Deputy Lab Director for Operations & Chief Operating Officer

Description

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is searching for an exceptional leader to serve as SRNL Deputy Lab Director (DLD) for Operations. As the Laboratories’ Chief Operating Officer and the DLD for Operations, this is a dual role that combines the functions of chief executive and manager to design, execute, and assess the operating model and associated management systems and policies to promote Laboratory culture and vision and oversee operations to achieve the mission. The DLD for Operations interacts with the Laboratory Director and the Deputy Lab Director for Science and Technology (DDST) and provides guidance to research and support directors.

The DLD for Operations also regularly interacts with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Environmental Management (EM), National Nuclear Security Administration, (NNSA), program sponsors, and the Battelle Savannah River Alliance Board of Directors. This includes establishing and maintaining the underlying philosophy, standards, and expectations of operational excellence, and creating and executing SRNL’s strategic initiatives that promote safe, secure, and compliant conduct of operations.

The DLD also oversees the implementation of productive and resilient infrastructure, effective and efficient laboratory management, and resource allocation to enable mission delivery in accordance with the SRNL Management and Operations Contract. The DLD for Operations serves as the senior leader in key operational and emergency response capacities for the Laboratory involving occupational, radiological, and nuclear hazards. The DLD partners with the Deputy Director for Science and Technology (DDST) to oversee the development and integration of facilities and operational strategic planning, institutional capability management, and budget allocation recommendations to the Laboratory Director.

The DLD for Operations also maintains strong relationships with community leaders, regulatory authorities, elected officials (regional, state, and federal) and senior leaders at other DOE National Laboratories. The DLD for Operations will also be expected to proactively engage with counterparts from other Battelle-affiliated Laboratories through the Battelle Operations Council, and to be an active participant in Battelle sponsored programs such as the Laboratory Operations Leadership Academy and Laboratory Operations Supervisor Academy.

Responsibilities

Ensure there is alignment of Laboratory scientific and operational goals, investment priorities, cultural objectives, and institutional outcomes to achieve vision and strategy set by the Laboratory Director and Senior Laboratory Leadership Team.

Works closely with the Laboratory Director and DDST for Science and Technology to develop a compelling institutional vision and strategy.

Leads formulation and implementation of cross-cutting operational plans and integrated facilities strategy to achieve institutional vision and strategy.

Builds partnerships to enable institutional strategy and assure operations are sustained and improved.

The DLD for Operations makes many major decisions. They need to be able to do this promptly and smartly to ensure the progression of Laboratory operations

The DLD for Operations should be able to communicate Laboratory objectives and expectations to all staff. They should also be able to communicate with the Lab Director and other Leadership Team members to design strategies and policies

Establishes and maintains a comprehensive approach to enterprise risk management and performance assurance; continuously assessing and identifying opportunities to sustain operational excellence.

The DLD for Operations needs to know how to strategize to achieve both long- and short-term goals that meet safety, security and DOE expectations while accomplishing the mission.

Oversees daily operations to sustain effective, efficient, and compliant performance. The DLD for Operations is responsible for the Laboratory’s operational performance as measured in Sections 4 through 8 of the annual DOE Performance Evaluation and Measurement Plan (PEMP).

Serve as the senior operational leader to Battelle, other National Laboratories, and DOE to develop improvement strategies and initiatives, incident response and technical review capabilities, and operational leadership training to promote continuous improvement and partnership across the DOE Complex.

Collaborate with Battelle affiliated laboratories to promote mutually beneficial resource strategies, capability enhancements, and leadership development for laboratory operations.

Identify key institutional operating issues and develop strategies for improvement.

Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and teamwork throughout the Laboratory consistent with Battelle’s expectation of Simultaneous Excellence.

Stay abreast of external and internal DOE regulatory changes and other National Laboratory performance that may impact Laboratory operations.

Serve as an institutional champion for safe and secure conduct of operations, developing, seeking out and applying best practices to maintain or enhance performance.

Proven ability to communicate with individuals effectively and skillfully as well as with small to large teams.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in science- or engineering-related field plus 20+ years of progressively responsible operational leadership experience, or advanced degree in science- or engineering-related field with 18 years of experience.

The ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, US Citizenship is legally Required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a wide variety of operational environments, such as those involving radiological or nuclear hazards.

Experience as a senior operations leader in a research environment is preferred.

Experience in facilities and infrastructure management, emergency and threat response, and scientific capability development.

Documented record of operational excellence and risk management supporting a diverse portfolio of sponsor programs in a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) environment.

Excellent relationship management skills to promote trust and partnership internally and externally to the Laboratory.

The successful candidate should also have an established record working with DOE and senior contractor management up to and including the Board level.

The candidate must be well organized, have good communication and technical skills, and the ability to clearly and succinctly articulate information about Laboratory programs to sponsors and other interested parties.

Possession of DOE level Q clearance.