Facilities and Operations Director
Date: Apr 13, 2026
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 16222
Overview:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a collaborative, solutions-oriented, accomplished, and visionary leader to serve as the Director of the Facilities & Operations (F&O) Directorate.
The F&O Director will provide leadership and oversight for the safe and environmentally-sound operation of the Laboratory site, leading seven divisions that ensure reliable 24/7 operations, including laboratory protection, site modernization, utilities, logistical services, and management of the laboratory’s capital construction project portfolio. The Director is responsible for delivering strategic leadership to guarantee thorough execution of Directorate duties, achievement of designated objectives, fulfillment of customer expectations, and alignment with broader Laboratory goals.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Responsible for day-to-day operations of a complex set of utilities (~100MW power distribution, water, process steam, and sewage), broad range of facility types (laboratory, data centers, , office, etc.), and full scope of operational services (maintenance, janitorial, construction, fabrication, logistical, etc.).
- Responsible for stewarding the laboratory’s emergency response capabilities (fire response, radiological response, and medical response) involving a broad range of high hazard facilities (high power, radiological, and nuclear).
- Responsible for security protective force charged with physical security of high valued nuclear assets.
- Charged with creating a vision, and execution of that vision, to provide for all physical infrastructure to accommodate a broad range of research disciplines (basic science and applied).
- Line management responsibilities for a diverse mix of approximately 1,000 staff to include professional, administrative, and staff represented via collective bargaining agreements.
Demonstrated Skills:
- Capable of creating a high-performance organization that excels in safety performance, strong operational discipline, and compliant execution while being efficient and responsive to mission needs and customer demands.
- Collaborative in nature and skilled at working through complex, and sometime competing, demands for infrastructure and/or operational service needs.
- Strategic in planning and positioning the laboratory to meet future research and operational needs.
- Versed in DOE systems and approaches to managing security, emergency response, and construction.
- Trusted as a partner with bargaining unit leadership.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related technical discipline plus a minimum of 15 years of related experience in applicable positions with progressive managerial, leadership, and supervisory responsibilities.
- Demonstrated management skills, including ability to manage budgets and personnel.
- Demonstrated line management success in the development of staff.
- Leadership in environmental, safety and health management, facilities design, construction, facilities planning and predictive operations in a DOE Office of Science Laboratory, or equivalent.
- Proven leadership skills in team building, innovation, and personnel motivation to achieve significant goals for operational excellence, safety culture, and cost efficiency.
- Professional and contemporary interpersonal, conflict resolution and communications skills.
- Performance management, financial management, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
- Leadership and customer experience skills.
- Strategic view and an ability to develop, articulate, and achieve vision.
- Demonstrated ability to manage results in a strong matrix environment.
- Successful leadership of a large and diverse employee population.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Professional certifications in safety or operational areas.
- Experience working in a research nuclear-facility environment.
- Experience working with the Department of Energy.
Special Requirement:
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
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.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov
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.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
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.
Nearest Major Market: Knoxville