Transformation Project Leader

Job Title: Transformation Project Leader

Clearance: Active Top Secret
Location: Arlington, VA (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
Duration: Initial 6-month contract with potential extension
Work Schedule: Primarily U.S. East Coast business hours with occasional flexibility required to support global coordination.
Work Shift: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Days Worked: Mon., Tue., Wed., Thu., Fri.
Hour Per Week: 40

As a Project Leader, You Will:

Lead Project Delivery
Provide leadership for a complex organizational transformation engagement with 5-10 consulting team members.
Develop and manage project workplans, milestones, and deliverables
Coordinate across multiple workstreams to ensure alignment, quality, and timely execution
Lead problem-solving efforts and drive teams toward actionable recommendations
Review and provide direction on analyses, presentations, reports, and client deliverables
Identify risks, dependencies, and opportunities across the project
Ensure all deliverables meet client expectations and Rios Partners quality standards
Translate strategic objectives into practical implementation plans and execution activities

Manage Client Relationships
Develop effective working relationships with client stakeholders and project leadership.
Serve as a day-to-day client lead for assigned workstreams
Build trust and credibility through high-quality delivery and sound judgment
Facilitate meetings and working sessions with client stakeholders
Present findings, recommendations, and project updates to senior leaders
Support alignment and decision-making across stakeholder groups
Help clients navigate complex organizational change and transformation efforts

Mentor and Develop the Team
Consulting is an apprentice model, and Project Leaders play a critical role in developing talent.
Supervise consultants and analysts across project workstreams
Provide regular feedback on work products and consulting skills
Coach team members on problem framing, analysis, synthesis, communications, and client management
Review deliverables and ensure consistent quality across the team
Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment

Required Education, Skills, and Experience
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree preferred (MBA, MPA, MPP, MPH, JD, Economics, STEM, or related field)
8-10 years of professional experience
5+ years of strategy consulting, management consulting, or organizational transformation experience
Minimum 1 year of experience in a Project Leader, Manager, Engagement Manager, or equivalent consulting leadership role
Experience managing consulting teams of 5-10 professionals
Experience providing performance feedback, coaching, and development to consultants and analysts
Experience leading or supporting organizational transformation initiatives
Demonstrated proficiency using AI-enabled tools to improve research, analysis, content development, project management, and team productivity
Ability to effectively review, validate, and refine AI-generated outputs to ensure accuracy, quality, and client readiness
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and executive communication skills
Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced and ambiguous environments
Ability to adapt quickly to evolving priorities and operate effectively in dynamic environments
Ability to work effectively with stakeholders and team members located across multiple time zones

Preferred Experience Areas
Candidates should have experience supporting one or more of the following organizational transformation topics:
Organizational design
Operating model design
Business process design and optimization
Transformation PMO design and management
Strategic workforce planning
Governance design and performance management
Service delivery model transformation
Change management and implementation planning
Organizational effectiveness initiatives