Associate Director

Company Description Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate. The Eurofins network of companies is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organisation services. It is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations. It also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products. In over 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 58,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of 900 laboratories in over 54 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.

Job Description

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.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related scientific discipline required.
• Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred.
• Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive laboratory leadership experience.
• Experience managing multiple laboratories and diverse scientific teams.
• Strong background in analytical chemistry and laboratory operations.
• Demonstrated experience within regulated environments governed by ISO 17025, GMP, and GLP.
• Proven success leading quality systems, CAPA programs, deviation investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting client relationships and business growth.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and organizational management skills.
• Expertise in analytical chemistry techniques and laboratory best practices.
• Comprehensive understanding of quality systems and regulatory compliance.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and risk management capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead organizational change and drive a high-performance culture.

Leadership Competencies

• Servant Leadership
• Employee Development and Coaching
• Strategic Thinking
• Operational Excellence
• Client Focus
• Quality Mindset
• Continuous Improvement
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Accountability
• Emotional Intelligence
• Change Leadership
• Culture Building
• Drive a positive high quality and energy culture through inspirational leadership
• Foster morale and teamwork and demonstrate role model leadership

Success in This Role A successful Associate Director of Laboratories is a people-first leader who balances scientific excellence, operational performance, regulatory compliance, and client satisfaction while building a highly engaged workforce and a strong culture of quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate would possess:

• Multi-year experience in a GLP/cGMP regulated environment
• Positive high energy and inspirational leadership approach
• Project Management Experience
• Strong computer, scientific, and organizational skills
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and attention to detail
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, keep accurate records, follow instructions, and comply with company policies
• Financial acumen,
• Strong understanding of Quality Assurance compliance,
• Ability to work in cross functional teams
• Tobacco industry analytical testing experience
• Master’s or Doctorate Preferred with 10 years analytical chemistry experience

Additional Information This is a full-time, onsite leadership position based in Winston-Salem, NC. The role requires a visible, hands-on leadership presence within laboratory operations and flexibility to support business and client needs.

What we offer:

• Excellent full-time benefits, including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Yearly goal-based bonus & eligibility for merit-based increases

Eurofins USA PSS Insourcing Solutions is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.