Senior Nuclear Operations Strategist

Overview

We are seeking a Senior Nuclear Operations Strategist for Business Management Services (BMS) in the Research Reactors Division (RRD) of the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD). The mission of BMS is to provide excellent, efficient, and compliant nuclear‑grade services to support safe and reliable High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) operations. The BMS Section is responsible for Reactor Certification and Qualification, Nuclear Materials and Procurement, Information Technology implementation, Document Control and Records management, financial planning, and budget management. The Senior Nuclear Operations Strategist works closely with the BMS Section Head to lead a variety of division‑wide activities, ensuring operational excellence, strategic alignment, and organizational effectiveness within the section and the division.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with RRD leadership in developing and executing divisional management and nuclear workflow processes that enable safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR).
• Partner with Section Heads and Group Leaders to align resources with operational priorities and resolve organizational challenges in pursuit of operational excellence.
• Coordinate infrastructure planning activities to ensure budgets, resources, schedules, milestones, and deliverables remain aligned across all RRD functions.
• Lead assessment of future workforce needs, prioritizing critical hires, and coordinate with RRD leadership to ensure staffing levels support safe and reliable operations.
• Plan, forecast, and manage multiyear, high‑value budgets using the Integrated Work Plan (IWP) tool, ensuring milestones and regulatory requirements are met.
• Apply advanced analytical and forecasting techniques to assess trends, anticipate resource needs, and inform strategic planning and budgeting decisions.
• Evaluate monthly cost performance against projections to determine end‑of‑year balances and guide corrective actions.
• Develop and communicate key performance metrics that demonstrate progress, effectiveness, and impact across the division.
• Lead process improvement initiatives that streamline operations, enhance productivity, and strengthen accountability throughout the division.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in finance or a business‑related field with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in financial analysis and proficiency in spreadsheet applications and financial software.
• Extensive knowledge of strategic finance and financial data analysis with experience in operating facilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA plus experience with budgetary planning.
• Experience supporting business operations in a nuclear, Department of Energy, or similarly regulated technical environment.
• Familiarity with government orders and requirements related to budgeting and finance.

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• A Real ID‑compliant form of identification is required for employment at ORNL.
• All employees must obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by HSPD‑12 and DOE Order 473.1A.
• Successful completion of a Federal Tier 1 background check, including a declaration regarding illegal drug activities within the last year.

Benefits

• 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 Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness programs
• Educational assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Employee discounts
• On‑site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities
• Flexible work hours

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has an 80‑year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. With over 7,000 dedicated and innovative employees, ORNL values diverse perspectives and backgrounds, fostering an environment that supports scientific breakthroughs and translates them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges. The laboratory offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits program to attract and retain top talent.