Scientific Leader, Lab Operations

SCIENTIFIC LEADER, LAB OPERATIONSMulti-Site | P&L Ownership | Personnel ManagementPosition SummaryThe Scientific Leader, Lab Operations is a senior-level hybrid scientist-operator responsible for the end-to-end performance of laboratory testing operations across multiple sites. This leader owns full P&L accountability for their portfolio, drives operational excellence, ensures scientific integrity and regulatory compliance, and develops high-performing teams. This role is ideal for a credentialed scientific professional who has built commercial acumen alongside deep technical expertise and has a track record of scaling complex, multi-site testing environments.Key ResponsibilitiesP&L & Financial OwnershipOwn revenue, margin, and cost targets across a defined portfolio of laboratory testing sitesDevelop and manage annual operating budgets; provide monthly financial reporting to executive leadershipIdentify and execute cost-reduction and revenue-expansion initiatives without compromising quality or throughputPartner with commercial/business development teams to support pricing strategy, client retention, and new business proposalsLead capital expenditure planning, including equipment investment justification and ROI analysisMulti-Site Lab OperationsOversee daily operations across multiple laboratory sites, ensuring consistency in workflows, turnaround times, and quality standardsEstablish and enforce standardized operating procedures (SOPs), capacity planning models, and resource allocation frameworks across sitesDrive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent) to optimize throughput, reduce waste, and improve TATMonitor and act on KPIs including sample volume, capacity utilization, instrument uptime, and client satisfaction metricsLead cross-site coordination for surge capacity, disaster recovery protocols, and operational contingency planning Scientific & Technical LeadershipServe as the scientific authority for testing methodologies, instrumentation, and data integrity across all reporting sitesEnsure laboratories maintain and continuously improve accreditation standing (ISO 17025, CAP, CLIA, A2LA, or equivalent as applicable)Drive validation, verification, and implementation of new testing platforms and emerging analytical technologiesStay current on regulatory landscape changes; proactively update practices to maintain compliance with EPA, FDA, DOT, or relevant governing bodiesServe as a technical escalation point for complex client issues, out-of-specification results, and method failure investigationsPersonnel Management & Organizational DevelopmentLead, develop, and retain a multi-site team spanning lab managers, supervisors, scientists, and analysts (typically 25–100+ FTEs)Build a performance culture through regular 1:1s, transparent goal-setting, and structured development plansIdentify and grow internal talent; champion succession planning and high-potential development programsPartner with HR on workforce planning, compensation banding, and talent acquisition for technical rolesFoster a culture of psychological safety, accountability, and scientific rigor Client & Stakeholder EngagementServe as the operational point of escalation for key accounts; participate in QBRs, client audits, and capability presentationsCollaborate with sales and client services to ensure SLA adherence and proactive communication around capacity or TAT issuesSupport business development efforts including site tours, proposal input, and technical presentations