Laboratory Director

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom; New Jersey; On-site; USD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom seeks a Business Unit Director for Bioanalytical Services to lead and grow the U.S. bioanalytical business, driving scientific excellence and strong operational performance.

The role includes strategy, P&L ownership, lab leadership, GLP compliance, and collaboration with HR for talent development and with clients for business development, ensuring delivery of high-quality studies and expanded service offerings.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Analytical Sciences, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of leadership experience in pharma, biotech, CRO/CDMO or life sciences.
• Proven experience leading scientific organizations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Extensive experience in analytical sciences supporting early-phase drug development from preclinical through Phase I–III.
• Strong understanding of GLP regulations and regulatory expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and expand U.S. Bioanalytical Services business and drive operational performance.
• Develop and execute strategic business plans to grow revenue and meet objectives.
• Manage full P&L, budgets, and operational performance with KPI tracking.
• Build and lead a high-performing bioanalytical laboratory and ensure GLP/non-GLP study quality.
• Foster client relationships and support business development from engagement to contracts.

Skills

Leadership

P&L management

Strategic planning

GLP knowledge

Regulatory knowledge

Budget management

Client relationship management

Team development

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Analytical Sciences/Chemistry

Job description

Business Unit Director – Bioanalytical Services

Key Responsibilities

Business Leadership

• Lead and expand the U.S. Bioanalytical Services business, driving scientific excellence and operational performance.
• Develop and execute strategic business plans to achieve revenue growth and long-term organizational objectives.
• Manage full P&L responsibility, including operating and capital budgets (OPEX/CAPEX).
• Monitor business performance through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Laboratory Operations

• Build, lead, and optimize a high-performing bioanalytical laboratory.
• Ensure efficient utilization of personnel, laboratory equipment, and facility resources.
• Oversee the successful execution of GLP and non-GLP bioanalytical studies while maintaining the highest quality standards.
• Promote operational excellence through process improvements and scientific innovation.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing scientific and operational team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and professional growth.
• Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, succession planning, training, and organizational development.
• Serve as the executive point of contact for prospective and existing clients.
• Support business development activities from initial client engagement through proposal development and contract negotiation.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships while ensuring exceptional service delivery.

Strategic Growth

• Conduct market analysis to identify emerging industry trends and new business opportunities.
• Assess competitive positioning and recommend strategies to strengthen market presence.
• Collaborate across functional teams to support organizational growth and integrated service offerings.
• Drive innovation across scientific, operational, and commercial activities.

Qualifications

Education

• Master's or Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Analytical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of leadership experience within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, CDMO, or related life sciences industry.
• Demonstrated success leading scientific organizations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Extensive experience in analytical sciences supporting early-phase drug development from preclinical through Phase I–III.
• Strong understanding of GLP regulations, laboratory quality systems, and regulatory expectations.

Knowledge & Skills

• Proven leadership, coaching, and organizational development experience.
• Strong business acumen with experience managing budgets and financial performance.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience leading organizations through growth and operational transformation.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.