Business Manager (77)

Position Description:

Position Summary
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory is an exciting and dynamic organization that is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. Whether you are a scientist, student, or simply someone who is fascinated by the cosmos, the NRAO offers a wealth of opportunities to learn, explore, and discover.

The NRAO announces an opportunity for a Business Manager to join our Management team in Socorro. The Business Manager will be responsible for the administration and management of business functions for our NM facilities. The Business Manager is a stakeholder in the following activities: Budgeting, Purchasing, Facilities Maintenance and General Business Operations.

The position is based at the Science Operations Center in Socorro, NM on the campus of New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (www.nmt.edu). Socorro is a small, historical town in the Rio Grande Valley, 75 miles south of Albuquerque. While this position is based at the Science Operations Center a partial telework agreement may be considered.

What You Will be Doing:
In general, the Business Manager oversees a wide range of business, leased facility and operational functions for the Observatory and New Mexico Operations. The Business Manager is responsible for providing input to Budget on NM administration expenses, property/asset control/lease management for NM based sites, facility maintenance, office equipment/furnishing, overseeing established contracts and contractors, and the administration of non-contracted services such as utilities and telecommunications. Through the supervision of direct reports, the Business Manager is also responsible for warehousing/capital equipment, shipping/receiving, visitor services/travel, management oversight of the VLA onsite retail store and GSA fleet management.

The job duties include, but are not restricted to:
• Prepares or coordinates preparation of administrative reports; analyzes and interprets statistics, and management planning data for predicting resource needs and developing long range plans.
• Analyzes and plans for the needs of staff, capital equipment/ improvements, supplies, and services and takes appropriate action, considering budget limitations.
• Manages and controls expenditures in accordance with budgeted amounts; authorizes payments and requests for supplies and services or other purchases, rarely requiring higher level authorization.
• Identifies and defines business needs and opportunities for improvement.
• Works with university (NMT) personnel in the implementation of building system repair and replacement solutions. Directs and coordinates the activities related to facility maintenance and repair services.
• May work with government entities or agencies to coordinate supply or movement of natural resources
• Implements project plans as designed; monitors project status and resource utilization and recommends changes to improve team effectiveness
• Gathers facts, researches issues, analyzes potential solutions, compares alternatives in terms of cost, time and availability of resources and recommends a course of action.
• Advises staff on company policies and financial matters, instructs and orients new members of staff as necessary.
• Interprets, implements, develops and/or recommends changes to rules, regulations, policies and procedures set forth by the Observatory or outside governing agencies.
• Proactive compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in own work area is expected.
• Others relevant duties as assigned.


Work Environment
The Business Manager will work with a high degree of independence. While performing the duties of this job, the employee typically sits at a desk, uses a personal computer, telephone, photocopier, scanner, facsimile, and other standard office equipment. Requires frequent travel to the VLA site. May be required to travel to other sites.

Who You Are:


• You have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field.
• You have five years of highly relevant work experience.
• While not required, you may have two or more years of experience supervising staff.

Competency Summary
• Experience utilizing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) package, highly desirable;
• Must possess leadership skills.
• Requires excellent communication skills.
• Reliable, able to work without close supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other managers, employees and Observatory visitors, contractors, landlords.
• Thorough understanding of Division functions and Observatory policies is highly d