Lab Operations Manager – Process and Synthesis Labs

Jobtailor; Lebanon (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a Laboratory Operations Leader in the United States to oversee day-to-day operations, safety, and compliance across process and synthesis labs. You will drive readiness for development, tech transfer, scale-up, and manufacturing support, partnering with scientists, QC, Manufacturing, Facilities, HSE, IT, and Supply Chain.

Responsibilities include equipment lifecycle management, inventory control, and the implementation of 5S and ALCOA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology or related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology, or process development laboratories.
• Demonstrated experience managing laboratory operations in a regulated environment.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas
• Experience supporting technology transfer and scale-up of synthetic molecule processes.
• Knowledge of GMP, GLP, process safety, and laboratory compliance requirements.
• Experience with digital laboratory systems (ELN, MES, LIMS, equipment management platforms)
• Project management and cross-functional leadership skills
• Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, and risk management skills
• Ability to balance scientific objectives with business priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day administrative operations, safety, and compliance of process and synthesis laboratories
• Ensure laboratories are operationally ready for process development, technology transfer, scale-up, characterization, troubleshooting, and manufacturing campaign support
• Partner with Process Scientists, Quality Control, Manufacturing, Engineering, Facilities, HSE, Lab Informatics, IT, Supply Chain, and Equipment Support teams
• Drive laboratory readiness for new programs, equipment and utility installations, and facility expansions
• Coordinate vendors and contractors while managing and maintaining inventory
• Serve as the primary contact for laboratory operational issues and escalations
• Champion safety culture, quality compliance, inspection readiness, and audit support
• Apply 5S and ALCOA principles to maintain an organized, compliant laboratory
• Oversee equipment lifecycle management, including installation, qualification, calibration, maintenance, and retirement
• Manage laboratory inventory, consumables, solvents, reagents, reference standards, and critical materials
• Implement and sustain laboratory asset management and equipment registry systems
• Build a high-performing laboratory organization and establish training and qualification programs
• Develop labor, equipment, and budget forecasts
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies
• Lead continuous improvement focused on productivity, reliability, digitalization, and data-driven decision making

Skills

Laboratory Operations Management

GMP and GLP Compliance

Cross-Functional Leadership

Digital Laboratory Systems

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology or related scientific discipline

Tools

Digital Laboratory Systems

Equipment Management Platforms

Laboratory Asset Management Systems

Job description

• Lead day-to-day administrative operations, safety, and compliance of process and synthesis laboratories
• Ensure laboratories are operationally ready for process development, technology transfer, scale-up, characterization, troubleshooting, and manufacturing campaign support
• Partner with Process Scientists, Quality Control, Manufacturing, Engineering, Facilities, HSE, Lab Informatics, IT, Supply Chain, and Equipment Support teams
• Drive laboratory readiness for new programs, equipment and utility installations, and facility expansions
• Coordinate vendors and contractors while managing and maintaining inventory
• Serve as the primary contact for laboratory operational issues and escalations
• Champion safety culture, quality compliance, inspection readiness, and audit support
• Apply 5S and ALCOA principles to maintain an organized, compliant laboratory
• Oversee equipment lifecycle management, including installation, qualification, calibration, maintenance, and retirement
• Manage laboratory inventory, consumables, solvents, reagents, reference standards, and critical materials
• Implement and sustain laboratory asset management and equipment registry systems
• Build a high-performing laboratory organization and establish training and qualification programs
• Develop labor, equipment, and budget forecasts
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies
• Lead continuous improvement focused on productivity, reliability, digitalization, and data-driven decision making

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology or related scientific discipline
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology, or process development laboratories
• Demonstrated experience managing laboratory operations in a regulated environment
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment requiring safe handling of chemicals, wearing appropriate PPE, and understanding other safety-related equipment or considerations
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas
• Experience supporting technology transfer and scale-up of synthetic molecule processes
• Knowledge of GMP, GLP, process safety, and laboratory compliance requirements
• Experience with digital laboratory systems (ELN, MES, LIMS, equipment management platforms)
• Project management and cross-functional leadership skills
• Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, and risk management skills
• Ability to balance scientific objectives with business priorities

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in managing laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with GMP and GLP standards, and leading cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement and operational readiness. Proficient in implementing digital laboratory systems and maintaining safety and quality standards in a regulated environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Laboratory Operations Management
• GMP and GLP Compliance
• Digital Laboratory Systems (ELN, MES, LIMS)
• Project Management
• Cross-Functional Leadership

Hard Skills

• Laboratory Compliance
• Process Development
• Technology Transfer
• Equipment Lifecycle Management
• Risk Management
• Budget Forecasting
• 5S Principles
• ALCOA Principles
• Inventory Management
• Continuous Improvement

Soft Skills

• Decision-Making
• Problem-Solving
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Leadership

Industry Keywords

• Pharmaceutical
• Biotechnology
• Chemical
• Regulated Environment
• Safety Culture

Tools & Technologies

• Digital Laboratory Systems
• Equipment Management Platforms
• Laboratory Asset Management Systems