Operations Manager (#1871)

BACKGROUND

The National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is a one-of-a-kind facility located on Fort Detrick in Frederick MD and is dedicated to defending the nation against biological threats. Its work supports DHS and National biodefense preparedness planning, response, emerging threat characterization and bioforensic analyses. It is the first national laboratory created by DHS in response to biodefense gaps identified following the Amerithrax attacks of 2001 and has been operated by the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) since 2006. Since its inception, NBACC and its staff have filled critical shortfalls in our scientific knowledge of biological agents needed to protect the public and defend the Nation from biological threats, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate and provided federal law enforcement with scientific data to support the investigation and attribution of biocrimes and protection of the US bioeconomy.

NBACC includes two centers: the National Bioforensic Analysis Center (NBFAC), which conducts the technical analyses in support of federal law enforcement investigations, and the National Biological Threat Characterization Center (NBTCC), which conducts experiments and studies to obtain data required for a better understanding of biological vulnerabilities and hazards. Together these centers offer a unique national resource for understanding the risks posed by biological agents and emerging technologies to inform biodefense policy and response planning and the operational capability to support the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of biocrimes and bioterrorism.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Operations Manager will oversee the daily operations of a large, high-hazard, high-availability research facility. This role requires strategic leadership to drive efficiency, maintain continuous operations, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and cultivate a culture where employees feel respected and valued. This individual will manage cross-functional teams, coordinate facility maintenance and upgrades, and optimize support services to foster an environment conducive to innovative and secure research activities. Proficiency in Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Enterprise Asset Management Systems (EAMS) is vital for optimizing operational processes. This individual will be recognized as knowledgeable in multiple areas of facility operations and help provide leadership and guidance to others.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Facility Management, Engineering, Operations, or a related field, with at least 10 years of management experience in facility operations related to complex facility and/or high hazard operations. Advanced degree is preferred.
• Strong understanding of facility operations, including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and other infrastructure systems.
• Proven experience in managing research facility operations is highly preferred.
• Demonstrates leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex projects.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain composure in stressful, high-pressure environments.
• Demonstrates capacity to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Decisive decision making with strong analytical skills to identify issues, make informed decisions, develop solutions, and implement effective action plans under pressure and in high-stakes situations.
• Commitment to ethical leadership practices, transparency, and maintaining high standards of professional conduct.
• Demonstrates the ability to create an environment where team members feel confident sharing ideas, providing constructive feedback, and raising concerns without fear of judgment or negative repercussions, ultimately enhancing collaboration, innovation, and team cohesion.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficient in common office productivity software (e.g. Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Must have the ability to interpret engineering drawings, codes, and related technical materials.
• Familiarity with Computer Aided Design (CAD) and modeling tools, AutoCAD MEP experience is preferred.
• Skills and experience to support laboratory activities and work in accordance with NBACC's management system (e.g., ISO).
• Must be a citizen of the United States, able to obtain and maintain an interim secret clearance leading to a top-secret clearance and suitability for DHS.
• Participation in the Immunization Program, Medical Surveillance Program and/or enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) is required.
• May be required to participate in NBACC's alternative work schedule and/or on-call schedule, dependent upon business needs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, contractors, consultants, vendors, and both internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborates effectively with various internal and external stakeholders daily. Internal stakeholders may include departments such as Quality Assurance, Research, Finance, etc. External stakeholders may include officials from Government Sponsors, local, state, or federal regulatory agencies, A&E firms, vendors, equipment manufacturers, etc.
• Leads all aspects of facility and support operations to ensure continuous availability, reliability, and optimal performance.
• Directs and manages the Facility Operations Team, Property and Calibrations Team, and Environmental Operations Team to achieve cohesive and effective operations.
• Optimizes operations processes and resource allocation to minimize downtime and support continuous facility and research operations.
• Mentors and leads a team of operations staff, promoting the BNBI culture through professional development, maintaining high standards of professional conduct and high performance.
• Prepares and manages budgets, monitors expenditures, and enhances resource utilization across all support teams.
• Conducts operational assessments and implements strategies for continuous process improvement.
• Ensures clear and effective communication with stakeholders, including researchers, senior management, and cross-functional teams.
• Drives facility-wide initiatives focused on enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining support services.
• Must be a team player, communicate clearly, be open to hearing ideas and suggestions from others, diffuse situations, and exercise empathy and patience with colleagues.
• Must have the ability to multi-task, maintain composure under pressure, and utilize effective time management skills to prioritize tasks.
• Must be a self-starter driven by an eagerness to succeed, maintain flexibility, adapt to change in a productive and positive manner, learn new concepts, and utilize critical thinking to resolve complex problems.
• Maintains appropriate records.
• Performs other duties as assigned/authorized.