Director, Contracts

Director, Contracts

Location:
Oak Ridge (37830) - Tennessee, United States
Salary:
Competitive
Type:
Permanent
Main Industry:
Search Information Technology Jobs
Advertiser:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Job ID:
132241632
Posted On: 
06 September 2025
Requisition Id 15308 

Overview:

We are seeking a Director of Contracts who will provide leadership in overseeing procurement functions for Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future of ORNL by ensuring resources needed to achieve the Lab’s mission are obtained in an efficient and effective manner. This position oversees in the Contracts Division in the Business Services Directorate.

ORNL is the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace. The effective procurement of materials and services is instrumental in delivering the Lab mission.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

-Oversees annual procurement spend of over $1B.
-Plan, lead, and direct personnel involved in the timely and economical acquisition of all products and services required by ORNL in accordance with approved purchasing system.
-Establish and implement ORNL policy and assure compliance with ORNL Prime Contract, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Department of Energy Acquisition Regulations (DEAR), DOE Orders, and other DOE requirements.
-Lead and direct ORNL personnel and activities associated with Procurement subcontracts, Purchase Orders, the Procurement Card Program, Memorandum Purchase Orders, or Inter-entity Work Orders.
-Interpret ORNL Prime Contract Procurement Policies, Procedures, Manuals, Guides, FAR, DEAR, and DOE Orders, and ensure compliance with them.
-Stay informed of changes in requirements and interpret the effects on ORNL.
-Serve as the focal point with federal staff both local and headquarters for procurement.
-Oversee ORNL performance and evaluations related to procurement.
-Develop and implement long-range plans and strategy for execution of the procurement organization’s responsibilities.
-Plan and execute training and development activities of procurement staff.
-Handle various personnel and organizational matters relating to employees in these functional areas, including interaction with internal and external customers as needed.
-Conduct operational assessments and performance evaluations of direct reports and their respective areas of responsibility.
-Evaluate processes and internal controls for effective operations and recommend/implement enhancements to operations, including system improvements.
-Maintain economic and efficient operations while sustaining appropriate levels of risk management to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, laws, and guidance from the government.
-Demonstrate a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
-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
-A minimum of 12 years of experience in all phases of Procurement/Contract activities or other related programs.
-A minimum of 5 years of experience managing/leading and developing a staff of Procurement professionals.
-Strong understanding of the FAR.
-Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to effectively interact with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.
-Ability to work as a team member in a collaborative environment.
-Self-motivated and self-directed.
-Experience working across multiple organizations and managing different expectations.
-Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.
-Demonstrated leadership and experience in ability to oversee the planning of all phases of Procurement activities from requisition writing to closeout activities.
 

Preferred Qualifications:

-MS degree in a business-related discipline.
-Procurement experience at a DOE/NNSA facility.
-Strong understanding of DEAR, DOE Orders, and other DOE requirements related to procurement/purchasing.
-Experience with university subcontracting and associated activities.
-Commercial & Contract Management Certification.
-Government Contract Management Certification.
-Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
-Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
 

Special Requirements:

-Q clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
-Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
 

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes 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) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: 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 Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruitingornl.gov.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, Apply ORNLRecruitingornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged .  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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