Associate Director, Lab Operations-Pharma; GMP

Shift: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Associate Director, Laboratory Operations (GMP) – Oakdale, MN

Compensation: $115,000 - $125,000 per year. The salary for this position reflects a variety of factors. Compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s geographic location, relevant experience, education, skills, and alignment with internal equity. Market conditions, budgetary considerations, and organizational compensation guidelines may also influence the final offer.

Position Summary:

The Associate Director of Laboratory Operations leads day-to-day cGMP lab operations, ensuring teams are staffed, trained, and aligned to meet quality and timeline expectations. This role drives performance through clear communication, coaching, and accountability while fostering a collaborative, high-trust culture. The position oversees key operational functions including equipment lifecycle management, facilities, supply chain and vendor coordination, sample management, stability program oversight, EH&S compliance, training/onboarding and the administrative support staff.

The Associate Director also supports budgeting, cost control, and process optimization to ensure operational continuity, compliance, and scalable growth.

• Lead, develop, and coach staff; ensure clear expectations, strong communication, and effective team coordination.
• Oversee equipment lifecycle management, including calibration, preventive maintenance, and asset tracking.
• Maintain site facilities through environmental controls, space management, and building infrastructure.
• Manage supply chain operations: inventory, procurement, vendor relationships, and service coordination.
• Oversee sample management and stability program operations, including sample chain of custody, scheduling, and compliance with protocols.
• Ensure EH&S compliance, hazardous waste management, and routine safety checks.
• Manage onboarding, training, and competency programs for laboratory personnel.
• Manage the administrative staff.
• Support financial oversight, including CAPEX/OPEX budgeting and process improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology/Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related field; MS and/or Lean/Six Sigma preferred.
• 7+ years in a GMP pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical lab environment.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in laboratory operations; CRO/CDMO experience preferred.

• Strong knowledge of equipment management, sample management, stability programs, inventory control, facilities, EH&S requirements, and training systems.
• Experience with budgeting, operational planning, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to make sound operational decisions, ensure compliance, and drive team performance.

• Lead operations in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical testing environment.
• High impact role supporting drug development and commercialization.
• Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and advancement.

When you join Pace, you commit to work that makes a positive impact on our communities and our world. Full‑time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program, which includes competitive salaries, medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match), life, disability and voluntary benefits, paid time off for holidays, sick and vacation days, HSA, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance program, parental leave, optional legal coverage, and  protection.

Pace provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, genetics, protected veteran status, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.