Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
What You Will Do The Prototype Fabrication (PF) Division is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Staff Operations Manager (SOM) to serve as a key member of the Division leadership team. Reporting directly to the Division Leader, the SOM provides strategic administrative, business, and operational leadership in support of Division and Group management. As the Staff Operations Manager, you will lead and provide oversight to a team of administrative and professional staff, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and mission-focused culture. Serving as a trusted advisor to Division leadership, you will be a partner to drive tactical decision-making, optimize business operations, and advance operational excellence across the organization. Working closely with the Assistant Laboratory Director (ALD) Staff Operations Manager, you will provide strategic guidance on operational, policy, administrative, and workforce matters that support Division objectives and mission success. The SOM serves as a principal liaison between Division leadership and internal and external stakeholders, ensuring leaders are equipped with the information and operational support necessary to effectively manage the Division. You will coordinate responses to institutional requests, action items, and data calls; provide guidance on operational and administrative matters; and conduct analyses that support informed decision-making, consistency, compliance, and continuous improvement across the Division. In partnership with Human Resources and financial professionals, the SOM supports workforce planning, personnel actions, budget management, and Division space oversight. The position also leads process improvement initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and support the successful execution of the Division's mission. Your contributions will play a critical role in advancing Division priorities and enabling mission success. What you need
Minimum Requirements Leadership Experience:
Demonstrated success leading administrative and professional staff through effective team building, mentorship, and employee development. Proven ability to cultivate a collaborative, high-performing work environment by fostering professional growth, strengthening team engagement, and addressing organizational challenges. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic initiatives that support operational excellence and organizational objectives.
Operational Expertise:
Advanced knowledge and proven expertise in managing administrative, business, and operational activities across areas including safety, security, financial management, human resources, strategic planning, resource management, space coordination, and procurement. Demonstrated ability to effectively balance competing priorities while maintaining operational excellence, compliance, and organizational effectiveness.
Personal Leadership:
Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to independently establish priorities, manage competing demands, and successfully execute complex assignments in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated dependability, accountability, sound judgment, and a commitment to advancing organizational objectives and supporting mission success.
Problem Solving:
Advanced experience in decision-making, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives, and recommend practical solutions. Proven experience leading process improvement initiatives and implementing innovative business practices that enhance organizational performance and effectiveness.
Effective Communication:
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build productive relationships, foster collaboration, build consensus, and effectively engage with personnel, customers, and stakeholders at all organizational levels. Proven experience preparing executive-level correspondence, reports, presentations, briefings, procedures, and strategic communications, while effectively influencing outcomes, resolving complex issues, and supporting organizational objectives.
Education/Experience:
Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
Familiarity with LANL organizational structure, policies, and processes. Proven proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) Teams, channels, etc. Note to
Applicants:
Please submit a comprehensive cover letter and resume detailing how you meet the minimum job requirements and desired qualifications for this position.
Work Schedule:
This is a full-time onsite position with the option to work a 5/40, 9/80, or 4.5/40 work week schedule. Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory. Where You Will Work Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.
Our generous benefits package includes:
§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network § Dental and vision insurance § Free basic life and disability insurance § Paid childbirth and parental leave § Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually) § Learning opportunities and tuition assistance § Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays) § Onsite gyms and wellness programs § Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius) Additional Details Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance:
Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements• for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad. •Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test:
The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Equal Opportunity:
Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
