Lab Animal Operations Manager

Job Purpose:

The Manager, Operations is accountable for the overall operational performance and success of the operational areas of responsibility.  This hands-on role will have a highly visible and dynamic leadership presence at the facility, supporting the implementation of company strategies and ensuring regulatory and operational compliance. This role demands a strong emphasis on safety, quality, productivity and operational efficiency, maintenance, and cost control/reduction.

*This position is on-site.

*Travel is required - ~25%

This position encompasses both day-to-day operational management and strategic planning and direction. Fundamental to the role are 1) adherence to management best practices and a clear understanding of the technical expertise and scientific requirements and capabilities across the site to fuel a solution-oriented culture; and 2) strong relationship-building skills in order to effectively manage and motivate a diverse range of people to deliver a high level of customer service.

The Manager, Operations will protect the Company’s brand by ensuring the areas of operational responsibility represents acceptable aesthetic, scientific and technical standards to deliver competently to our customers at all times. The role will actively support the continued growth of the business, attending customer visits, regulatory visits and ensuring measures are in place to comply and actions are delivered wherever necessary.  Ensuring KPI metrics are met within the Lines of business on site and connecting different departments to ensure seamless delivery of projects on time.

The job description includes but is not limited to the outline described below.

Accountabilities in Operational Areas of Responsibility:

Financial responsibility

• Having a good financial understanding of the profit and loss for the operational areas of responsibility is imperative.
• Revenue recognition and cost control is a key accountability.

Visible leadership

• Interacting with departments, quality assurance, safety and support staff site on general matters.
• Hold regular meetings with staff and establish a two-way (upward and downward) communication.
• Ensure cascading of important information
• Attend opening and closing meetings with all customers and regulatory officials.

Compliance

• Ensure all regulatory compliance is adhered to and that the duties and actions to maintain compliance are met in operational areas of responsibility.
• Drive the quality metrics to ensure expected standards are met.
• Tour Ready and 5S is implemented and regular inspections are held
• Ensure familiarity and compliance with relevant Health and Safety regulations
• Ensuring high quality animal care and compliance with the relevant animal care regulations

Operational delivery

• Operate units at a high standard of regulatory compliance and accreditation including but not limited to (AAALAC, USDA, Client Audits, Internal Audits, Business Continuity, Animal Welfare Regulations and Business Integrity).
• Assist other units through direct participation in marketing and sales efforts and in necessary regulatory roles.
• Manage appropriate staffing levels and ongoing technician training.
• Assist with budget forecast by projecting revenue returns and expense levels.
• Achieve revenue, cost and profit goals by monitoring performance.
• Respond directly to client feedback.
• Meet productivity goals.
• Achieve Key Business Indicators
• Recommend new facility and program designs for operational areas.
• Establish production/sales models and resource commitments.
• Monitor the quality system and set standards for quality program participation and compliance.
• Management of team, regular and thorough performance evaluations, ensuring development opportunities and tailored learning plans are in place.
• Working with HR team to implement policies and procedures to resolve pertinent site related issues around workforce planning recruitment, performance management and disciplinary matters associated with assigned operational units.
• All responsibilities and duties as assigned to operational business units.

Customer relations

• Focus on achieving customer satisfaction and loyalty through quality and agreed expectations.
• Interact with major account holders ensuring that the operational strategy is aligned with existing and emerging market needs and customer expectations.
• Together with operational leaders, develop an awareness of customer feedback and sentiment (Voice of the Customer), identify root cause and create and monitor action plans to address

Quality, Health and Safety

• Adopt the Company’s Quality Policy in the work delivered.
• Take accountability for the Quality metrics and delivery of improvements.
• Ensure the culture is in line with our Vision, Mission and Values
• Effectively communicate issues relating to safety, operations and quality along with achievements and actions required to senior management.
• Support the establishment of disaster recovery plans and establish contingency planning as required to mitigate actual or perceived risks to the business
• Promote and support self-reporting

Business continuity and risk

• Adopt and implement our Business continuity policy throughout the site
• Ensure procedures are tested at least annually
• Be visible and available in times of need
• It is expected that any risk should be notified to line manager

KPI’s:

• Contribution to Company-wide metrics
• Operational Metrics
• Voice of the customer
• Quality Metrics
• Employee related Metrics
• Profit and Loss

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferred in Life Science, Animal Science or Management, or equivalent experience in managerial roles.
• Must have 8 - 10 years of management experience.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the biomedical industry.
• Experience working with animals.
• Animal Production experience preferred.
• Previous experience with process improvement methodologies.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to manage site operations with P&L responsibility and people management.
• Possess strong analytical and conflict resolution skills, to help build and lead a successful team that aims at achieving business objectives.
• Must have proven verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have the ability to prioritize and multi-task.

Preferred Qualifications/Skills/Abilities:

• Advanced study in engineering or business

*This position could be offered at different levels for candidates who qualify with a combination of advanced levels of education and/or years of experience.  The salary range will adjust along with the level of the role to match the person’s relevant experience and/or education level.

Inotiv is a growing contemporary drug discovery and development company where we “Play to Win” in an industry rich with opportunity.  Together, we face challenges and together we win in the delivery of world-class drug discovery and development solutions that impact the health and well-being of people all over the world.  There’s an opportunity for everyone at all phases of a career, each individual’s unique skill set has an impact on the work we conduct. If you have the talent and desire to impact the quality of people’s lives, we have the career opportunities to make it happen.  Join us in embracing research and science to impact the health and well-being of people all over the world.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and responsibilities. Benefits include health and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid parental leave, 401K, and more!

Inotiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training.