Director of Operations & Strategic Enablement

Savannah River National Laboratory; Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Savannah River National Laboratory seeks a high‑caliber Director of Chief Operations to serve as the senior operational executive for the Environmental & Legacy Management Directorate. The DCOO will translate strategic vision into executable programs, integrating people, facilities, infrastructure, governance, and processes into a unified enterprise that enables world‑class science.

This role requires broad operational leadership across divisions, governance, workforce development, risk

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business, public administration, or related field.
• 12+ years of progressively responsible leadership in the DOE complex, a national lab, or similarly regulated environment.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary organizations integrating research, operations, facilities, and business functions.
• Experience implementing strategic initiatives and translating vision into operational execution.
• Experience managing organizational performance, operational risk, safety, quality, and compliance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Partner with ALD to execute the ELM Strategic Plan and translate long‑term vision into measurable operational outcomes.
• Serve as operational integrator across divisions, Mission Support, and Laboratory leadership for strategic alignment.
• Develop long‑range operational strategies supporting workforce growth and infrastructure modernization.
• Coordinate directorate planning activities to position ELM for sustained scientific excellence and mission growth.
• Lead all operational aspects of the directorate with safety, security, and compliance oversight.
• Develop operational metrics and KPIs to support continuous improvement and data‑informed decisions.
• Oversee workforce planning, talent development, and organizational capability growth.
• Lead digital transformation and Lean initiatives to improve efficiency and agility.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business administration, public administration, or a related discipline

Job description

Savannah River National Laboratory seeks a high‑caliber Director of Chief Operations to serve as the senior operational executive for the Environmental & Legacy Management Directorate. The DCOO will translate strategic vision into executable programs, integrating people, facilities, infrastructure, governance, and processes into a unified enterprise that enables world‑class science.

This role requires broad operational leadership across divisions, governance, workforce development, risk