Vice President, Laboratory Operations

Natera • Austin, TX

19d • Onsite

About The Position

As Vice President of Laboratory Operations, you will drive strategic vision and operational excellence across our laboratory. Collaborating closely with other leadership, you will champion operational needs, spearhead cross-departmental initiatives, and optimize key performance indicators (KPIs) to enhance quality, capacity, turnaround time (TAT), and cost of goods sold (COGS). You will serve as the primary point of contact for delegated products, fostering strong partnerships and delivering clear, concise updates to executive leadership.
This role demands a strategic leader who can contribute to budget planning, monitor financial performance, and ensure efficient workflow, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement. You will build and lead high-performing teams, drive continuous improvement, and implement effective change management. As a visible role model, you will foster a positive work environment, develop talent, and represent the company during audits, client visits, and technical discussions.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree (or equivalent) in a STEM-related field; Biological Sciences preferred.
• Minimum of 12+ years of relevant experience with a BS, 10+ years with an MS, or 7+ years with a PhD.
• 5+ years of experience overseeing manufacturing at a Director or Senior Manager level.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• Proven track record in maintaining Quality program procedures and ISO 13485 standards.
• Strong understanding of FDA requirements (42 CFR 493 and 21 CFR 820).
• Knowledge of Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and Good Clinical/Manufacturing Practices (GCP/cGMP).
• Experience managing product/process nonconformities, audit corrective actions, and CAPAs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence change.
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to build and manage high-performing teams.
• Experience providing succinct and timely program updates to leadership.
• Knowledge and experience with Lean Six Sigma concepts and tools, manufacturing/engineering experience, and LDT laboratory operations.

Nice To Haves

• Current California CLS or CGMBS license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic initiatives to optimize laboratory operations, focusing on quality, capacity, TAT, and COGS.
• Lead and manage high-performing teams, ensuring accountability for customer satisfaction and achievement of departmental KPIs.
• Contribute to budget preparation, monitor revenue, expenses, test volume, and FTE utilization.
• Serve as the primary contact for delegated products, providing succinct updates to executive leadership and building effective partnerships.
• Ensure adherence to quality programs, ISO 13485 standards, FDA requirements (CLIA and QSR), GDP, and GCP/cGMP.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, implement change management, and utilize Lean Six Sigma principles.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop team members, fostering a positive and engaging work environment.
• Represent the company during audits, client visits, and technical calls, influencing internal and external policy-making.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents.
• Free testing for employees and their immediate families.
• Fertility care benefits.
• Pregnancy and baby bonding leave.
• 401k benefits.
• Commuter benefits.
• Employee referral program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director