Associate Director, Lab Operations-Pharma (GMP)

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Laboratory Operations leads day-to-day cGMP lab operations, ensuring teams are staffed, trained, and aligned to meet quality and timeline expectations. This role drives performance through clear communication, coaching, and accountability while fostering a collaborative, high trust culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and coach staff; ensure clear expectations, strong communication, and effective team coordination.

• Oversee equipment lifecycle management, including calibration, preventive maintenance, and asset tracking.

• Maintain site facilities through environmental controls, space management, and building infrastructure.

• Manage supply chain operations: inventory, procurement, vendor relationships, and service coordination.

• Oversee sample management and stability program operations, including sample chain of custody, scheduling, and compliance with protocols.

• Ensure EH&S compliance, hazardous waste management, and routine safety checks.

• Manage onboarding, training, and competency programs for laboratory personnel.

• Manage the administrative staff.

• Support financial oversight, including CAPEX/OPEX budgeting and process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology/Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related field; MS and/or Lean/Six Sigma preferred.

• 7+ years in a GMP pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical lab environment.

• 5+ years of leadership experience in laboratory operations; CRO/CDMO experience preferred.

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of equipment management, sample management, stability programs, inventory control, facilities, EH&S requirements, and training systems.

• Experience with budgeting, operational planning, and continuous improvement.

• Ability to make sound operational decisions, ensure compliance, and drive team performance.

Pay

$115,000 - $125,000 per year

Schedule

Shift Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program including competitive salaries, medical, dental, vision, 401K retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match), life, disability and voluntary benefits, paid time off for holiday, sick and vacation days, HSA, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance program, parental leave, optional legal coverage and ID theft.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, genetics, protected veteran status, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.