Vice President & General Manager, Life Sciences Contract Research Organization
$218,000–$348,800 year
On-site · Rockville, Maryland, United States
Job Summary
The Vice President and General Manager will lead operations for the Life Sciences Contract Research Organization (CRO), ensuring high-performance operations and scalability. Responsibilities include overseeing project delivery, implementing standardized procedures, driving process improvements, and managing facilities and resources. The role involves direct engagement with clients, establishing key performance indicators, and leading cross-functional teams to foster a culture of accountability and continuous learning. Required skills include a strong background in laboratory services, regulatory compliance, facility planning, and project management, alongside a bachelor's degree in relevant fields and over 15 years of progressive experience.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, engineering, or a related discipline
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in scientific operations, laboratory services, or technical program management in a CRO, diagnostics, or life sciences tools company
- Experience building a multi-site, global operation, including establishing and managing several international locations
- Demonstrated success in facility planning, space utilization, and infrastructure development for lab-based organizations
- Deep understanding of laboratory workflows, regulatory compliance (GLP, GCP, CLIA, ISO), and operational best practices
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to organize, present, and articulate ideas both verbally and in writing
- Strong business acumen, negotiation and mediation skills, as well as a demonstrated attention to detail and a focus on achieving quality outcomes
- Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams, lead through change, and deliver results in a dynamic setting
- Strong financial and project management skills; experience managing budgets, forecasts, and operational performance metrics
Desired Qualifications
- Advanced degree (MS, MBA, PhD)
- Experience leading operations in a facility-intensive, regulated, and high-throughput scientific environment
- Experience scaling operations in a growth-stage CRO or life sciences service company
- Oversight of new facility buildouts, lab expansions, or major capital equipment investments
- Familiarity with lab planning tools, cleanroom design, and shared scientific infrastructure
- Prior ownership of EHS programs or laboratory safety oversight
Additional Requirements
- None specified
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