, high-growth organization with a small-business culture. The environment requires individuals who thrive in ambiguity, embrace a “grind” mentality, and are comfortable “building the plane while it’s flying.”

The PMO role is part of a leadership pathway program designed to recruit, train, and transition individuals into lab leadership or operations management positions. This greenfield initiative leverages operational and problem-solving skills to develop bench strength for future leaders.

Position Overview

As a PMO, you will lead cross-functional projects spanning process quality, digitization, IT, compliance, and data analytics. You will influence employees at all levels and travel across multiple sites as a “smoke jumper” when necessary.

This role is designed as a leadership incubator: starting as a PMO, you will gain hands-on exposure to lab operations and eventually move into a lab leadership or operations management role.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional projects that improve processes and operational performance.
• Influence and collaborate with teams across all organizational levels.
• Travel to multiple sites for project discovery, problem-solving, and implementation.
• Build dashboards, define operational metrics, and support data-driven decisions.
• Participate in initiatives related to centralization and decentralization efforts.
• Contribute to developing the leadership pathway training program.
• Gain hands-on exposure to lab operations, eventually transitioning into leadership roles.

Professional Qualifications

• Military veterans, particularly those from technical or high-paced backgrounds, are strongly preferred.
• STEM undergraduate degree preferred but not required if candidates can demonstrate understanding of scientific processes.
• Ability to influence all levels of the organization; executive presence without ego.
• Comfortable making decisions in ambiguous situations and operating in “the gray.”
• Hunger for fast-paced work and a willingness to embrace the “grind.”
• Strong organizational, communication, and execution skills.
• Willingness to travel frequently (~50%) and relocate for advancement.
• Familiarity or aptitude for process improvement methodologies, dashboards, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $115,000–$120,000 + 10% variable component
• Relocation assistance included
• Hands-on rotational training and pathway to leadership roles

Leadership Pathway Program

Phase 1 – PMO Integration (6–12 months)

• Lead cross-functional initiatives in operations, compliance, and client services.
• Apply operational planning, logistics, and execution skills to real-world projects.

Phase 2 – Lab Operations Rotation (6–9 months)

• Rotate through lab functions: Quality & Compliance, Lab Operations, Client Services.
• Shadow experienced leaders and complete technical training.

Phase 3 – Transition to Leadership (Year 2+)

• Move into Lab Supervisor or Operations Manager roles, managing teams, workflows, and deliverables.
• Continue professional growth through leadership development and certifications.

Next Steps

If you’re interested and would like to schedule an introductory call, please contact TheMilVet directly at themilvet.org/careers by emailing your resume to our recruiting at: recruiting@themilvet.org. 

Please also include your geographic targets and a brief note of introduction and your fit for this opportunity.