Business Manager

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The Optical & Quantum Communications Group develops advanced laser communications technology for use in a wide range of challenging environments including terrestrial, space and underwater applications. Primary areas of research include the development of sensitive, single-photon detector arrays, coherent modems, integrated photonic circuits, and novel modulation and coding approaches. Using these technologies, the group conducts research and development for a wide range of space, airborne, and terrestrial system applications, including terabit-per-second direct-to-Earth small satellite constellations, near-Earth wideband relay laser communication terminal hardware, and next-generation beam-director prototypes inherently scalable to deep-space systems.

The group has also initiated new research efforts into extending the range and utility of extremely photon-starved undersea communication transceivers and entanglement-based quantum communication networks.

The Business Manager is a key member of the Group Office team with responsibility for facilitating the group’s technical execution through effective management of all financial, procurement, and administrative functions in the group.

Specific program level responsibilities include cost estimating, budget preparation, program/WBS creation, program schedule and milestone development, procurement planning, performance monitoring, internal/external reporting, and program closeouts. Additional responsibilities include space management, property management, management of general administrative processes, and other miscellaneous tasks as needed.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Team-oriented and collaborative, working successfully with Laboratory and external leadership
• Independent with strong self-initiative, able to effectively complete tasks with minimal oversight
• Proficient and professional in communications
• Conscientious in the handling of private and classified information
• Flexible to the needs of working with others in a fast-paced research environment
• Ambitious to learn and grow through diverse experiences and continuing education
• Proactive in tracking items and needs, navigating obstacles to enable work
• Accountable to the needs, development, and advancement of a healthy group

The Business Manager’s role entails management of all aspects of the Group’s administrative and business functions to ensure smooth and efficient operations of the Group. These responsibilities include:

• Preparing cost estimates, budget analysis, spend plans, expenditure documentation, and financial reporting
• Analyzing trends and discrepancies from plan, tracking milestones, and performing risk assessments
• Managing program-specific and overall group resources and financial health
• Assisting in the preparation of proposals, statements of work, and new program packages
• Managing and supervising the high-performing administrative team, writing and delivering annual performance reviews of administrative staff
• Ensuring the Group’s administrative needs are met, to include procurements, property, IT compliance, office and laboratory space
• Authorizing budget expenditures and procurements including active tracking of critical and long-lead items and the procurement of consultant services and labor subcontracts
• Analyzing data and performing ad hoc reporting to help guide better decision making
• Navigating policies and procedures related to human resources, space allocation, security, and program execution
• Managing facilities including office space, lab space, and secure spaces, understanding the needs of the Group and collaborating with the Division Office, Director’s Office, and Facility Services…