Associate Director

Eurofins USA PSS Insourcing Solutions•Winston-Salem, NC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director of Laboratories provides strategic and operational leadership for multiple analytical laboratories, ensuring scientific excellence, regulatory compliance, quality, safety, and client satisfaction. The role oversees laboratory operations, client product testing, quality systems, talent development, and cross-functional collaboration while promoting servant leadership, employee engagement, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. The Associate Director reports to the Senior Director and is responsible for compliance with ISO 17025, GMP, GLP, regulatory requirements, and company quality standards, while supporting business growth, client retention, and laboratory performance. This full-time, onsite leadership position is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It requires a visible, hands-on presence in laboratory operations and flexibility to support business and client needs. The role provides leadership across laboratory operations, analytical testing, quality and regulatory compliance, client partnerships, talent management, cross-functional initiatives, employee engagement, and organizational culture.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship.
At least 10 years of progressive laboratory leadership experience.
Experience managing multiple laboratories and diverse scientific teams.
Strong background in analytical chemistry and laboratory operations.
Demonstrated experience in regulated environments governed by ISO 17025, GMP, and GLP.
Proven success leading quality systems, CAPA programs, deviation investigations, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
Experience supporting client relationships and business growth.
Expertise in analytical chemistry techniques and laboratory best practices, including familiarity with techniques such as LC, GC, LCMS/MSMS, GCMS/MSMS, and wet chemistry.
Strong leadership, organizational management, problem-solving, decision-making, and risk-management skills.
Comprehensive understanding of quality systems and regulatory compliance.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to lead organizational change and drive a high-performance culture.
Strong computer, scientific, and organizational skills; attention to detail and strong oral and written communication.
Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies.
Ability to work in cross-functional teams.
Financial acumen and a strong understanding of quality assurance compliance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a scientific discipline.
Multi-year experience in a GLP/cGMP-regulated environment.
Project management experience.
Tobacco industry analytical testing experience.
Ten years of analytical chemistry experience.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight for multiple laboratory operations, including efficient use of resources, equipment, and personnel.
Develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve laboratory productivity, quality, and turnaround times.
Ensure laboratories meet regulatory, accreditation, and client requirements; establish performance metrics and monitor results against business objectives.
Lead continuous-improvement initiatives using Lean and operational excellence principles.
Provide scientific leadership and technical oversight for analytical chemistry testing, microbiology, and laboratory services.
Support the development, validation, transfer, and implementation of analytical methods, and ensure the technical integrity and reliability of laboratory data and reports.
Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements.
Lead quality assurance initiatives and oversee investigations involving deviations, out-of-specification results, non-conformances, and customer complaints.
Ensure timely implementation and effectiveness of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), and promote quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Serve as a trusted client partner by providing exceptional service and technical support; participate in client meetings, audits, business reviews, and strategic discussions.
Support business development by presenting laboratory capabilities and solutions; strengthen client relationships and monitor client satisfaction.
Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain laboratory professionals and leaders; establish succession planning and leadership development programs.
Coach and manage the performance of laboratory managers and supervisors, and lead training to support technical competency, regulatory compliance, and professional growth.
Partner with Quality Assurance, Training, Operations, and EHS, and lead cross-functional initiatives to improve laboratory performance and customer outcomes.
Promote communication and collaboration across departments and sites.
Support employees, remove obstacles, and enable team success; foster an inclusive, engaged workplace and promote employee well-being and professional development.
Champion safety, quality, ethical business practices, trust, integrity, accountability, and open communication.
Demonstrate client service, teamwork, collaboration, company culture and vision, and financial acumen.