Chief Human Resources Officer, HR Director

Join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and contribute to impactful work advancing science and technology in nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense. Our culture thrives on innovation and operational excellence, offering an environment where your expertise can drive real-world change.

About the Role

We are seeking a Director of Human Resources to serve as a strategic partner in implementing the Laboratory’s business strategy. In this role, you will collaborate with the Laboratory Director and senior leaders across scientific, engineering, and operations teams to deliver tailored HR services that empower our workforce. As a member of the Laboratory’s Business Council, you will oversee HR functions including Performance Management, Compensation, Benefits, Recruiting, Employee and Leadership Development, Succession Planning, HR Information Management, Employee Relations, Military & Veterans Programs, and the Livermore Laboratory Employee Services Association (LLESA).

This position requires full-time on-site presence and reports administratively to the Operations and Business Principal Associate Director, with a direct reporting relationship to the Lab Director for HR matters, culture advancement, and strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the LLNL Senior Leadership Team to develop strategies for building, developing, and advancing a world-class workforce, including initiatives to create a career-long learning culture, support hybrid work, promote work-life balance, and foster long-term retention.
• Provide strategic leadership in Performance Management, Compensation, Benefits, Recruiting, Employee and Leadership Development, Succession Planning, and HR Information Management, leveraging new technology, AI, and other resources.
• Build strong relationships with leaders and staff from NNSA headquarters, Livermore Field Office, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Reinforce accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement across the HR organization while supporting a culture of operational excellence.
• Develop and implement HR strategies, programs, and initiatives that align with and support the Laboratory’s missions.
• Ensure the deployment of high-performing HR professionals across a matrixed organization, along with effective business tools, systems, processes, and procedures.
• Champion HR change management for transformation initiatives, leadership alignment, and sustained adoption of new structures and processes.
• Develop and execute strategic business plans and budgets to maintain cost-effective, compliant HR operations in support of LLNL’s mission.
• Identify and apply enterprise-wide best practices through benchmarking to drive continuous improvement in HR services.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to anticipate and respond to evolving mission requirements.
• Oversee the identification, assessment, and mitigation of operational risks related to HR actions, ensuring prompt response to compliance or legal issues.
• Manage HR functions to ensure compliance with federal, state, and DOE/NNSA regulations, LLNL policies, and directives.
• Work with the Director’s Office and Strategic Communications staff on external requests for data and information.
• Complete the implementation of the new Human Capital Management system, update and streamline HR processes, and align the HR organization structure to enable LLNL’s success.
• Oversee a team of over 100 personnel with a budget of approximately $30M.
• Represent LLNL and the HR Directorate on external subcommittees and working groups, interfacing with counterparts across the NNSA Nuclear Security Enterprise.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated strategy development, management, and leadership skills to build positive, trust-based relationships.
• Extensive and progressive HR leadership experience in key functional areas, including compensation and benefits, HR systems, recruiting, performance/talent management, training and development, employee relations, and the use of AI for HR processes.
• Experience working effectively in a high-impact, high-visibility, multi-tasking environment with the ability to lead a multidisciplinary management team.
• Comprehensive knowledge of managerial and HR practices, with the ability to balance complex technical and budgetary priorities.
• Strong emotional intelligence and ability to build trust across diverse relationships.
• Knowledge of and experience implementing compliance-related aspects of federal, state, and DOE regulations pertaining to HR functions.
• Expert verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to effectively advise, negotiate, and influence all levels of management and stakeholders.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to interpret, recommend, and implement solutions.

Qualifications We Desire

• Advanced degree in Business Administration or Human Resources Management, or current HR certification (e.g., Senior Professional in Human Resources).
• Working knowledge of LLNL Personnel Policies and Procedures.
• Experience leading teams in a matrix organization.
• Broad familiarity with LLNL programmatic and/or science and technology efforts.
• Experience interacting with DOE and NNSA Field Office leaders and staff.

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)

Pay

$409,980 – $526,512 Annually. This range reflects the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of posting. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on factors including, but not limited to, competencies, education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business needs.

Additional Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to both Lab employees and external candidates. The role requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If selected, a Federal background investigation will be initiated to determine eligibility for access to classified information. All L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. U.S. citizenship is required for Q-level clearance. External applicants must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test, including testing for marijuana use as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Depending on job duties, you may be required to work in Limited Areas where personal and/or laboratory mobile devices (e.g., cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones) are restricted. Medical devices that pair with mobile devices must comply with these restrictions unless wireless capabilities are disabled. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or with disabled wireless features are permitted in Limited Areas, Secure Space, and Transit/Buffer Space.