Chief Human Resources Officer / Senior Director of Human Resource Services

Argonne National Laboratory is inviting applications for the position of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Senior Director of Human Resource Services (HRS). Located about 25 miles southwest of Chicago, Argonne is one of the preeminent multidisciplinary research facilities in the country and is operated by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). As a U.S. DOE national laboratory, Argonne seeks to deliver substantive impacts to national prosperity, competitiveness, and security through transformative science and technology.

This pivotal role, reporting directly to the laboratory’s Chief Operations Officer, will be responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive Human Resources (HR) strategy that aligns with Argonne's mission as a premier national laboratory focused on multi-disciplinary scientific and engineering research, sustainable energy, and driving a competitive economy.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the CHRO will oversee all aspects of HR operations, ensuring the development of a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. The successful candidate will be instrumental in driving HR strategies that attract, retain, and develop top talent while fostering a culture rooted in our core values: impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork. This role will require a strong leader who can align HR initiatives with Argonne's long-term organizational goals and act as a strategic partner to senior leadership.

Key responsibilities will include leading the development and implementation of HR strategies that enhance talent management, succession planning, and workforce development. Focus will be given to guiding the development of an integrated talent pipeline strategy between Talent Acquisition, Institutional Partnerships, and the Argonne Leadership Institute. In addition, the CHRO will oversee compensation and benefits programs to ensure they are competitive, equitable, and designed to attract and retain top talent. This role will also focus on building strong relationships with the Department of Energy (DOE), the University of Chicago, and other key stakeholders to further Argonne's mission.

Additionally, the CHRO will be responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state, and DOE policies, proactively managing HR risks, and updating policies to minimize legal and regulatory liabilities. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in HR leadership, employee engagement, and fostering a culture that embraces and fosters diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).

Leading the Argonne Leadership Institute within HRS, the CHRO will drive key initiatives in workforce learning and development strategies and tools, and the mentorship of emerging talent. The successful candidate will also ensure that HR information systems are optimized to provide valuable insights and support strategic decision-making.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for an experienced HR leader to join an innovative and mission-driven organization, driving impactful HR initiatives in a highly collaborative and scientifically advanced environment.

Position Requirements

The successful applicant should have a progressive leadership experience in managing or consulting on advanced HR strategies, processes and regulatory matters in a creative and collegial environment. The individual should also have demonstrated leadership skills, including in the following areas:

• Proven ability to align organizational strategies with business goals and foster a strong culture of employee engagement.
• Comprehensive knowledge of key HR principles including talent management, organizational development, total rewards, employee and labor relations, workforce planning, DEIA, succession planning, learning and development, change management, employee engagement, compliance, risk management, and leveraging HR technology and data analytics for strategic decision-making.
• Experience managing human resources in a union represented environment is a plus.
• Ability to navigate difficult/sensitive situations to a constructive outcome.
• Ability to influence and mentor senior leadership on human capital strategy and organizational effectiveness, promoting a cohesive, future-focused approach to workforce development.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a track record of driving innovation and fostering inclusive, high-performing teams.
• Experience in HR leadership within government, scientific research, or similarly regulated environments to ensure alignment with compliance requirements and industry-specific challenges is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in crisis management and navigating organizational change to ensure stability and resilience during periods of significant transition or challenge.
• Expertise in integrating technology and data-driven HR solutions to enhance decision-making, talent analytics, and overall operational efficiency.
• Proven track record in fostering partnerships with external stakeholders such as government agencies, academic institutions, or industry partners to advance organizational goals and mission-critical initiatives.
• Attracting, developing and motivating a diverse HRS team, creating a culture of high performance and collaboration.
• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

This role is primarily on-site, with limited opportunities for hybrid work. Argonne offers an excellent compensation and benefits package. For full consideration, a CV and cover letter should accompany the applications.

Job Family

Professional Administrative (PA)

Job Profile

Human Resources Services Leader 5

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time