Associate Director, Operational Excellence #4890

BioSpace; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 146,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

GRAIL seeks an Associate Director, Operational Excellence to lead data-driven improvement across laboratory and operations in Durham, NC. The role emphasizes real-time dashboards, SPC/QC insights, and Lean methodologies in a regulated setting.

You will partner with Engineering, Lab, and Software teams to scale Kaizen programs, implement 5S, and measure sustained impact, while ensuring compliance with CLIA, CAP, and FDA standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor\u2019s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Operations, Data Science, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 12+ years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or analytics, ideally in biotech, diagnostics, or regulated environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred), and Kaizen methodologies.
• Strong experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, Looker) and data analysis (SQL, Python, R).
• Experience with SPC/QC frameworks and cross-functional initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain operational dashboards and data visualizations for real-time performance visibility.
• Generate KPI reports; ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with goals.
• Define metrics with stakeholders and continuously improve reporting frameworks.
• Lead Lean initiatives (5S, Six Sigma, Kaizen) across teams and drive a culture of continuous improvement.
• Synthesize inputs across teams into a backlog; prioritize and align on improvement efforts.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Data visualization

Tableau

Power BI

Looker

SQL

Python

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor\u2019s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Operations, Data Science, or related field

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Looker

SQL

Python

Job description

Our mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. We are working to change the trajectory of cancer mortality and bring stakeholders together to adopt innovative, safe, and effective technologies that can transform cancer care.

We are a healthcare company, pioneering new technologies to advance early cancer detection. We have built a multi-disciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, and physicians and we are using the power of next-generation sequencing (NGS), population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to overcome one of medicine’s greatest challenges.

GRAIL is headquartered in the bay area of California, with locations in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom. It is supported by leading global investors and pharmaceutical, technology, and healthcare companies.

For more information, please visit grail.com

The Associate Director, Operational Excellence is central to driving continuous improvement, operational rigor, and data-informed decision-making across laboratory and operational workflows. The ideal candidate combines deep analytical capability with proven experience in Lean methodologies and cross-functional leadership. They will play a critical role in transforming operational data into actionable insights, enabling scalable, high-quality execution in a regulated environment.

This role works on-site full-time at our office located in Durham, NC

Responsibilities

• Operational Data & Insights
  • Design, develop, and maintain operational dashboards and data visualizations to provide real-time visibility into performance
  • Generate and distribute KPI reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with organizational goals
  • Partner with stakeholders to define meaningful metrics and continuously improve reporting frameworks
• Data Exploration & Process Monitoring
  • Conduct deep data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and leading indicators related to Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Quality Control (QC)
  • Establish and refine control limits, early warning systems, and predictive indicators to proactively manage operational risk
  • Translate complex data findings into clear, actionable recommendations
• Continuous Improvement Leadership
  • Lead and scale Lean initiatives, including 5S, Six Sigma, and Kaizen programs, across operational teams
  • Drive a culture of continuous improvement through structured problem-solving and iterative refinement of processes
  • Measure and track the impact of improvement initiatives, ensuring sustained gains
• Issue Management & Prioritization
  • Develop and maintain a centralized system for capturing operational issues, risks, and improvement opportunities
  • Synthesize inputs across teams into a structured backlog of initiatives
  • Partner with cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Engineering, Software, Lab) to prioritize and align on improvement efforts
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Act as a key liaison between Operations and non-Operations teams to drive execution of improvement initiatives
  • Ensure alignment on priorities, timelines, and expected outcomes
  • Influence without authority to remove barriers and accelerate progress

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Operations, Data Science, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 12+ years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or analytics, ideally in biotech, diagnostics, or regulated environments
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred), and Kaizen methodologies
• Strong experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker) and data analysis (SQL, Python, R, or similar)
• Proven ability to work with SPC/QC frameworks and operational performance metrics
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing senior stakeholders
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills
• Experience in NGS, clinical laboratory operations, or diagnostics workflows
• Familiarity with regulated environments (CLIA, CAP, FDA) preferred

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work performed across office, production, and executive settings.
• Exposure to manufacturing environments, including noise, chemicals, and production equipment.
• Extended or flexible hours may be required to meet organizational goals.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection, required in designated areas.

The expected, full-time, annual base pay scale for this position is $146K - $194K. Actual base pay will consider skills, experience, and location.

This role may be eligible for other forms of compensation, including an annual bonus and/or incentives, subject to the terms of the applicable plans and Company discretion. This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the range that the Company reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire; the actual compensation offered may vary depending on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications. Employees in this role are also eligible for GRAIL’s comprehensive and competitive benefits package, offered in accordance with our applicable plans and policies. This package currently includes flexible time-off or vacation; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; medical, dental, and vision coverage; and carefully selected mindfulness programs.

GRAIL is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a workplace where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, , or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Additionally, GRAIL will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at [email protected] if you require an accommodation to apply for an open position.

GRAIL maintains a drug-free workplace. We welcome job-seekers from all backgrounds to join us!