Group Leader, Quality Assurance Division

Requisition Id 14099 

Overview:

We are seeking a Group Leader who is an experienced quality professional with a broad range of expertise in quality programs, including ISO 9001, NQA-1, and the development of customized quality programs. The ideal candidate will have experience managing a diverse team of quality professionals in support of world-class research and development, as well as operational excellence.This position resides in the Quality Assurance Division in the ESH&Q Directorate, at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC) national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 7,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

The Group Leader will be responsible for ensuring that contractual quality requirements are effectively integrated within the ORNL Quality Management System and other supporting management systems. This role involves managing a matrixed team of quality professionals who provide essential quality support to Science & Technological (S&T) organizations and includes offering oversight and technical guidance to ensure their success.

The ideal candidate must be well-versed in regulatory equirements related to quality, nuclear, radiological, and safety standards, including knowledge of reportability criteria.

• Responsible for the direct supervision of deployed/matrixed S&T support quality representatives, including performance, salary, development, discipline, onboarding and offboarding.

• Ensure employees’ individual performance goals are set, progress evaluated, feedback provided, and performance issues addressed professionally and in a timely manner.

• Ensure qualification requirements are current and staff are properly trained to meet present and future needs by building new competencies, supporting long-term staff development, and using incentive and recognition programs.

• Establish and ensure an open and supportive working environment where staff report issues and concerns without fear of retribution so trust permeates the organization.

• Establish an environment where learning never stops, honest mistakes are treated as opportunities to learn, and challenges are welcomed as a means to improve performance.

• Encourage open and ongoing dialogue about safety to promote a questioning attitude, a healthy respect for what can go wrong, and continuous learning from operational experiences.

• Identify and understand customer needs while influencing the prioritization and development of quality initiatives

• Assist S&T organizations in strategic staffing needs while leading efforts to recruit, select, and retain highly qualified and diverse Quality Assurance staff

• Provide daily management of deployed quality professionals by responding to requests for guidance and interpretations of quality program requirements

• Establish relationships and work effectively with external and internal stake holders to meet goals, improve performance, and exchange feedback and Lessons Learned on issues or concerns

• Support Quality Assurance Division and Quality Management system to:

  • Ensure that the institutional Quality Program adequately addresses to the ORNL contractual requirements related to quality including DOE Orders, legal requirements, and documented commitments.

  • Participate and drive performance monitoring program and relay key messages through established reporting mechanisms (i.e., QAD quarterly trend meetings, monthly operations summary, Contractor Assurance trimester report, PAQ trend meeting, etc.)

  • Review organizational, program, and project quality documents and provide comments as necessaryDevelop, oversee, and/or provide training in quality principles

  • Respond to quality related assessments, issues, and/or events by evaluating are of concern, including developing causal analysis and performing extent of condition reviews, as appropriate.

  • Ensure QAD issues/corrective actions and commitments are managed to closure ensuring proper closure evidence is received and effectiveness reviews are performed as appropriate.

• Conduct assessments to ensure quality processes, tools, and training programs are compliant and effective

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives in support of quality management.

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives including ORNL representation in DOE sponsored organizations such as EFCOG and the Battelle Community of Practice Sub-Groups, as needed

• Encourage both individual and group growth and development by identifying and supporting opportunities as they arise

• Excellent time management and organizational skills needed to complete deliverables on time

• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in a science, business, technical or related discipline.

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in quality, contractor assurance, information management and issues management with at least 3 years of experience managing personnel.

• Auditor or assessor experience as well as proven decision-making skills.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills needed to complete deliverables on time.

• Proficiency in software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS Degree in Business Administration, science, business, technical, or related discipline

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.

• Strong data analysis skills and the ability to synthesize, identify salient points and themes, and draw conclusions from a mix of quantitative and qualitative information.

• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

• Demonstrated ability in developing and maintaining strong customer working relationships and networks.

Special Requirements:

• Q or L clearance: 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.

Benefits at ORNL: 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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.

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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.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.