Managing Director, Laboratory Operations

About the role

ICON Specialty Labs partners with biopharma clients to design, verify and validate clinical trial assays (CTA) for patient selection, therapeutic efficacy, and monitoring. We are at the forefront of precision medicine diagnostic technology and ensure reliable and accurate results for pivotal clinical endpoints.

The Managing Director, Laboratory Operations role will be responsible for the overall success, quality and profitability of the ICON Lab in Portland, Oregon. They will oversee and manage all aspects across high-complexity testing in our Specialty Laboratory Operations (in collaboration with the Medical Director) including but not limited to: Sample Receipt & Processing, Clinical Trial Testing & Reporting, Custom Method Development, Reagent Production, Project Management, Record Retention, Regulatory Compliance (CLIA, CAP, NY & other states, FDA, EMA, etc.), Inventory Management and Employee Safety. They will have direct P&L responsibilities while managing a team of Directors and Managers. This role drives strategic growth, operational excellence, and innovation while ensuring compliant, high-quality delivery of specialty laboratory services supporting global clinical trials.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for global Specialty Laboratory Operations.
• Ensure compliance with CAP, CLIA, NYS, and applicable global regulatory requirements.
• Own operational performance metrics, including quality, turnaround time, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Maintain financial accountability, including budgeting, forecasting, and investment planning.
• Lead and develop senior laboratory leadership teams; drive talent development and succession planning.
• Partner cross-functionally with Medical, Quality, Commercial, IT/LIMS, and Global Lab Operations.
• Sponsor automation, digital, and process improvement initiatives to support scalability and innovation.

Position Requirements

• 10 years progressive experience including both CAP/ CLIA accredited and GLP Lab environments, including at least 5 years experience in these environments managing P&L
• Proven ability to effectively communicate with external clients, especially in support of increasing revenue attainment
• BS or higher Degree in Medical or Life Sciences (clinical, biological, chemical, or laboratory science discipline) required; MBA preferred
• Proven ability to successfully lead, motivate and influence employees positioned at all organizational levels including change leadership
• Strong interpersonal, analytical and communication skills
• Able to be in the Portland, Oregon office 5 days a week

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What ICON can offer you:

• Variety of annual leave entitlements
• A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family’s needs
• Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximize savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead
• Global Employee Assistance Programme, LifeWorks, offering 24-hour access to a global network of over 80,000 independent specialized professionals who are there to support you and your family’s well-being
• Life assurance
• Flexible country-specific optional benefits, including childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidized travel passes, health assessments, among others