Director of Operations

Job Description

The Director of Operations is responsible for driving operational excellence, profitable growth, talent development, and exceptional client delivery across Lancaster's Microbiology, Packaging & Mechanical Testing, Container Closure Integrity Testing (CCIT), and Extractables & Leachables (E&L) operations.

This leader will have direct accountability for operational and financial performance, including revenue execution, personnel productivity, capacity utilization, cost management, quality, and profitability.

Working closely with Commercial, Finance, Quality, and technical leadership , the Director will build high-performing teams, optimize laboratory operations, and ensure the business can scale efficiently while delivering industry-leading scientific quality and client service.

The ideal candidate combines strong operational leadership, financial discipline, people development, and a continuous improvement mindset, with experience managing complex, regulated laboratory businesses.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Excellence & Performance

• Lead daily laboratory operations across multiple testing disciplines, ensuring safety, quality, efficiency, and reliable client delivery.
• Establish and manage operational KPIs, including productivity, turnaround time, on-time delivery, capacity utilization, quality, and client satisfaction.
• Drive continuous improvement, Lean practices, workflow optimization, automation, and digital solutions to increase efficiency and scalability.
• Optimize resource allocation, laboratory capacity, equipment utilization, and operational processes to support profitable growth.
• Build a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and disciplined execution.

2. Financial Performance & Profitability

• Own operational P&L performance, including revenue delivery, labor productivity, operating expenses, and EBITAS improvement.
• Develop and execute operating plans, budgets, forecasts, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Improve personnel cost as a percentage of revenue through workforce planning, productivity improvements, and operational leverage.
• Translate commercial bookings and project demand into executable capacity plans and timely revenue recognition.
• Evaluate capital investments, resource requirements, and operational initiatives based on financial returns and strategic priorities.

3. People Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, coach, and develop laboratory managers and functional leaders, strengthening leadership capability throughout the organization.
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountability, and measurable development objectives.
• Build succession plans, develop future leaders, and strengthen employee engagement and retention.
• Foster a collaborative, client-focused culture built on ownership, continuous improvement, scientific excellence, and teamwork.
• Align organizational structure, staffing, and capabilities with current demand and future growth.

4. Commercial Partnership & Client Excellence

• Partner with Commercial and Client Program Management (CPM) to support revenue growth, new opportunities, and strategic client programs.
• Ensure operational readiness, capacity, and execution for new business awards and expanding client requirements.
• Drive proactive client communication, effective escalation management, and consistent on-time project delivery.
• Support major proposals, technical solutions, client visits, and strategic account development.
• Collaborate across Eurofins' laboratory network to optimize capabilities, capacity, and client solutions.

5. Quality, Compliance & Technical Leadership

• Ensure operations consistently meet applicable GMP, ISO 17025, ISO 13485, and other relevant regulatory and quality requirements.
• Partner with Quality and technical leaders to maintain inspection readiness, scientific integrity, and robust quality systems.
• Drive timely resolution of deviations, investigations, CAPAs, and client quality concerns.
• Support technical capability expansion, method implementation, and laboratory innovation in partnership with scientific leaders.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, compliance, and operational risk management.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific or technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in regulated laboratory operations, medical device testing, pharmaceutical testing, or related life sciences services.
• 5+ years of progressive operational leadership, including direct management and development of managers or department leaders.
• Demonstrated financial acumen, including budget management, cost optimization, productivity improvement, and accountability for financial results.
• Proven ability to drive operational excellence, organizational change, and measurable business performance improvements.
• Experience working within GMP, ISO, or comparable regulated laboratory environments.
• Strong communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Preferred

• Direct P&L ownership within a commercial testing laboratory, CRO, or life sciences services organization.
• Experience with Microbiology, Packaging & Mechanical Testing, CCIT, Analytical Chemistry, or E&L operations.
• Demonstrated success improving EBITAS, personnel productivity, capacity utilization, and service delivery.
• Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, automation, LIMS, or laboratory digital transformation initiatives.
• Experience supporting business expansion, new laboratory capabilities, and complex client programs.
• Advanced degree in scientific discipline, engineering, or business administration.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, onsite leadership position based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The role requires a visible, hands-on leadership presence within laboratory operations and flexibility to support business and client needs.

What we offer:

• Excellent full-time benefits, including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Yearly goal-based bonus & eligibility for merit-based increases

Eurofins USA Medical Devices is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.