Business Administrator III

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus  ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL offers a campus‑like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.

JPL’s Financial and Business Administration Division (7200) is seeking an experienced and motivated Business Administrator III to support the Financial and Business Operations Directorate (2000). This role requires a highly collaborative professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, balances multiple priorities, and is passionate about delivering exceptional business support.

As a member of the Directorate Business Leadership Team, you will provide strategic, data‑driven insights to support informed business decisions, identify opportunities to improve business processes and operational efficiency, and contribute to the successful execution of a broad range of business and administrative responsibilities. You will partner closely with Division Business Managers, Division Managers, and Directorate leadership to support strategic initiatives and operational excellence.

• Serve as an integral member of the Directorate Business Leadership Team, contributing to strategic business decisions, identifying process improvement opportunities, standardizing business tools and products, and leading implementation of business process changes.
• Support the Directorate Business Manager across a broad range of business operations, including workforce planning and analysis, financial management, human resources administration, acquisitions, facilities planning, environmental health and safety, and asset management.
• Assist in developing, executing, and monitoring organizational budgets, through planning, forecasting, financial reporting, monthly cost analysis, and account reconciliation.
• Partner with Financial and Business staff to develop staffing plans, analyze workforce trends, prepare workforce forecasts, and support strategic workforce planning.
• Develop, coordinate, and continuously improve business processes and administrative procedures to ensure compliance with Laboratory policies and enhance operational efficiency.
• Serve as a business operations lead for assigned organizations, coordinating day‑to‑day administrative activities and providing guidance on business operations while supporting special projects and other assignments as needed.
• Conduct ad‑hoc business, financial, and workforce analyses to support Directorate leadership in making informed, data‑driven decisions.

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of related experience;
  Master’s degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 4 years of related experience; or PhD in similar disciplines with a minimum of 2 years related experience.
• Wide‑ranging experience and advanced knowledge in one or more of the following areas: financial and workforce planning and analysis, service center administration, business processes and workflows and business analytics.
• Self‑motivated professional with the ability to work independently and in a team; able to effectively lead teams of both business and technical personnel.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to resolve highly complex issues independently.
• Ability to present findings and recommendations in a clear, concise manner using graphics, tables, and high‑level summarization.
• A successful history of establishing trust with customers and working as a strong, collaborative business partner. Must exercise tact and discretion when working with sensitive or confidential data.
• Experience in the use of budgeting and reporting tools including the JPL Institutional Budgeting Tool (IBT), PowerBI, Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition…