Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO) to work on our Business Management team. Our team works a 9/80 schedule located in our EROB facility in Idaho Falls with every other Friday off. This will be an ONSITE position. The position works on a 9/80 schedule, onsite in our Idaho Falls EROB office. You will report to the CFO.

Idaho National Laboratory needs Senior Directors to lead groundbreaking efforts advancing the nation's energy and technological frontiers, directly shaping the future of nuclear energy, cybersecurity, and infrastructure innovation by steering high-impact initiatives that drive strategic vision and collaboration aligned with the laboratory's legacy of pioneering solutions.

The COO provides strategic operational leadership across a complex, multi-functional organization, driving continuous improvement in how work gets done at Idaho National Labs (INL). The COO is responsible for translating organizational strategy into operational excellence, modernizing processes, accelerating AI adoption across business functions, and building a high-performance culture grounded in accountability, measurement, and results. This leader works horizontally across the directorate's divisions, leading through influence rather than direct authority, to align Division Directors around shared operational priorities. The COO serves as the primary operational partner to the CFO and executive leadership team and is the directorate's lead for workforce development and organizational capability building.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Efficiency

• Drive operational transformation across business management functions, identifying and eliminating inefficiencies, reducing cycle times, and standardizing processes to maximize throughput and value delivery.
• Lead enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives using data-driven methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent) to achieve measurable gains in cost, quality, and speed.
• Establish and maintain operational dashboards and KPIs that provide real-time visibility into organizational performance, enabling proactive decision-making at all levels. AI Integration & Digital Modernization
• Champion the adoption of artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced analytics across all business management functions, from financial planning and procurement to project management and compliance.
• Partner with IT and functional leaders to identify, pilot, and scale AI-enabled tools that reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and free staff capacity for higher-value work.
• Build organizational fluency in AI tools and data literacy, ensuring the workforce is equipped and motivated to leverage emerging technologies as a core part of how work is performed.

Performance-Based Culture

• Architect and sustain a performance-based culture built on clear expectations, transparent metrics, consistent accountability, and recognition of results.
• Partner with HR and functional directors to implement robust performance management frameworks that differentiate levels of contribution and tie outcomes to professional development and advancement.
• Model and reinforce a culture of continuous feedback, learning agility, and high standards where excellence is expected and celebrated, and underperformance is addressed constructively and promptly.
• Develop leaders at all levels through coaching, succession planning, and intentional leadership development that builds organizational capability over time.

Strategic & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Participate in the development of overall directorate and laboratory objectives and long-range strategic plans; translate strategy into executable operational roadmaps.
• Reconcile stakeholder priorities across finance, procurement, project management, and compliance functions to drive integrated business results.
• Interact with senior and executive leadership, DOE sponsors, and major customers on matters of operational significance, including negotiation and issue resolution.
• Ensure effective cascade of functional strategy, policies, and priorities through division and functional leaders to all levels of the organization.
• May serve as Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) for designated programs or initiatives.

Workforce Development & Organizational Effectiveness

• Serve as the directorate's lead for staff development and training - designing, coordinating, and continuously improving programs that build technical expertise, leadership capability, and business acumen across all divisions.
• Partner with Division Directors to identify workforce capability gaps and develop targeted learning pathways that align individual growth with organizational priorities.
• Championing a learning culture where professional development is an ongoing expectation, not a one-time event - integrating training into how the directorate operates day to day.
• Coordinate succession planning and leadership pipeline efforts across the directorate to ensure long-term organizational resilience.
• Work across the directorate without direct supervisory authority over Division Directors, driving alignment, shared accountability, and results through influence, relationships, and a compelling operational vision.
• Lead organizational design input and cross-divisional initiatives that align structure, roles, and resources to strategic priorities.
• Foster an inclusive, psychologically safe environment where diverse perspectives are valued and innovation is encouraged.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in operational transformation, process improvement, and change management in complex organizations.
• Proven track record of implementing AI, automation, or digital tools at scale, with measurable business impact.
• Strong command of performance management systems, metrics design, and accountability frameworks.
• Knowledge of business and management principles include strategic planning, resource allocation, workforce modeling, and organizational development.
• Proven ability to lead without direct authority - building trust, credibility, and alignment with peers and Division Directors through influence, collaboration, and a clear operational vision.
• Experience designing and leading workforce development and training programs that build organizational capability at scale.
• Exceptional communication skills: active listening, clear and persuasive speaking, and the ability to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical mindset, able to identify root causes of complex operational problems and implement durable solutions.
• Knowledge of customer service principles, quality standards, and continuous improvement practices.

Education, Credentials, and Work Experience

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Operations Management, or a related field of practice.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in senior or executive management roles overseeing complex, multi-functional programs and organizations.
• Demonstrated experience leading operational improvement and organizational change initiatives.

Preferred:

• Experience in a federal M&O contract environment or comparable regulated, mission-driven organization.
• Familiarity with DOE/FAR/DEAR compliance frameworks and federal financial management requirements.
• Experience implementing enterprise technology platforms (e.g., ERP, AI-enabled analytics tools).

Other:

• Depending on work location, it may be required to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance.
• Position reports to the Chief Financial Officer / Director of Business Management.

Job Information:

• The target pay range for this position is ($187,148-$271,013) annually. The full pay range is ($147,000-$404,232). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.