Directorate Contract Manager
Employer: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Location: Richland, Washington · Posting: PNL-12163 · Type: Full-Time · Pay: $162,500-$243,800/yr
Duties
Overview At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management. The Business Services Directorate (BSD) provides crucial financial, procurement and sales, and project management services to PNNL, as required under our management and operations contract for operating the Lab on behalf of the Department of Energy. Our goal in offering these services is to ensure efficient, effective, and compliant business operations that enhance PNNL's scientific impact. BSD presents exciting opportunities for financial professionals seeking career growth. We foster a dynamic environment where individuals can develop their skills, take on leadership roles, and contribute to high-impact projects. By working with multidisciplinary teams, professionals have the chance to broaden their expertise, engage in continuous learning, and advance their careers while contributing to the groundbreaking scientific work at PNNL. Responsibilities The Directorate Contract Manager is a Group Leader responsible for leading contracting activities for assigned Laboratory directorates. This position provides strategic direction, manages a complex contracting portfolio, leads professional staff, and serves as a trusted contracting advisor to Laboratory leadership and customers. The role requires extensive contracting expertise, including application of FAR and DEAR requirements within the DOE Management and Operating (M&O) environment, as well as strong business judgment, strategic leadership, and the ability to influence and collaborate across organizational boundaries. Key responsibilities include: Lead and develop a team of contracting professionals responsible for acquisitions ranging from commercial goods and services to complex, high-risk requirements, including construction, fabricated hardware, foreign awards, and specialized contracting activities. Develop and execute contracting strategies that align Laboratory and directorate priorities with DOE requirements and mission needs. Serve as a subject matter expert and strategic advisor on contracting strategy, policy, risk, FAR/DEAR requirements, and DOE M&O contracting. Establish priorities, allocate resources, and manage workload to achieve schedule, quality, customer service, and compliance objectives. Evaluate complex contracting and business issues, assess risk, and recommend solutions that balance mission, compliance, cost, schedule, and business needs. Provide direction and oversight for acquisition strategies, solicitations, evaluations, awards, modifications, negotiations, and contracting documentation. Use business data, metrics, and key performance indicators to monitor performance, identify risks and trends, and drive continuous improvement. Build strong partnerships with Laboratory leadership, customers, stakeholders, and peers across the DOE laboratory complex. Anticipate emerging business and contracting requirements and strengthen organizational capabilities, processes, tools, and workforce readiness. Lead cross-organizational initiatives and represent PC&A in strategic activities and working groups. Recruit, coach, develop, and manage professional staff, including Team Leaders, with responsibility for performance management, workforce planning, career development, recognition, retention, and succession planning. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, customer service, and operational excellence. Develop and deliver briefings, training, and presentations for technical staff, customers, management, and senior leaders. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Advanced knowledge of federal contracting principles, practices, and regulations, including FAR/DEAR requirements and their application within a DOE Management and Operating (M&O) environment. Ability to develop contracting strategies and balance mission requirements, risk, cost, schedule, and compliance considerations. Strong business judgment and analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex issues and recommend practical solutions. Ability to advise and influence senior leaders, customers, and stakeholders on complex contracting and business matters. Ability to lead, coach, and develop professional staff while fostering accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and high performance. Ability to establish priorities, manage competing demands, allocate resources, and deliver results across multiple teams and work activities. Skill in using data, metrics, technology, and business systems to identify trends, support decisions, and improve organizational performance. Ability to identify and implement improvements in contracting processes, quality, compliance, cycle time, and customer experience. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex contracting concepts to technical, business, and senior leadership audiences. Ability to build effective partnerships and professional relationships across organizational boundaries. Sound judgment, discretion, tact, and diplomacy when navigating complex or sensitive business matters. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. This position is based at PNNL’s Richland campus and requires a minimum of two days onsite per week. Additional onsite presence may be required based on business needs, team collaboration, and organizational priorities. Qualifications Minimum Qualification: BS/BA and 10 years work experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 8 years of experience Preferred Qualifications: Five or more years of contracting experience, preferably within a DOE Management and Operating (M&O) environment. Experience applying FAR/DEAR requirements to complex or non-routine acquisitions. Demonstrated people-leadership experience, including hiring, performance management, coaching, employee development, and workforce planning. Experience leading multiple teams, major projects, organizational change, or cross-functional initiatives. Current DOE security clearance or ability to obtain one. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Not Applicable Testing Designated Position This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). About PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov . Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential. Mandatory Requirements Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year. * Research Associates excluded. **All benefits are dependent upon eligibility. Click Here For Rocks
Qualifications
Minimum Qualification: BS/BA and 10 years work experience -OR- MS/MA or higher and 8 years of experience Preferred Qualifications: Five or more years of contracting experience, preferably within a DOE Management and Operating (M&O) environment. Experience applying FAR/DEAR requirements to complex or non-routine acquisitions. Demonstrated people-leadership experience, including hiring, performance management, coaching, employee development, and workforce planning. Experience leading multiple teams, major projects, organizational change, or cross-functional initiatives. Current DOE security clearance or ability to obtain one.
Compensation
Minimum Salary USD $162,500.00/Yr. Maximum Salary USD $243,800.00/Yr.