Directorate Contract Manager

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management. The Business Services Directorate (BSD) provides crucial financial, procurement and sales, and project management services to PNNL, as required under our management and operations contract for operating the Lab on behalf of the Department of Energy. Our goal in offering these services is to ensure efficient, effective, and compliant business operations that enhance PNNL's scientific impact. BSD presents exciting opportunities for financial professionals seeking career growth. We foster a dynamic environment where individuals can develop their skills, take on leadership roles, and contribute to high-impact projects. By working with multidisciplinary teams, professionals have the chance to broaden their expertise, engage in continuous learning, and advance their careers while contributing to the groundbreaking scientific work at PNNL.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of federal contracting principles, practices, and regulations, including FAR/DEAR requirements and their application within a DOE Management and Operating (M&O) environment.
Ability to develop contracting strategies and balance mission requirements, risk, cost, schedule, and compliance considerations.
Strong business judgment and analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex issues and recommend practical solutions.
Ability to advise and influence senior leaders, customers, and stakeholders on complex contracting and business matters.
Ability to lead, coach, and develop professional staff while fostering accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and high performance.
Ability to establish priorities, manage competing demands, allocate resources, and deliver results across multiple teams and work activities.
Skill in using data, metrics, technology, and business systems to identify trends, support decisions, and improve organizational performance.
Ability to identify and implement improvements in contracting processes, quality, compliance, cycle time, and customer experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex contracting concepts to technical, business, and senior leadership audiences.
Ability to build effective partnerships and professional relationships across organizational boundaries.
Sound judgment, discretion, tact, and diplomacy when navigating complex or sensitive business matters.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of contracting experience, preferably within a DOE Management and Operating (M&O) environment.
Experience applying FAR/DEAR requirements to complex or non-routine acquisitions.
Demonstrated people-leadership experience, including hiring, performance management, coaching, employee development, and workforce planning.
Experience leading multiple teams, major projects, organizational change, or cross-functional initiatives.
Current DOE security clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a team of contracting professionals responsible for acquisitions ranging from commercial goods and services to complex, high-risk requirements, including construction, fabricated hardware, foreign awards, and specialized contracting activities.
Develop and execute contracting strategies that align Laboratory and directorate priorities with DOE requirements and mission needs.
Serve as a subject matter expert and strategic advisor on contracting strategy, policy, risk, FAR/DEAR requirements, and DOE M&O contracting.
Establish priorities, allocate resources, and manage workload to achieve schedule, quality, customer service, and compliance objectives.
Evaluate complex contracting and business issues, assess risk, and recommend solutions that balance mission, compliance, cost, schedule, and business needs.
Provide direction and oversight for acquisition strategies, solicitations, evaluations, awards, modifications, negotiations, and contracting documentation.
Use business data, metrics, and key performance indicators to monitor performance, identify risks and trends, and drive continuous improvement.
Build strong partnerships with Laboratory leadership, customers, stakeholders, and peers across the DOE laboratory complex.
Anticipate emerging business and contracting requirements and strengthen organizational capabilities, processes, tools, and workforce readiness.
Lead cross-organizational initiatives and represent PC&A in strategic activities and working groups.
Recruit, coach, develop, and manage professional staff, including Team Leaders, with responsibility for performance management, workforce planning, career development, recognition, retention, and succession planning.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, customer service, and operational excellence.
Develop and deliver briefings, training, and presentations for technical staff, customers, management, and senior leaders.