Associate Director

Eurofins•Winston-Salem, NC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director of Laboratories provides strategic and operational leadership for multiple analytical laboratories. The role is responsible for scientific excellence, regulatory compliance, quality, safety, client satisfaction, laboratory operations, client product testing, quality systems, talent development, and cross-functional collaboration. The Associate Director reports to the Senior Director and is expected to foster servant leadership, employee engagement, continuous improvement, and operational excellence while supporting business growth, client retention, and laboratory performance. The position provides oversight of laboratory resources, equipment, personnel, performance metrics, and improvement initiatives. It also provides scientific leadership for analytical chemistry testing, microbiology, and laboratory services, including support for analytical method development, validation, transfer, and implementation. The role ensures the technical integrity of data and reports and maintains compliance with ISO 17025, GMP, GLP, company quality systems, and applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements. The Associate Director serves as a client partner, supports business development, leads quality and corrective-action initiatives, and develops laboratory professionals and leaders. The role collaborates with Quality Assurance, Training, Operations, and EHS, and promotes employee engagement, safety, ethical practices, accountability, and an inclusive workplace. This is a full-time, onsite leadership position based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It requires a visible, hands-on leadership presence in laboratory operations and flexibility to support business and client needs.

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.
Strong leadership and organizational management skills.
Expertise in analytical chemistry techniques and laboratory best practices.
Comprehensive understanding of quality systems and regulatory compliance.
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and risk-management capabilities.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to lead organizational change and develop a high-performance culture.
Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies.
Strong computer, scientific, and organizational skills; attention to detail; and oral and written communication skills.
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.
Multi-year experience in a GLP/cGMP-regulated environment.
Project management experience.
Tobacco industry analytical testing experience.
Master's or doctoral degree with 10 years of analytical chemistry experience.
Positive, high-energy, inspirational leadership approach.

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 laboratory performance 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.
Ensure the technical integrity and reliability of laboratory data and reports.
Keep 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).
Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Serve as a trusted client partner by ensuring exceptional service delivery and technical support.
Participate in client meetings, audits, business reviews, and strategic discussions.
Support business development by presenting laboratory capabilities and solutions.
Monitor client satisfaction and improve the customer experience.
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.
Lead training programs that support technical competency, regulatory compliance, and professional growth.
Partner with Quality Assurance, Training, Operations, and EHS to achieve organizational goals.
Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve laboratory performance and customer outcomes.
Promote communication and collaboration across departments and sites.
Support employees, remove obstacles, and enable team success through servant leadership.
Promote an inclusive workplace, employee well-being, professional development, trust, integrity, accountability, and open communication.
Champion safety, quality, and ethical business practices.
Demonstrate client service, teamwork, collaboration, company culture and vision, and financial acumen.