Biobank & Operations Director/VP

ANALYTICAL BIOLOGICAL SERVICES INC. • South San Francisco, CA

44d

About The Position

Provides hands-on leadership to cross-functional teams that enables employee engagement and client satisfaction, while driving operational efficiency across all ABS San Francisco teams.

Leads Histology Lab Services, Biostorage, Logistics, Facilities, and Quality Assurance at the San Francisco location. This position requires active, floor-level involvement in daily operations alongside team leadership responsibilities.

Works collaboratively with all ABS departments to support growth and profitability, and partners closely with HQ staff to ensure alignment across the organization. This role works directly with the CEO and CFO to maintain strong cost management discipline and a continuous improvement mindset to maximize gross margin. When operational needs arise, it is expected they work hands-on within the Histology Lab and Biorepository, directly supporting team members on the bench or floor as needed.

Requirements

• Strong hands-on leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to work alongside operational teams
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong quality management skills
• Process improvement strategy expertise
• Client-focused mindset
• Deep knowledge of biobanking, biorepository operations, and biospecimen lifecycle management
• Strong working knowledge of histology laboratory workflows and techniques
• Solid understanding of cold-chain logistics and biospecimen shipping compliance
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders across departments and organizational levels
• Strong people management skills including performance management, disciplinary processes, talent development, and team culture building
• Working knowledge in histological tissue processing and all aspects of it
• Working knowledge of slide preparation and management
• Proficiency in biorepository inventory management, including chain of custody documentation and LIMS usage
• Working knowledge of biospecimen storage conditions and QC requirements
• Working knowledge of biosafety protocols and handling of human-derived specimens in compliance with applicable regulations
• Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills
• Fluent in English
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Knowledge in the use of LIMS applications
• Bachelor’s degree in science or business with related industry experiences
• Education or equivalent relevant experience in ISO 9001 Standards and an Effective Quality Management System
• At least 10 years’ experience in a related leadership position

Responsibilities

• Management: Work with direct reports to develop and implement KPIs to monitor performance, utilization, and output for all team members. Provide hands-on leadership, day-to-day coaching, and mentorship direct reports. Build and sustain high-performing teams through intentional hiring, onboarding, and retention practices.
• Financial: Streamline operational costs to eliminate inefficiencies and maximize gross profit margins at the SF location.
• Histology Lab Services: Oversee histology lab operations, ensuring all tissue processing, staining, and sectioning workflows meet client specifications and exceed quality benchmarks. Actively participate in lab process reviews and troubleshooting.
• Biobanking | Biorepository: Manage biospecimen storage with a hands-on approach to inventory accuracy, chain of custody, and client-specific requirements.
• Logistics: Optimize and streamline the flow of biospecimens and products in and out of the San Francisco facility through collaboration with multiple external partners. Ensure regulatory compliance across all shipping and receiving activities.
• Facilities: Achieve a safe, functional, and compliant laboratory environment to support ABS' mission and enhance the well-being of SF employees.
• Quality Assurance: Manage ISO 9001, Accreditation compliance through oversight of the Quality Team. Oversee annual external audits and ensure continuous improvement activities are followed across all managed areas. Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations including OSHA, CAL/OSHA, DOT, and biosafety requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees