Associate Director Lab Services

Associate Director, Lab Services

Introduction to role

The Associate Director, Lab Services (ADLS) provides leadership, direction, and support to the organization by developing services across the General and Technical Lab Services workstreams within the Lab Operations function. The ADLS oversees the Lab Supplies, Lab Support, and Lab Resource Coordinator Program teams, delivered through an outsourced strategic vendor responsible for day-to-day resource coordination and KPI delivery. The ADLS manages risk using evaluative judgments in complex or novel situations, effectively communicates within and outside the team, directly influences and advises stakeholders, optimizes spend, and drives value delivery. By managing people, processes, organizational needs, and change cross-functionally, the ADLS ensures that LabOps provides the highest level of support to its customers, enabling scientists to focus on research and development activities that further the AstraZeneca pipeline.

Accountabilities

• Oversee a multidisciplinary team of specialized contract staff to ensure safe and effective service delivery.
• Hold regular meetings with individuals, teams, and management responsible for service delivery to ensure optimal performance.
• Develop a detailed understanding of service areas and KPIs to drive increased efficiencies and cost savings.
• Coordinate workflows and projects, integrating KPIs into new and existing services to ensure measurable outcomes and contractual compliance.
• Provide essential support services enabling scientists to focus on research and development activities.
• Manage people, processes, organizational needs, and tools cross-functionally to drive compliance and provide high-level support.
• Serve as the second level of escalation for service issues handled by the OSP Site Lead.
• Develop and maintain long-term business relationships with key service providers and consumables vendors.
• Participate with Procurement to obtain periodic competitive bids for service contracts.
• Coordinate optimization of on-site stock and cost reduction efforts.
• Integrate services with R&D and Site Operations strategic efforts.
• Monitor workflow to ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Ensure consistent delivery of essential services through cross-training and process simplification.
• Conduct periodic checks of OSP training and standard workflow documentation.
• Oversee the Lab Resource Coordinator team to ensure program duties align with R&D needs.
• Conduct risk assessments, establish process workflows, and create policies for accountable teams.
• Utilize lean six sigma concepts to develop performance indicators; report metrics and implement changes for continuous improvement.
• Develop audit templates for each assigned service area to ensure compliance with performance requirements.
• Demonstrate impeccable customer service by identifying problems, conducting root cause analysis, expediting resolution, and providing appropriate follow-up.
• Oversee the activities of teams responsible for support activities including: Lab Support Services

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in lab-based biomedical, pharmaceutical, or biological science required
• 5+ years of relevant managerial experience
• Strong aptitude for customer service
• Strategy setting & execution skills
• Strong critical and analytical thinker
• Good interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Highly organized, efficient, and self-motivated
• Successful previous work in a matrix or project organization
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Strong preference for previous lab operations experience
• Master's degree or MBA preferred
• Customer Focus
• Decision Quality
• Directing Others
• Motivating Others
• Organizing
• Priority Setting
• Process Management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Significant experience with Microsoft Office suite

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

At AstraZeneca, we work on some of the most complex challenges in the biopharmaceutical industry. Our fast-paced and agile team is empowered to innovate and experiment. With access to extensive capabilities and a comprehensive pipeline, you'll be involved in countless submissions and engaging projects throughout the drug development process. We value dedication, curiosity, and resilience as we strive to make a tangible difference in patients' lives.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

Date Posted
15-Apr-2025

Closing Date
28-Apr-2025Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.