Administrative and Operations Support Manager

Administrative and Operations Support Manager (PSE Directorate) drives operational excellence across the Directorate by leading a matrixed administrative team, executing cross-functional improvement initiatives, and serving as the primary liaison between the Directorate and Lab-level committees. The role translates evolving Lab policies and processes into clear, actionable practices; mentors administrative professionals; and advises senior leadership on operational matters to align day-to-day execution with strategic goals.

Key responsibilities

People leadership
(matrixed administrative team)

• Lead and develop a matrixed administrative support team: workforce planning; interviewing and hiring recommendations; onboarding and training; work assignment; performance management; recognition; and corrective action
• Set clear expectations, coach and mentor staff, address complaints, and resolve problems to build a high-performing team
• Foster a collaborative environment that promotes open communication, sharing of best practices, and teamwork across administrative staff
• Resolve conflicts effectively while maintaining a fair, respectful work environment

Operations leadership and strategy

• Lead operations improvement projects: define scope, develop plans, allocate resources, execute, and report outcomes
• Collaborate with senior Directorate leaders to anticipate risks, resolve issues, and align operations with strategic objectives
• Monitor changes to Lab processes and policies; interpret, implement, and communicate updates across the Directorate

Stakeholder engagement and communication

• Serve as the Directorate's point of contact to Lab-level committees and working groups, ensuring effective two-way communication
• Act as liaison for the Division Director(s) with internal and external stakeholders; prepare briefings, summaries, and sensitive correspondence
• Establish and maintain effective communication with administrative staff and their customers; align processes and build a strong community of practice across the administrative team

Process, policy, and change management

• Serve as the central point of contact for administrative operations, policy interpretation, and process guidance
• Evaluate administrative processes and workflows to identify inefficiencies; prioritize and implement meaningful improvements with clear success measures
• Lead change management efforts: design practical solutions, implement changes, sustain adoption, and standardize procedures
• Provide comprehensive administrative oversight for Division Office activities; maintain documentation and ensure compliance with Lab policies

Analysis and Execution

• Use sound judgment to analyze and synthesize information for effective decision-making on complex assignments
• Prioritize multiple, competing deadlines and drive timely issue resolution

Position Requirements

• Proven ability to represent the organization with confidence and credibility; strong relationship-building and interpersonal communication skills across all levels
• Leadership and mentorship experience with administrative professionals; effectiveness in a matrixed environment
• Demonstrated experience in business operations and planning, including problem definition, program formulation, and implementation at a directorate or division level
• Track record of questioning existing processes, evaluating alternatives, and implementing practical solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness
• Strong independent problem-solving and decision-making skills; ability to prioritize and execute with minimal direction in a fast-paced setting
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong stakeholder engagement skills with internal and external audiences
• Exceptional organizational skills with attention to detail, ingenuity, and creativity
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and database/workflow tools; ability to quickly learn Argonne's administrative systems and processes
• Ability to manage a workload with numerous conflicting deadlines; anticipate problems and drive solutions
• Knowledge of office management practices and administrative policy interpretation
• Ability to model Argonne's Core Values: Impact, Respect, Safety, Integrity, and Teamwork

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with administrative functions, policies, and procedures at a DOE National Laboratory or similar institution
• Experience in a research, engineering, or national laboratory environment

Skills:

• Matrixed team leadership; coaching, performance management, and talent development
• Operations excellence and continuous improvement; change management and adoption
• Planning, resourcing, execution, and outcomes reporting
• Stakeholder management and executive-level communication; briefing development and presentation
• Analytical thinking and data-informed decision-making; synthesis and judgment
• Conflict resolution, facilitation, and developing high-trust teams
• Time management and prioritization across competing deadlines
• Technical proficiency: Microsoft 365 suite; workflow/database tools; rapid learning of enterprise administrative systems

Job Family
Professional Administrative (PA)

Job Profile
Administration Multi-Functional Leader 1

Worker Type
Regular

Time Type
Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $100, $158,618.07.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Salary : $158,618