Laboratory Operations & Manufacturing Manager

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Manager of Lab Operations & Manufacturing Manager to join our team in a permanent, full-time capacity. This individual will oversee both the technical laboratory ecosystem and the formulation and quality control testing of In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) medical device products. This role serves as a critical bridge between Product Development, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance. The ideal candidate will ensure efficient day-to-day operations, lead process validation and design transfer, and enforce compliant execution of laboratory and manufacturing processes. All activities must strictly align with ISO 13485, FDA QSR (21 CFR 820), GMP principles, and CLIA/CAP design control frameworks.

Your day-to-day

Laboratory & Production Operations

• Coordinate daily laboratory scheduling and workload prioritization.
• Schedule and conduct manufacturing and formulation activities, including reagent preparation, assembly, sampling, labeling, and in-process quality checks following approved batch records and SOPs.
• Manage operational readiness for active studies, ensuring continuity across projects, personnel, reagent/consumable inventory, equipment status, and workspace coordination.
• Coordinate with Leadership and Project Management to monitor execution of active studies to ensure continuity across projects and personnel.
• Establish, maintain, and scale laboratory organization, cleanliness, and operational standards to support evolving assay development needs.
• Improve communication, handoff processes, and operational training across laboratory and production personnel.
• Oversee laboratory personnel adherence to laboratory best-practices and ensure that documentation, protocols and reports are written comprehensively and consistent with IVD industry standards.

Equipment & Facility Oversight

• Maintain comprehensive oversight of laboratory and manufacturing equipment, including preventive maintenance, calibrations, assets records, and qualification protocols and records (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Coordinate equipment troubleshooting, vendor service, and operational uptime.
• Track facility-related operational issues including HVAC, humidity, power stability, and environmental controls.

Quality Systems, Documentation & Compliance

• Apply working knowledge of GMP principles, ISO 13485, and 21 CFR 820 requirements to ensure process consistency and compliance.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks, batch records, maintenance logs, and validation protocols in a complete, traceable manner following quality assurance requirements.
• Identify and assess process risks, implement mitigations, and escalate gaps between documented procedures and operational practices.
• Coordinate laboratory operational readiness for audits, inspections, and product development activities.

Team Coordination

• Manage and coordinate staff scheduling, task ownership, and study progression.
• Work collaboratively with scientists and managers to support assay development and validation efforts.
• Facilitate operational meetings and daily maintenance activities.
• Assist with onboarding and operational training of laboratory personnel.

Resource & Inventory Management

• Coordinate vendor relationships.
• Establish, maintain, and forecast reagent, consumable, and raw material management processes.
• Coordinate laboratory inventory and consumable management to prevent workflow disruptions due to material shortages or equipment downtime.
• Implement and manage the laboratory inventory, supply management program, and forecasting of operational needs.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement sustainable laboratory systems.
• Develop scalable operational workflows that support evolving assay development needs.
• Partner with leadership to improve execution consistency and reduce operational risk.
• Monitor laboratory key performance indicators.

What it takes to do this job

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, clinical laboratory science, or related field.
• 5+ years of laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics, biotechnology, clinical laboratory, medical device manufacturing, or regulated life sciences environment.
• 3+ years of direct experience in the IVD medical device or molecular diagnostic industry, with a demonstrated history of executing batch records, validation protocols, and QC testing.

Skills and Competencies

• Proven ability to manage competing priorities across multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with regulated quality systems (CLIA, CAP, ISO 13485, Design Control, GMP, and 21 CFR 820).
• Experience supporting FDA or Notified Body audits is preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate cross-functionally with senior leadership and scientific staff.

Physical Demands

• Standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, manual manipulation, and lifting 25 pounds.
• Ability to have full-body movement.
• All candidates must take a color vision test.
• Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for at least 50% of a typical working day.
• Ability to grasp with both hands; pinch with thumb and forefinger; turn with hand/arm; reach above shoulder height.

Who you are

You have a “do what it takes – no job is too small” team player and a positive attitude with a willingness to wear other hats and step in to perform and support other roles when needed. A team player who is curious, adaptable, and willing to learn new techniques or concepts. Your organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task are excellent. A proactive problem-solver who takes ownership of assigned tasks. You like building effective internal and partner relationships including with team members, clients, vendors, suppliers, and team members.