Administrative and Operations Support Manager (PSE Directorate)

Argonne National Laboratory•Lemont, IL

39d

About The Position

Administrative and Operations Support Manager (PSE Directorate) drives operational excellence across the Directorate by leading a matrixed administrative team, executing cross-functional improvement initiatives, and serving as the primary liaison between the Directorate and Lab-level committees. The role translates evolving Lab policies and processes into clear, actionable practices; mentors administrative professionals; and advises senior leadership on operational matters to align day-to-day execution with strategic goals.

Requirements

Proven ability to represent the organization with confidence and credibility; strong relationship-building and interpersonal communication skills across all levels
Leadership and mentorship experience with administrative professionals; effectiveness in a matrixed environment
Demonstrated experience in business operations and planning, including problem definition, program formulation, and implementation at a directorate or division level
Track record of questioning existing processes, evaluating alternatives, and implementing practical solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness
Strong independent problem-solving and decision-making skills; ability to prioritize and execute with minimal direction in a fast-paced setting
Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong stakeholder engagement skills with internal and external audiences
Exceptional organizational skills with attention to detail, ingenuity, and creativity
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and database/workflow tools; ability to quickly learn Argonne's administrative systems and processes
Ability to manage a workload with numerous conflicting deadlines; anticipate problems and drive solutions
Knowledge of office management practices and administrative policy interpretation
Ability to model Argonne's Core Values: Impact, Respect, Safety, Integrity, and Teamwork
Matrixed team leadership; coaching, performance management, and talent development
Operations excellence and continuous improvement; change management and adoption
Planning, resourcing, execution, and outcomes reporting
Stakeholder management and executive-level communication; briefing development and presentation
Analytical thinking and data-informed decision-making; synthesis and judgment
Conflict resolution, facilitation, and developing high-trust teams
Time management and prioritization across competing deadlines
Technical proficiency: Microsoft 365 suite; workflow/database tools; rapid learning of enterprise administrative systems

Nice To Haves

Experience with administrative functions, policies, and procedures at a DOE National Laboratory or similar institution
Experience in a research, engineering, or national laboratory environment

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a matrixed administrative support team: workforce planning; interviewing and hiring recommendations; onboarding and training; work assignment; performance management; recognition; and corrective action
Set clear expectations, coach and mentor staff, address complaints, and resolve problems to build a high-performing team
Foster a collaborative environment that promotes open communication, sharing of best practices, and teamwork across administrative staff
Resolve conflicts effectively while maintaining a fair, respectful work environment
Lead operations improvement projects: define scope, develop plans, allocate resources, execute, and report outcomes
Collaborate with senior Directorate leaders to anticipate risks, resolve issues, and align operations with strategic objectives
Monitor changes to Lab processes and policies; interpret, implement, and communicate updates across the Directorate
Serve as the Directorate's point of contact to Lab-level committees and working groups, ensuring effective two-way communication
Act as liaison for the Division Director(s) with internal and external stakeholders; prepare briefings, summaries, and sensitive correspondence
Establish and maintain effective communication with administrative staff and their customers; align processes and build a strong community of practice across the administrative team
Serve as the central point of contact for administrative operations, policy interpretation, and process guidance
Evaluate administrative processes and workflows to identify inefficiencies; prioritize and implement meaningful improvements with clear success measures
Lead change management efforts: design practical solutions, implement changes, sustain adoption, and standardize procedures
Provide comprehensive administrative oversight for Division Office activities; maintain documentation and ensure compliance with Lab policies
Use sound judgment to analyze and synthesize information for effective decision-making on complex assignments
Prioritize multiple, competing deadlines and drive timely issue resolution