Associate Director

The Associate Director of Laboratories provides strategic and operational leadership for multiple analytical laboratories, ensuring the highest standards of scientific excellence, regulatory compliance, quality, safety, and client satisfaction. This role oversees laboratory operations, Client product testing, quality systems, talent development, and cross-functional collaboration while fostering Eurofins culture of servant leadership, employee engagement, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Associate Director will report to Senior Director.

The Associate Director is responsible for ensuring compliance with ISO 17025, GMP, GLP, regulatory requirements, and company quality standards while driving business growth, client retention, and laboratory performance.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Leadership & Operations

• Provide leadership and oversight for multiple laboratory operations, ensuring efficient utilization of resources, equipment, and personnel.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve laboratory productivity, quality, and turnaround times.
• Ensure laboratories consistently meet regulatory, accreditation, and client requirements.
• Establish performance metrics and monitor laboratory performance against business objectives.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean and operational excellence principles.
• Demonstrates strong client service skills, teamwork, and collaboration
• Demonstrates and promotes the company culture and vision
• Demonstrates financial acumen

Analytical Testing Leadership

• Provide scientific leadership and technical oversight for analytical chemistry testing, microbiology and laboratory services.
• Familiar and demonstrated expertise in variety of analytical techniques and technologies, such as LC, GC, LCMS/MSMS, GCMS/MSMS, wet chemistry etc.
• Support development, validation, transfer, and implementation of analytical methods.
• Ensure the technical integrity and reliability of laboratory data and reports.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements.

Quality & Regulatory Compliance

Ensure compliance with:

• ISO 17025
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Company Quality Management Systems
• Regulatory and accreditation requirements
• Lead quality assurance initiatives to strengthen compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Oversee investigations related to deviations, out-of-specification (OOS) results, non-conformances, and customer complaints.
• Ensure timely implementation and effectiveness of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
• Drive a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Client Service & Business Partnership

• Serve as a trusted partner for clients by ensuring exceptional service delivery and technical support.
• Participate in client meetings, audits, business reviews, and strategic discussions.
• Support business development efforts by presenting laboratory capabilities and solutions.
• Strengthen customer relationships through responsiveness, transparency, and scientific expertise.
• Monitor client satisfaction and implement improvements to enhance customer experience.

Talent Management & Organizational Development

• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain high-performing laboratory professionals and leaders.
• Establish succession planning and leadership development programs.
• Provide coaching and performance management to laboratory managers and supervisors.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and employee engagement.
• Lead training programs to ensure technical competency, regulatory compliance, and professional growth.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Quality Assurance, Training, Operations, EHS to achieve organizational goals.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve laboratory performance and customer outcomes.
• Promote effective communication and collaboration across departments and sites.

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Demonstrate servant leadership by supporting employees, removing obstacles, and enabling team success.
• Create an inclusive workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.
• Promote company culture, employee well-being, and professional development.
• Lead by example in fostering trust, integrity, accountability, and open communication.
• Champion safety, quality, and ethical business practices throughout the organization.