Associate Director Laboratory Services

Job Overview

The Associate Director, Services Laboratory is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and regulatory compliance of the testing facilities at CRL Dublin. 

The Associate Director leads the laboratory operations and serves as a key interface between customer care, Quality, sales and site leadership to ensure successful execution of testing programs in accordance with GMP requirements and contractual commitments.

The role ensures delivery of high-quality, compliant, and timely laboratory services while maintaining customer satisfaction, operational excellence, employee development, and regulatory readiness.

Job Description

Laboratory Leadership & Operations

• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations across the 3 key Brands – Accugenix, Celsis and Endosafe.  This includes but is not limited to:

• • Accugenix (AGX) Lab -quick turnaround microbial identification testing
  • Celsis Lab -feasibility, method development and validation studies
  • Endosafe lab -contract Endotoxin testing
  • QC lab – QC release of product to customer

• Provide leadership and direction for laboratory operations, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient execution of testing activities.
• Develop and implement strategic plans aligned with business objectives, growth targets, and customer requirements.
• Ensure laboratory resources, equipment, and staffing levels support current and future business demands.
• Ensure Best in Class Laboratory techniques are incorporated through collaboration with other Microbial Solutions sites globally. 
• Drive operational excellence initiatives focused on quality, safety, productivity, turnaround times, and customer service.

Quality & Compliance Leadership 

• Ensure full compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 17025, GMP, GDocP, Data Integrity, and applicable global regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a continuous state of inspection readiness for customer audits and regulatory inspections.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to investigate deviations, OOS, CAPAs.
• Ensure all laboratory procedures, methods, specifications, and systems remain current and compliant.
• Lead preparation for regulatory inspections and customer audits.
• Serve as a primary laboratory representative during inspections.
• Champion a strong quality culture throughout the laboratory organisation.

People Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop laboratory team.
• Build and sustain a high-performing organisation through talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation.

Financial & Resource Management

• Manage laboratory budgets, capital expenditure plans, and operational costs.
• Drive efficiencies while maintaining compliance and service quality.

Safety & Sustainability 

• Foster a culture of safety and sustainability by ensuring laboratory activities are conducted in compliance with EHS requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related scientific discipline required.
• Qualification or experience in Lean or Operational excellence – Green belt level preferred.

Experience

• Well established track record of experience in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO, CDMO, or contract testing laboratory environment.
• Demonstable level of progressive leadership experience managing different types of laboratory teams and operations.
• Demonstrated experience supporting customer audits and regulatory inspections (HPRA).
• Strong understanding of Microbial testing, laboratory quality systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to lead cross functional teams and manage multiple priorities.

Competencies

Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Customer focus
• Change leadership
• Talent development and coaching
• Decision making and problem solving
• Stakeholder management
• Operational excellence & Continuous improvement mindset
• Effective communication and influencing skills
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across functions, sites and global teams  

Summary

This is an excellent career progression opportunity for a mid-career Laboratory Management professional, with strong experience in Microbiology and managing a range of different Laboratory Operations, to join a global CRO in a senior Site Leadership role.

The role offers an exciting remuneration and benefits package together with long term career growth opportunities within a dynamic environment.