Laboratory Operations Manager

Stanley Cowton International; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanley Cowton International in Pennsylvania is seeking a hands-on Laboratory Operations Manager to bring structure and pace to a GMP quality laboratory. You will lead a small technical team, own day-to-day lab operations, ensure compliance, and prepare the site for regulatory inspections.

This role focuses on building systems, refining SOPs, managing stability studies, and coordinating with QA, scientific and operations colleagues to deliver reliable results and audit readiness.

Qualifications

• Degree in life sciences or chemistry.
• Extensive GMP pharmaceutical/biotech lab operations experience including people management.
• Hands-on with stability programmes and GMP sample/inventory control.
• Solid knowledge of chromatography systems and lab data software.
• Experience supporting FDA or equivalent regulatory inspections.
• Proven track record of improving lab systems and processes.
• Willingness to work a shift-based schedule as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of laboratory technicians.
• Own lab operations including sample management, inventory, equipment upkeep and housekeeping.
• Manage stability studies in line with GMP and ICH requirements.
• Keep the lab audit-ready and support regulatory inspections.
• Collaborate with QA, scientific and operations teams to ensure readiness.
• Work with vendors to keep instruments running and resolve issues quickly.
• Develop and improve SOPs, training and maintenance programs.

Skills

Team leadership

GMP operations

Stability studies

Lab inventory management

Chromatography systems

Lab data software

Regulatory inspections (FDA)

Education

Life sciences or chemistry degree

Tools

Chromatography hardware

LIMS

Job description

Laboratory Operations Manager – GMP Life Sciences

Pennsylvania | On site

$140-$150k base + bonus and benefits

I am representing a growing life sciences business that is looking for a hands on Laboratory Operations Manager to bring structure and pace to its GMP quality laboratory.

This is a build and improve role. You'll lead a small technical team and take ownership of how the lab runs day to day: its systems, its compliance and its readiness for inspection. It suits a practical leader who enjoys putting processes in place and seeing the results.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of laboratory technicians
• Own lab operations, including sample management, inventory, equipment upkeep and housekeeping
• Manage stability studies and controlled materials in line with GMP and ICH requirements
• Keep the lab audit-ready at all times and support regulatory and client inspections
• Work with vendors and internal teams to keep instruments running and resolve issues quickly
• Build and improve SOPs, training and maintenance programmes
• Partner with QA, scientific and operations colleagues across the site

Required experience:

• Degree in a life science or chemistry-related discipline
• Significant experience in GMP pharmaceutical or biotech laboratory operations, including people management
• Hands on experience with stability programmes and GMP sample or inventory control
• Good working knowledge of chromatography systems and lab data software
• Experience supporting FDA or equivalent regulatory inspections
• A track record of improving lab systems and processes
• Flexibility to work a shift-based schedule when needed