Lab Manager - Laboratory Facilities

CordenPharma is a leading full-service Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, drug products (DPs), and packaging. With around 3,000 employees worldwide, we help pharmaceutical and biotech companies manufacture medicines with the ultimate goal of improving people’s lives. Our network, spanning Europe and the U.S., provides flexible and specialized solutions across six technology platforms: Peptides, Lipids & Carbohydrates, Injectables, Highly Potent & Oncology, Small Molecules, and Oligonucleotides.

About the role

The Lab Manager at CordenPharma Colorado oversees the daily operations of the Development Laboratory, ensuring high efficiency, strict safety compliance, and adherence to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) to meet department needs and client project timelines. This role acts as a critical bridge between laboratory staff, internal departments, and external vendors, coordinating laboratory operations and collaborating with process Development Chemists, Analytical Chemists, Chromatographers, and/or Process Specialists.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day lab activities, ensuring equipment maintains qualified status (through I&E Group and external vendors), scheduling, and troubleshooting; lead 6S/lean lab efforts.
• Hire, train, mentor, and supervise lab administrators, ensuring high performance and adherence to safety and compliance protocols.
• Manage laboratory inventory (reagents, consumables) and maintain stock levels to prevent downtime, while managing the lab budget and purchasing.
• Lead Lab Safety Programs (SHE), including chemical hygiene, waste disposal, and safety training.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and support a healthy, flexible work environment that encourages employee development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Chemistry or related scientific field and 6 years of analytical pharmaceutical experience or related laboratory management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Current knowledge of laboratory equipment and a proven track record of hands-on operations in the laboratory or equivalent experience.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents; ability to present information effectively to management and peers.
• Ability to comprehend and apply principles of mathematics applicable to the position, including algebra and basic calculus.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems, including nonverbal symbolism (chemical formulae, scientific equations, graphs).

Skills

• Deep understanding of lab equipment (e.g., HPLC/UPLC, GC, prep chromatography) and lab practices (hazardous chemical handling, safe storage practices, waste handling).
• Experience with standard procurement practices (SAP, etc.).
• Proven ability to manage a team, foster a collaborative cross-departmental environment, and work under pressure.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, work with hands, talk, hear, and recognize odors.
• Occasionally required to reach above shoulder height; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Position requires essentially 100% of working hours to be on-site, with potential for occasional after-hours responsiveness for critical activities.
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, acceptable levels of toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching: Corden Pharma will contribute 100% of the first 6% (100% vested after 2 years of service).
• Accident Plan
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Insurance PPO/HSA
• Hospital Indemnity Plan
• ID Theft Protection
• Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness Program
• Vacation: Three weeks in the first year
• Vision Insurance