Associate Director, Lab Operations-Pharma (GMP)

Pace® Labs; Oakdale (MN); On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

401K with employer match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Pace Labs in Oakdale, MN is seeking an Associate Director of Laboratory Operations (GMP) to provide strategic leadership in a cGMP pharmaceutical testing environment, ensuring compliant, efficient operations and readiness for audits.

You will oversee equipment lifecycle management, stability and sample programs, supply chain and procurement, site training, and facility infrastructure while driving KPI-based performance, continuous improvement, and staff development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering or related field (MS preferred)
• 8+ years in a GMP pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical lab environment
• 5+ years of leadership in laboratory operations, CRO/CDMO experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Oversee equipment lifecycle management, including CAPEX/OPEX planning and asset tracking
• Oversee sample management and stability program operations, ensuring chain of custody and protocol compliance
• Manage supply chain operations, including inventory, procurement, vendor relationships, and service contracts
• Lead onboarding, site-wide training, and competency programs for laboratory personnel
• Maintain site facilities through environmental controls, space management, and building infrastructure
• Drive operational excellence through KPI monitoring, capacity planning, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead, develop, and coach laboratory operations staff with accountability and collaboration

Skills

Leadership

GMP knowledge

Process optimization

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology

MS and Lean/Six Sigma preferred

Job description

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

Associate Director, Laboratory Operations (GMP) - Oakdale, MN

Compensation: $115,000 - $130,000 per year

The salary for this position reflects a variety of factors. Compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s geographic location, relevant experience, education, skills, and alignment with internal equity. Market conditions, budgetary considerations, and organizational compensation guidelines may also influence the final offer.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Laboratory Operations provides strategic leadership for laboratory support functions within a cGMP pharmaceutical testing environment, ensuring efficient, compliant, and cost-effective operations. This role oversees equipment lifecycle management, sample and stability program operations, supply chain and procurement activities, site-wide training, and facility infrastructure while driving laboratory readiness, operational excellence, and business performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee equipment lifecycle management, including CAPEX/OPEX planning, qualification status, calibration, preventive maintenance, and asset tracking.
• Oversee sample management and stability program operations, ensuring chain of custody, scheduling, storage, and protocol compliance.
• Manage supply chain operations, including inventory, procurement, vendor relationships, and service contract coordination.
• Manage onboarding, site-wide training, and competency programs for laboratory personnel.
• Maintain site facilities through environmental controls, space management, and building infrastructure.
• Drive operational excellence through KPI monitoring, capacity planning, continuous improvement, and process optimization initiatives.
• Lead, develop, and coach laboratory operations staff while fostering accountability, collaboration, communication, and organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology/Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related field; MS and/or Lean/Six Sigma preferred.
• 8+ years in a GMP pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical lab environment.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in laboratory operations; CRO/CDMO experience preferred.

Why Join

Lead operations in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical testing environment.

High-impact role supporting drug development and commercialization.

Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and advancement.

Find Your Place at Pace - We need you - your curiosity, your talents, and your drive - to help us advance this important work.

Benefits

When you join Pace®, you commit to work that makes a positive impact on our communities and our world.

We commit to supporting you with benefits and perks that make a positive impact on your life.

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes 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

Pace® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Pace® makes the world a safer, healthier place. We partner with clients to provide the service, science, and laboratory data needed to make critical decisions that benefit us all. Through a nationwide laboratory network, Pace® advances the science of businesses, industries, consulting firms, government agencies, and others. More at PACELABS.com.