Senior Nuclear Operations Strategist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Retirement plans

Flexible work hours

On-site amenities

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Senior Nuclear Operations Strategist in the Business Management Services (BMS) within the Research Reactors Division (RRD) to lead divisional planning and budgeting for HFIR operations.

The role collaborates with division leadership to ensure safe, compliant operations, workforce planning, and effective resource allocation that aligns with ORNL’s core values of safety, integrity, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in finance or business with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in financial analysis and proficiency with spreadsheets and financial software.
• Extensive knowledge of strategic finance and financial data analysis in operating facilities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with RRD leadership to develop and execute divisional management and nuclear workflow processes for safe, reliable HFIR operation.
• Coordinate resources with Section Heads and Group Leaders to align priorities and resolve organizational challenges.
• Plan, forecast, and manage multiyear budgets with the IWP tool, meeting milestones and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Financial analysis

Spreadsheet proficiency

Strategic finance

Operations in nuclear facilities

Data analysis

Education

BS/BA in finance or business

MBA (preferred)

Tools

IWP tool

Financial software

Job description

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We are seeking a Senior Nuclear Operations Strategist for Business Management Services (BMS) in the Research Reactors Division (RRD) of Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD). The mission of BMS is to provide excellent, efficient, and compliant nuclear grade services to support safe and reliable High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) operations.

The BMS Section is responsible for Reactor Certification and Qualification, Nuclear Materials and Procurement, Information Technology (IT) implementation, Document Control and Records management, financial planning, and budget management.

The Senior Nuclear Operations Strategist works closely with the BMS Section Head to lead a variety of division-wide activities, ensuring operational excellence, strategic alignment, and organizational effectiveness within the section and the division.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with RRD leadership in developing and executing divisional management and nuclear workflow processes that enable safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR).
• Partner with Section Heads and Group Leaders to align resources with operational priorities and resolve organizational challenges in pursuit of operational excellence.
• Coordinate infrastructure planning activities to ensure budgets, resources, schedules, milestones, and deliverables remain aligned across all RRD functions.
• Lead assessment of future workforce needs, prioritizing critical hires, and coordinate with RRD leadership to ensure staffing levels support safe and reliable operations.
• Plan, forecast, and manage multiyear, high value budgets using the Integrated Work Plan (IWP) tool, ensuring milestones and regulatory requirements are met.
• Apply advanced analytical and forecasting techniques to assess trends, anticipate resource needs, and inform strategic planning and budgeting decisions.
• Evaluate monthly cost performance against projections to determine end of year balances and guide corrective actions.
• Develop and communicate key performance metrics that demonstrate progress, effectiveness, and impact across the division.
• Lead process improvement initiatives that streamline operations, enhance productivity, and strengthen accountability throughout the division.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS/BA degree in finance or business-related field with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in financial analysis and proficiency in spreadsheet applications and financial software.
• Extensive knowledge of strategic finance and financial data analysis with experience in operating facilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An MBA plus experience with budgetary planning.
• Experience supporting business operations in a nuclear, Department of Energy, or similarly regulated technical environment.
• Familiarization with government orders and requirements related to budgeting and finance.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.