Account Manager, Laboratory Services

As an Account Manager at Venture Forward Partners (VFP), you will serve as a strategic leader responsible for overseeing laboratory operations across multiple client sites, managing a branch of the Lab Services division – comprised of Lab Managers who each oversee their own teams – and ensuring service excellence through administrative oversight, client relationship management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role blends operational understanding with high-level program and client management to support the growth and evolution of our Lab Services division.

You will act as a senior liaison between VFP and client organizations, overseeing client satisfaction, conducting proactive outreach, reviewing and renewing contracts, and managing service metrics. You will work closely with VFP leadership to develop scalable systems, provide mentorship to Lab Managers, and promote consistency and quality across all sites.

• Independently run onsite operations at client sites in accordance with VFP standards for all lab sizes and complexities
• Create and manage facility related OpEx and Cap Ex budgets
• Serve as the primary point of escalation for complex client issues, ensuring timely, professional resolution and proactive outreach to assess satisfaction, identify service gaps, and propose new opportunities
• Lead client contract lifecycle management, including scope evaluation, pricing, renewals, quarterly reviews, and portfolio assessments for potential service expansion
• Manage new client proposals from pitch through contracted services, including networking, client walkthroughs, and onboarding
• Manage and mentor a team ensuring clear expectations, performance accountability, professional development, and support for staffing plans
• Provide coaching in client communication, budgeting, personnel leadership, and lab operations to strengthen team capability
• Support client-facing budget planning and strategic resource forecasting
• Audit workflows, SOPs, and lab service quality across sites, ensuring compliance, consistency, and best practice sharing
• Drive operational improvements by identifying inefficiencies, implementing standardized practices, and aligning with cross-functional teams
• Use data and internal systems to monitor performance metrics, analyze trends, and report outcomes to leadership and clients
• Participate in strategic planning with VFP leadership to support company growth, resource planning, and departmental initiatives

• 7–10 years of experience in laboratory operations or related field, including 3–5 years of people management experience
• Demonstrated success in client-facing and strategic leadership roles
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific, technical, or operations-related field (or equivalent experience)
• Proven ability to manage client relationships, lead contract negotiations, and act as a trusted advisor to client stakeholders
• Skilled in cross-functional collaboration and strategic problem solving, with the ability to identify trends and implement scalable improvements
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing environment and adapting to the evolving needs of both clients and internal teams
• Exceptional communication, organization, and project management skills.
• Strong background in lab infrastructure, scientific equipment, and lab compliance standards
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed
• Due to the need to travel between multiple client sites, a vehicle is required for this role

The salary range for this position is up to $150,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.