Manager, Project Initiation - Client Services

Overview

Lab Connect improves lives by partnering with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and clinical research organizations (CROs) to accelerate the development of new medicines around the world.

We are an independent, global, one-stop-shop focused on delivering Central Laboratory Services that are tailor-made, timely and flexible to meet the evolving study demands of traditional to increasingly complex trials. Additionally, we provide Functional Service Provider (FSP) Solutions, supporting our clients with scientific and technical expertise, acting as an extension of their team, coordinating all laboratory related needs, advising on strategies for lab data collection and providing end-to-end analytical and logistical solutions.

The Manager, Project Initiation is responsible for overseeing daily operations, leading a team to achieve organizational goals, and ensuring efficient workflows. This role involves strategic planning, resource allocation, performance monitoring, and fostering a collaborative work environment. The Manager, Project Initiation acts as a liaison between senior leadership and team members, driving initiatives that improve productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.

• Initial Setups & Amendments

• Serve as first point of contact for management issues related to setup of new or amended clinical trials.

• Cross-Functional Coordination

• Interface with internal functional departments to assist with database setup and communicate study needs to meet client expectations.
• Maintain communication with directors and other managers to stay informed of operational changes.

• Process Improvement & Documentation

• Evaluate process flows and identify improvement opportunities.
• Create or oversee development of training materials, templates, job aids, and SOPs.
• Collect and implement lessons learned and process changes across Project Initiation and impacted departments.
• Create or oversee development of training materials, templates, job aids, and SOPs.
• Develop tools to monitor process effectiveness and support evaluation initiatives.
• Liaise with directors and other manager/supervisors on new processes or system developments and to remain current on changes affecting operations.
• Assures new clinical test procedures and new IT database validations are completed and acceptable prior to specimen receipt and reporting for a specific project.

• Departmental Support

• Assist in interviewing and hiring Project Initiation staff.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and departmental metrics reporting.
• May directly supervise Project Initiation team members ensuring effective project execution.
• Assign clinical trial protocols to the Project Initiation team to meet quality and timeline requirements.

• Training & Mentorship

• Mentor and train new team members to ensure consistent knowledge transfer and adherence to best practices.
• Coach, develop, and retain talented associates through performance management and career development initiatives.

• Perform additional related tasks as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.

• Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) from four-year college or university with minimum of 5 years’ experience that is setup related experience and/or project management experience.
• Must be experienced in customer service and possess excellent organization and interpersonal, communication and problem solving skills.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Clinical Research, Central Lab, and/or Project Management experience outside of Lab Connect will be considered.

• Excellent attention to detail, strong planning and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent listening and verbal comprehension skills, including ability to translate client needs to team members.
• Ability to make well-thought-out decisions and adapt to changing environments and requirements.
• Self-motivating and ability to work well independently as well as using a collaborative team approach.
• Ability to adhere to established timelines, processes and procedures.
• Customer service/client relationship management skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including word processing, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint. SharePoint and Microsoft Visio experience a plus.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business…