Associate Director - Lab Operations

IQVIA•Valencia, CA

20h

About The Position

IQVIA Laboratories is seeking an Associate Director, Lab Operations in Valencia, California. The role leads laboratory teams in a regulated clinical testing environment and is responsible for safe, compliant, high-quality, and efficient operations. The Associate Director shapes departmental strategy, develops staff, manages operational performance, and drives continuous improvement across laboratory functions. The position directs daily laboratory work, including staff supervision and development, workload and resource planning, operational performance management, and budget support. It also addresses operational, quality, safety, and supply-chain challenges across departments and works with Quality Assurance and Environmental, Health and Safety teams to maintain compliance. The role supports CAPA closure, quality incident resolution, root cause analysis, business continuity, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Typically requires more than 8 years of experience in a regulated environment.
Five years of line management experience is required.
In-depth knowledge of clinical testing procedures and applicable laboratory testing regulations.
Strong technical understanding of laboratory operations, testing methods, study setup, and cross-functional or system dependencies.
Working knowledge of quality assurance, quality control, CAPA, root cause analysis, and occupational safety and health regulations.
Applicable certifications and licenses are required where specified by local regulations.
Ability to lead and manage processes, projects, and operational tactics across one department or multiple related departments.
Effective people leadership, supervision, performance management, and coaching skills.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.
Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, operational risks, and competing demands.
Ability to establish effective working relationships and foster collaboration with employees, managers, clients, Quality Assurance, and Environmental, Health and Safety partners.
Commitment to building a unified, quality-oriented culture that supports employee engagement, customer satisfaction, operational performance, and retention.

Responsibilities

Direct daily activities of laboratory work groups through delegation, technical training, coaching, and supervision.
Plan, prioritize, and assign workloads, projects, and operational resources.
Recruit, train, develop, and manage the performance of laboratory staff.
Establish team objectives and performance metrics aligned with departmental strategy and operational goals.
Identify cost-saving and revenue opportunities and support budget planning for consumables, instrumentation, and staffing.
Resolve operational, quality, safety, and supply-chain challenges across multiple departments.
Ensure regulatory and safety compliance in collaboration with Quality Assurance and Environmental, Health and Safety teams.
Drive CAPA closure, quality incident resolution, root cause analysis, business continuity, and continuous improvement initiatives.