Operational Planner

Great Hill Solutions is seeking a highly experienced Senior Operational Planner to support United States Air Forces Central Command (USAFCENT) at Shaw AFB. This position requires deep expertise in joint air operations planning, targeting integration, and operational command and control (C2) within an Air Operations Center (AOC) environment. The ideal candidate will possess both strategic vision and tactical awareness to lead complex planning efforts, modernize C2 systems, and fuse intelligence into real-time decision-making processes.

Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

• Operational planning activities across the full spectrum of air, space, and cyber operations in support of Theater JFACC and Combatant Command priorities.
• Integrate multi-domain intelligence into the Joint Targeting Cycle, supporting deliberate and dynamic targeting, strike package development, and effects assessment.
• Collaborate with intelligence, legal, and operational teams to ensure target nomination and strike plans meet rules of engagement (ROE), law of armed conflict (LOAC), and collateral damage estimation (CDE) requirements.
• Develop and refine plans using the Joint Operations Planning Process for Air (JPPA) as well as the Air Tasking Orders (ATO) cycle to include Strategy, Target Effects Team (TET), and Master Air Attack Plans (MAAP), as well as supporting planning documents for both steady-state and contingency operations.
• Coordinate with joint, coalition, and interagency partners to ensure synchronization of operational plans and rapid execution of time-sensitive targeting missions.
• Support operational experimentation, C2 modernization initiatives, and integration of innovative technologies into current operations and planning workflows.
• Contribute to enterprise-level C2 transformation strategies, including federated planning models, digital targeting architectures, and distributed operations frameworks.
• Facilitate strategic campaign planning that incorporates data-centric targeting, counter-UAS integration, missile defense coordination, and emerging operational concepts.
• Advise senior leaders on operational risk, resource alignment, and planning priorities to ensure mission effectiveness and agility in dynamic environments.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of relevant experience in joint operational planning, targeting, or command and control.
• In-depth understanding of the Joint Planning Process, Joint Targeting Cycle, MAAP/ATO production, and AOC operations.
• Proven experience in integrating multi-source intelligence into kinetic/non-kinetic targeting plans.
• Demonstrated leadership in joint or coalition operational environments, including large-scale planning, crisis response, or combat operations.
• Familiarity with AOC systems such as LINK16, TBMCS, GCCS, MIDB, JTT, and operational data platforms (e.g., Palantir).
• Experience with Large Force Exercises (LFE) as either Mission Commander or Mission Planning Cell Chief. 
• Active TS/SCI clearance or eligibility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Joint duty qualified or completion of JPME I.
• Completion of advanced military planning courses (e.g., C2WAC, Joint Targeting School, Combat Targeting Course, SAASS, Etc.).
• Prior experience supporting operations within the USCENTOM AOR.
• Strong understanding of C2 modernization, digital transformation, and enterprise architecture within joint operations.
• Experience in designing or executing distributed/federated C2 concepts and experimentation initiatives.