Chief Human Resources Officer, HR Director

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have an opening for the Director of Human Resources . In this role, you will serve as a strategic partner in ensuring successful implementation of the Laboratory’s business strategy through both internal and external interfaces. You will collaborate with the Laboratory Director and programmatic, scientific, engineering, and operations managers across the Laboratory to deliver tailored Human Resources services that enable the workforce. You will serve as a member of the Laboratory’s Business Council and provide oversight and management of business operations functions in the areas of Performance Management, Compensation, Benefits, Recruiting, Employment, Employee and Leadership Development, Succession Planning, HR Information Management, Employee Services, Employee Relations, Military & Veterans Programs, and the Livermore Laboratory Employee Services Association (LLESA). You will represent LLNL and the HR Directorate on external subcommittees and working groups and will interface with counterparts across the NNSA Nuclear Security Enterprise.

You will be responsible for providing management and leadership to over one hundred personnel with a budget of approximately $30M. This is an onsite position that reports administratively to the Operations and Business Principal Associate Director for the execution of HR functions for the Laboratory and as the Chief Human Resources Officer, has a reporting relationship to the Lab Director for human resources matters including advancement of Lab culture and HR initiatives as requested and guided by the Director’s Office.

You will partner with the LLNL Senior Leadership Team and their staff to develop strategies for building, developing, and advancing the world class workforce we require, lead initiatives that enable Lab mission success such as utilizing AI to benefit HR processes and serve Lab employees, complete the in-progress implementation of the new Human Capital Management system, update and streamline HR processes, and ensure the HR organization structure is effectively aligned to enable LLNL organizations.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will

• Partner with the LLNL Senior Leadership Team to develop initiatives to create a world class work environment for our employees. This includes creating a career-long learning culture, supporting a hybrid work environment, developing programs to promote work life balance, establishing strategies to foster long-term retention, developing internal personnel policies and practices.
• Provide strategic leadership, management, applied expertise, and knowledge in the areas of Performance Management, Compensation, Benefits, Recruiting, Employment, Employee and Leadership Development, Succession Planning, and HR Information Management through the use of new technology, AI, and other resources.
• Build strong relationships with leaders and staff from NNSA headquarters and Livermore Field Office, and other internal and external stakeholder organizations.
• Provide leadership that reinforces accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement across the organization, while supporting a culture of operational excellence and shared responsibility.
• Ensure the development and implementation of human resources strategies, programs, and initiatives in support of the Laboratory missions.
• Ensure the deployment of high-performing Human Resources professionals across a matrixed organization and effective business tools, systems, processes, and procedures.
• Champion HR change management for transformation initiatives, leadership alignment, and sustained adoption of new structures, processes, and ways of working.
• Develop and execute strategic business plans and budgets to establish and maintain cost-effective compliant Human Resources in support of the LLNL mission.
• Identify and apply enterprise-wide best business practices via benchmarking to drive continuous improvement in all human resources services across LLNL.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to anticipate and respond to changing mission requirements.
• Oversee the identification, assessment, and mitigation of operational risks pertaining to HR actions; respond promptly to issues that may impact compliance or legal obligations or organizational performance.
• Oversee the development and management of human resource functions to ensure compliance with applicable State and Federal laws, LLNL policies and procedures, regulatory requirements, and DOE and NNSA directives.
• Work with the Director’s Office and Strategic Communications staff on external requests for data and information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or related field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Demonstrated strategy development, extensive management, and leadership skills that enable building positive, trust-based relationships.
• Extensive and progressive human resources leadership and management experience in key functional areas within human resources including compensation and benefits, HR systems, recruiting, performance/talent management, training and development, employee relations, use of AI for HR processes and continuous improvement.
• Experience working effectively in a high-impact, high-visibility, multi-tasking environment with demonstrated ability to lead a multi-disciplinary management team.
• Extensive experience applying comprehensive knowledge of managerial and human resources practices with the ability to effectively balance complex technical and budgetary priorities to achieve desired results.
• Strong emotional intelligence and ability to build trust in a variety of relationships.
• Knowledge of and experience implementing compliance-related aspects of federal, state and DOE regulations and directives pertaining to human resources functions.
• Demonstrated expert verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively explain, present, negotiate, advise and influence all levels of management and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated advanced analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills and judgement necessary to interpret, advise, recommend, approve and implement solutions/actions.

Qualifications We Desire

• Advanced degree in Business Administration or Human Resources Management or current HR certification (e.g. Senior Professional in Human Resources).
• Working knowledge of LLNL Personnel Policies and Procedures and practices.
• Experience leading teams in a matrix organization.
• Broad familiarity with LLNL programmatic and/or science and technology efforts.
• Experience interacting with DOE and NNSA Field Office leaders and staff.

Pay Range

$409,980 – $526,512 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

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Organization: Operations and Business OfficeCategory: Human ResourcesEmployee Referral Bonus: Not applicableJob Code 1: 175.1 Associate DirectorPre-Employment Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)Pre-Placement Medical Exam: Not applicablePosition Type: Career IndefiniteSecurity Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)