Chief Operating Officer

Ladders; Batavia (IL); On-site; USD 320,000 - 440,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Flexible spending accounts

Generous PTO

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement benefits

Onsite daycare

Job summary

Ladders is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead enterprise-wide performance in a mission-driven energy and utilities organization. The role shapes long-range operating strategy and strengthens infrastructure execution.

You will partner with senior leadership, functional heads, and government stakeholders to support compliance, continuity, and operational excellence, including DOE-related considerations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Experience in large facility planning and operations in a government contractor environment.
• Strong leadership and organizational planning skills.
• Excellent communication and management abilities.
• Must be eligible for a DOE Q security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-range strategic plans to enhance laboratory operations.
• Oversee Human Resources, Facilities Engineering, and Finance departments.
• Organize and report on activities supporting operational plans.
• Lead infrastructure strategy and execution for the organization.
• Build relationships with Associate Laboratory Directors and government stakeholders.
• Coordinate with senior management on operational strategies and policies.
• Ensure compliance and smooth operations with government and other stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Operations management

Communication

Government contractor experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

For our client, we are seeking a Chief Operating Officer to join the team of a leader in the Energy & Utilities space.

This is a senior operational leadership opportunity focused on guiding enterprise-wide performance across a complex, mission-driven environment. The role will shape long-range operating strategy, strengthen infrastructure execution, and ensure alignment between internal teams and external stakeholders. You will partner closely with senior leadership, functional leaders, and government stakeholders to support compliance, continuity, and operational excellence.

Location: Batavia, IL - US based candidates only, no visa sponsorship available

Compensation: $319,600 – $439,600 annually

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-range strategic plans to enhance laboratory operations.
• Oversee Human Resources, Facilities Engineering, and Finance departments.
• Organize and report on activities supporting operational plans.
• Lead infrastructure strategy and execution for the organization.
• Build relationships with Associate Laboratory Directors and government stakeholders.
• Coordinate with senior management on operational strategies and policies.
• Ensure compliance and smooth operations with government and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Experience in large facility planning and operations in a government contractor environment.
• Strong leadership and organizational planning skills.
• Excellent communication and management abilities.
• Must be eligible for a DOE Q security clearance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts available.
• Generous paid time-off policy.
• Life insurance and disability insurance options.
• Retirement benefits offered.
• Onsite daycare facilities.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification—your background could be exactly what this team needs.