DIRECTOR, LABORATORY OPERATIONS

Klein Hersh International - New York, NY

Full-time - Senior

New York, NY

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

Our client is a leading provider of control and disease state samples, including human and animal tissues, cells, blood, and other biofluids. This impactful role requires a highly motivated self-starter and engaging leader with a strong background in leading operational teams in a life sciences production laboratory. The Director will provide direction, development opportunities, guidance, and inspiration to the team responsible for processing biomaterials in the Westbury laboratory. This position is crucial for cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring that laboratory operations align with the company's objectives and business plans. The Director will be responsible for creating and maintaining appropriate policies, systems, procedures, and resources to direct laboratory operations effectively. This includes establishing standard operating procedures (SOP) that meet or exceed compliance guidelines set by agencies such as OSHA and ISO 9001:2008. The role demands ensuring that service and production activities are completed timely and in accordance with established safety, quality, and production standards. Additionally, the Director will develop systems and materials to train, monitor, and assess employee activities as per SOPs, empowering staff in alignment with the company's values and culture. A key aspect of this role is to develop talent by coaching team members, providing development opportunities, and prioritizing talent discussions. The Director will also be responsible for ensuring full compliance with all safety, regulatory, and legal requirements, including those related to blood borne pathogens and general duty of care towards customers, suppliers, and employees. Regular lab meetings will be conducted to foster a cohesive work environment and facilitate effective communication within the lab. The Director will also participate in and lead cross-functional meetings with teams that have close interdependencies on laboratory functions to meet or exceed expected production levels. The role involves researching, recommending, and applying both conventional and new technology concepts to potential products and processes. The Director will ensure that all equipment is maintained appropriately, keep track of spending, create department budgets, and establish and maintain appropriate staff levels. Acting as a technical resource for questions related to blood, biofluids, and general lab processing, the Director will work closely with business units to provide effective solutions that support operations, sales, marketing, R&D, and quality objectives. Establishing and reporting on metrics that support departmental and company goals is also a critical responsibility, along with staying informed about new developments in test and production methods and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Cultivates a culture of continuous improvement.
• Creates and maintains appropriate policies, systems, procedures, and resources.
• Directs laboratory operations and establishes standard operating procedures (SOP) to support company objectives.
• Establishes processes that meet or exceed compliance guidelines set by agencies such as OSHA and ISO 9001:2008.
• Ensures timely completion of service and production activities in accordance with established safety, quality, and production standards.
• Develops systems and materials to train, monitor, and assess employee activities as per SOPs.
• Develops and empowers staff in support of the company's values and culture.
• Conducts regular lab meetings to create a cohesive work environment and facilitate effective communication.
• Participates and leads regular cross-functional meetings with interdependent teams to meet or exceed expected production levels.
• Researches, recommends, and applies conventional and new technology concepts to potential products and processes.
• Ensures all equipment is maintained appropriately, including calibrations and yearly PM.
• Keeps track of spending and creates department budgets for personnel, operating expenses, and capital equipment.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate staff levels.
• Acts as a technical resource for questions relating to blood, biofluids, and general lab processing.
• Works closely with business units to provide effective solutions to support operations, sales, marketing, R&D, and quality objectives.
• Establishes and reports on metrics that support departmental and company goals.
• Stays informed about new developments and changes in test and production methods and techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related science field (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years' experience working in a life sciences laboratory environment.
• Experience with blood borne pathogens, organisms/cell culture, Hematology, phlebotomy, or hands-on blood experience preferred.
• 5+ years' experience leading a successful team.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to create and implement operational plans successfully.
• Experience in scientific/manufacturing principles associated with product design, development, and manufacturing (GLP, CAP, and GMP environments a plus).
• Good understanding of aseptic technique and general laboratory techniques.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to troubleshoot and investigate production problems.
• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to communicate at all levels within an organization.
• Proven project management skills gained within a manufacturing, large pharmaceutical, or successful biotechnology company.
• Ability to present scientific information to various audiences.
• Proven commercial acumen and ability to formulate and implement commercially viable operating plans.
• Strong background in Life Science, Biotech, or Pharmaceutical industries.
• Diverse experience across customer service, global distribution, and cold chain logistics.
• Lean Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement training and certification.
• Project Management training and certification (e.g., PMP).
• Ability to effectively present information to customers, clients, and internal staff members.
• Proven commercial and financial acumen in strategic planning.
• Experience in Business Continuity and Emergency Planning.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Nice-to-haves

• Track record of innovation and problem solving in a variety of scenarios.
• Experience leading a team of 10 or more.