Head of Project Management Office

The Head of the Project Management Office (PMO) leads the centralized project management function at PPPL, ensuring excellence in project management, governance, and support across all project lifecycles. This must be done in the context of the DOE Project Management Environment in terms of processes and successful relationship management. This position is essential in PPPL’s ability to execute its mission and is pivotal in driving a culture of accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement for projects of all sizes. Overseeing a department of about 30 staff and reporting to the Deputy Director for Operations, the Head, PMO aligns the PMO's strategic direction with PPPL’s organizational priorities and serves as the primary advocate for project management excellence across the laboratory. This position is a contributing member of PPPL management, serving both on the Operations Leadership Team and the Laboratory Leadership Council.

A U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory managed by Princeton University, the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is tackling the world’s toughest science and technology challenges using plasma, the fourth state of matter. With more than 70 years of history, PPPL is a leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion energy, a potentially limitless energy source. PPPL is also using its expertise to advance research in the areas of microelectronics, quantum sensors and devices, and sustainability sciences. Whether it be through science, engineering, technology or professional services, every team member has an opportunity to contribute to our mission and vision. Come join us!

Core Duties: 

• Strategic Leadership
  • Define and implement the vision, mission, and strategic objectives of the PMO.
  • Align PMO goals with PPPL’s strategic initiatives and DOE sponsor requirements.
  • Ensure the successful outcome of PPPL projects under the purview of the PMO.
  • Establish a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in project management practices, across the entire laboratory.
• Project Oversight and Assurance
  • Responsible for the oversight for the performance of all projects within the purview of the PMO.
  • Oversee the Assurance manager, ensuring adherence to PPPL’s Project Management System Description and risk-based frameworks.
  • Act as a laboratory sponsor for independent, external reviews of project performance, including Director’s Reviews before key project milestones, before launching major initiatives, and/or as otherwise deemed appropriate based on project performance.
  • In this oversight role, ensure the identification of cross-cutting issues or other insights across the entire PPPL project portfolio.
• Operational Excellence
  • Responsible for the Project Management Center of Excellence (PMCOE) to provide expert support in project planning, scheduling, cost estimation, risk analysis, contingency management, and reporting.
  • Maintain and improve PPPL’s Earned Value Management System (EVMS) certification.
  • Ensure service-level, including matrix, agreements are effectively implemented to support projects based on size, complexity, and risk.
• Team Leadership and Development
  • Directly manage and evaluate the performance of all Project Managers, ensuring alignment with PMO standards and organizational goals.
  • Foster a strong project management community of practice through training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
  • Build a high-performing PMO team by recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the PMO and the Executive Sponsor of individual projects.
  • Proactively communicate project and portfolio performance, risks, and achievements to stakeholders and PPPL senior management as appropriate.
  • Regularly interact with the PPPL DOE Site Office, DOE Office of Science and other federal project sponsors to ensure a high level of trust.
  • Highlight weaknesses within the projects and/or laboratory functions that increase project risk.
  • Drive stakeholder confidence by consistently demonstrating project-delivery excellence.
• Performance Management
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the PMO.
  • Ensure that Project Managers establish cost, schedule, scope, and quality goals as well as KPIs and that these are met or exceeded across all projects.
  • Lead the adoption of lessons learned to continuously improve project management methodologies and tools.
• PMO Function Leadership Management and Coordination
  • Establish specific responsibilities for each PMO area, documenting such in the PMO Organization Charter.
  • Ensure the integration, collaboration and coordination of internal PMO functions.
  • Identify and resolve any resource allocation (financial, and staff both centralized and matrixed) across the PMO.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 15 years of project management experience, with at least 8 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in managing a centralized project management function or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience in the DOE Project Management Environment in terms of processes and relationship management.

Certifications: 

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification required.
• Familiarity with Earned Value Management System (EVMS) principles and certifications (e.g., EVP) is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Proven ability to lead large, complex organizational changes and build high-performing teams.
• Expertise in project management methodologies and tools, including risk management and cost controls, as well as their application in both engineering and traditional projects of various sizes and complexities.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess project performance and drive data-informed decisions.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to manage diverse stakeholders effectively.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Physical Requirements: 

• Full-time on-site with remote days available.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from participation in certain foreign government talent recruitment programs. All PPPL employees are required to disclose any participation in a foreign government talent recruitment program and may be required to withdraw from such programs to remain employed under the DOE Contract.