Associate Director, Lab Operations-Pharma (GMP)

Shift:

Are you ready to work making the world a safer, healthier place? Join our mission to continuously move science forward; to innovate and advance all aspects of our business to improve the health and safety of our communities and lives.

Associate Director, Laboratory Operations (GMP) – Oakdale, MN

Compensation: $115,000 - $130,000 per year 

The salary for this position reflects a variety of factors. Compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s geographic location, relevant experience, education, skills, and alignment with internal equity. Market conditions, budgetary considerations, and organizational compensation guidelines may also influence the final offer.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Laboratory Operations provides strategic leadership for laboratory support functions within a cGMP pharmaceutical testing environment, ensuring efficient, compliant, and cost-effective operations. This role oversees equipment lifecycle management, sample and stability program operations, supply chain and procurement activities, site-wide training, and facility infrastructure while driving laboratory readiness, operational excellence, and business performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee equipment lifecycle management, including CAPEX/OPEX planning, qualification status, calibration, preventive maintenance, and asset tracking.

• Oversee sample management and stability program operations, ensuring chain of custody, scheduling, storage, and protocol compliance.

• Manage supply chain operations, including inventory, procurement, vendor relationships, and service contract coordination.

• Manage onboarding, site-wide training, and competency programs for laboratory personnel.

• Maintain site facilities through environmental controls, space management, and building infrastructure.

• Drive operational excellence through KPI monitoring, capacity planning, continuous improvement, and process optimization initiatives.

• Lead, develop, and coach laboratory operations staff while fostering accountability, collaboration, communication, and organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology/Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related field; MS and/or Lean/Six Sigma preferred.

• 8+ years in a GMP pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical lab environment.

• 5+ years of leadership experience in laboratory operations; CRO/CDMO experience preferred.

Why Join

• Lead operations in a GMP‑regulated pharmaceutical testing environment.

• High‑impact role supporting drug development and commercialization.

• Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and advancement.

Find Your Place at Pace - We need you - your curiosity, your talents, and your drive - to help us advance this important work.

Benefits
When you join Pace®, you commit to work that makes a positive impact on our communities and our world. We commit to supporting you with benefits and perks that make a positive impact on your life. Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes competitive salaries, medical, dental vision, 401K retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match), life, disability and voluntary benefits, paid time off for holiday, sick and vacation days, HSA, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance program, parental leave, optional legal coverage and ID theft.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pace® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, genetics, protected veteran status, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.