Research Operations Manager

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Richland, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Integrative Discovery Sciences Directorate (IDSD) is seeking a Research Operations Manager to shape and lead the operational strategy that enables its scientific mission. Reporting to the IDSD Chief Operating Officer, this leader will partner with research and M&O leaders to anticipate emerging needs, set operational priorities, strengthen performance and safety, and build capabilities that support current and future research. The role combines strategic counsel to directorate leadership with accountability for the Operations Office and reliable day-to-day execution. The Operations Manager partners with IDSD leaders and M&O organizations to align operational capabilities, requirements, and investments with research priorities. The incumbent helps leadership assess tradeoffs, remove systemic barriers, and integrate effective operational solutions into mission execution. In PNNL’s changing work environment, the Operations Manager anticipates emerging risks and requirements, advises on their implications for IDSD, and leads an appropriate response. The role also remains accountable for timely day-to-day support, including the ability to respond to significant events and issues 24/7 and to ensure that changes in organizational and Laboratory requirements are communicated and implemented effectively. The Operations Manager reports to the IDSD Chief Operating Officer and works with line management, Project Management Office Directors, and research and support organizations at all levels. This leader mentors and manages Operations Office staff, influences decisions across organizational boundaries, and has latitude to make decisions on behalf of IDSD. The Operations Manager is considered an expert with respect to Environment Safety & Health (ES&H), Facilities & Operations (F&O) and Security related processes, procedures and requirements. The work spans long-term operational planning and organizational change as well as urgent issues requiring sound judgment, coordination, and follow-through.

Requirements

BS/BA and 12 years of experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 10 years of experience
U.S. Citizenship
Ability to obtain Radiological Worker I qualification.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience leading complex operational initiatives across organizational boundaries, advising senior leaders on risks and priorities, and implementing changes with measurable results.
Demonstrated ability to translate organizational or scientific priorities into an operational strategy, align resources and stakeholders, and measure progress.
Experience leading organizational change and integrating new operating principles and practices across diverse teams.
Ability to lead through influence at all levels within and across directorates and with M&O organizations.
Advanced degree and extensive experience in broad operational positions, including ESH, F&O, or Quality.
Experience with or knowledge of laboratory practices for biology, chemistry, high-hazard operations, and instrumentation.
Knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to the Safe Conduct of Research (SCoR) principles.
Strong operational discipline and experience in process or systems engineering or DOE Conduct of Operations.

Responsibilities

Translate IDSD scientific priorities into a multiyear operational plan, with clear priorities for capabilities, infrastructure, staffing, and investment.
Advise the IDSD Chief Operating Officer and leadership team on operational risks, options, and tradeoffs that affect research delivery and future capabilities.
Lead the integration of operational practices across IDSD, establishing consistent approaches while addressing the distinct needs of its research areas.
Anticipate operational and infrastructure needs for sustaining current research and expanding future research capabilities; help shape plans and investment requests.
Build productive relationships across the Laboratory and with DOE Pacific Northwest Site Office (PNSO) staff; influence leaders and staff to resolve cross-organizational issues.
Use performance measures, assessments, and lessons learned to identify trends, improve systems, and strengthen the directorate’s operational culture.
Lead and develop the Operations Office team, manage the Research Operations budget, and provide day-to-day leadership to directorate-matrixed EH&S, Environmental, and other subject-matter experts and support staff.
Strengthen the organization’s safety culture through the Safe Conduct of Research (SCoR) principles and integrate safety into operational decisions.
Develop and execute the Operational Performance Management plan, including an assessment schedule that informs leadership decisions and continuous improvement.
Identify and mitigate critical operational risks, anticipate changing requirements, and coordinate timely communication and implementation across IDSD.
Guide cognizant space managers and work with support organizations to resolve issues affecting research staff and project execution.
Lead operational event recovery, including fact-finding, cause analysis, extent-of-condition and extent-of-cause reviews, corrective-action planning, effectiveness reviews, and lessons learned.
Partner with Facilities and Infrastructure on planning and requests, identify opportunities to meet research needs, and oversee coordination of tactical move requests.
Analyze options with support organizations, maintain situational awareness and continuity during complex issues, and recommend solutions to IDSD leadership.
Develop effective solutions to highly complex operational problems for which no precedent or established practice exists.
The Operations Manager is accountable to the IDSD Chief Operating Officer, management team, and staff for these responsibilities and to M&O Laboratory management for integrating M&O expectations. Through this work, the incumbent advances safe, effective, and efficient execution of the IDSD mission.