Laboratory Operations Manager

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

Job summary

Stanley Cowton International is seeking a hands-on Laboratory Operations Manager to bring structure to a GMP‑compliant life sciences lab in Pennsylvania. You will lead a small technical team, own day-to-day lab operations, and ensure readiness for inspections.

You will implement robust processes, SOPs, and training, while collaborating with QA, scientific, and operations colleagues to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Degree in life science or chemistry field required.
• Significant GMP pharmaceutical/biotech lab ops experience with people management.
• Experience with stability programmes and GMP inventory control.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

People management

GMP compliance

Lab operations

Regulatory inspections

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or Chemistry

Tools

Lab data software

Chromatography systems

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