Head of Lab Operations (Boston)
SoTalent, Boston, MA, United States
Executive Director – Global Head of Laboratory Operations
Overview
A leading global biopharmaceutical organisation is seeking a senior leader to oversee and advance laboratory operations across its worldwide research and development network. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that laboratory environments, systems, and processes are efficient, scalable, and aligned with the needs of scientific teams.
You will operate at the crossroads of science, operational delivery, and long-term strategy—driving initiatives that improve productivity, streamline workflows, and support innovation across a complex international footprint.
The Opportunity
As a senior member of the operational excellence leadership team, you will be responsible for shaping and executing the strategy for laboratory operations across multiple regions. Your work will enable researchers to focus on discovery by ensuring that infrastructure, services, and support systems run seamlessly.
You will also play a central role in major transformation initiatives, including future campus developments and the evolution of global laboratory strategies.
Key Responsibilities
Define and implement a global framework for laboratory operations, including governance, roles, and standardised processes
Develop and execute strategies to scale and optimise laboratory services across R&D, improving efficiency and reducing administrative overhead
Ensure comprehensive operational support for laboratories, covering equipment, facilities, utilities, procurement, maintenance, and material logistics
Lead long-term planning for laboratory capacity, space utilisation, and infrastructure readiness
Oversee relationships with external suppliers and service providers, ensuring performance, cost control, and continuous improvement
Manage operational budgets, including both capital and operational expenditures
Drive innovation in laboratory operations, including automation, robotics, and data-driven solutions
Act as the central point of accountability for laboratory operations, including safety, compliance, and procurement
Establish clear escalation pathways to resolve issues and protect research timelines
Why This Role Matters
This position is central to enabling scientific progress by ensuring that laboratory operations are consistent, efficient, and future-ready. You will:
Lead high-impact, organisation-wide initiatives that influence how research is conducted
Drive transformation programmes that modernise laboratory environments and capabilities
Balance the needs of scientific teams with operational efficiency and scalability
Work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to shape the future of lab operations globally
Your Background
Extensive experience within pharmaceutical or life sciences R&D environments
Strong track record in managing laboratory operations, including facilities, equipment, procurement, and vendor relationships
Demonstrated success in improving operational performance and implementing new systems or processes
Experience managing significant budgets and financial planning
Solid understanding of safety, regulatory, and compliance requirements within laboratory settings
Ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution
Leadership Capabilities
Proven experience leading large, complex, and geographically dispersed teams
Ability to influence and align stakeholders across functions, regions, and organisational levels
Strong track record in delivering transformation initiatives and organisational change
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences
Skilled in building collaboration across diverse teams and balancing competing priorities
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as life sciences, engineering, or business
Significant professional experience (typically 15+ years) in R&D or laboratory operations
Extensive leadership experience (7+ years), including managing teams and driving change
Experience working in complex, matrixed organisations
Preferred:
Advanced degree in a scientific or business discipline
Certifications related to operational excellence, process improvement, or vendor management
Additional Details
Hybrid working model
Approximately 10–15% travel, including international travel
Flexibility required to collaborate across global time zones
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive base salary, typically ranging from approximately $238,000 to $374,000 annually, depending on experience and location
Eligibility for performance-based incentives
Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement plans, and wellbeing support
Overview
A leading global biopharmaceutical organisation is seeking a senior leader to oversee and advance laboratory operations across its worldwide research and development network. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that laboratory environments, systems, and processes are efficient, scalable, and aligned with the needs of scientific teams.
You will operate at the crossroads of science, operational delivery, and long-term strategy—driving initiatives that improve productivity, streamline workflows, and support innovation across a complex international footprint.
The Opportunity
As a senior member of the operational excellence leadership team, you will be responsible for shaping and executing the strategy for laboratory operations across multiple regions. Your work will enable researchers to focus on discovery by ensuring that infrastructure, services, and support systems run seamlessly.
You will also play a central role in major transformation initiatives, including future campus developments and the evolution of global laboratory strategies.
Key Responsibilities
Define and implement a global framework for laboratory operations, including governance, roles, and standardised processes
Develop and execute strategies to scale and optimise laboratory services across R&D, improving efficiency and reducing administrative overhead
Ensure comprehensive operational support for laboratories, covering equipment, facilities, utilities, procurement, maintenance, and material logistics
Lead long-term planning for laboratory capacity, space utilisation, and infrastructure readiness
Oversee relationships with external suppliers and service providers, ensuring performance, cost control, and continuous improvement
Manage operational budgets, including both capital and operational expenditures
Drive innovation in laboratory operations, including automation, robotics, and data-driven solutions
Act as the central point of accountability for laboratory operations, including safety, compliance, and procurement
Establish clear escalation pathways to resolve issues and protect research timelines
Why This Role Matters
This position is central to enabling scientific progress by ensuring that laboratory operations are consistent, efficient, and future-ready. You will:
Lead high-impact, organisation-wide initiatives that influence how research is conducted
Drive transformation programmes that modernise laboratory environments and capabilities
Balance the needs of scientific teams with operational efficiency and scalability
Work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to shape the future of lab operations globally
Your Background
Extensive experience within pharmaceutical or life sciences R&D environments
Strong track record in managing laboratory operations, including facilities, equipment, procurement, and vendor relationships
Demonstrated success in improving operational performance and implementing new systems or processes
Experience managing significant budgets and financial planning
Solid understanding of safety, regulatory, and compliance requirements within laboratory settings
Ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution
Leadership Capabilities
Proven experience leading large, complex, and geographically dispersed teams
Ability to influence and align stakeholders across functions, regions, and organisational levels
Strong track record in delivering transformation initiatives and organisational change
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences
Skilled in building collaboration across diverse teams and balancing competing priorities
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as life sciences, engineering, or business
Significant professional experience (typically 15+ years) in R&D or laboratory operations
Extensive leadership experience (7+ years), including managing teams and driving change
Experience working in complex, matrixed organisations
Preferred:
Advanced degree in a scientific or business discipline
Certifications related to operational excellence, process improvement, or vendor management
Additional Details
Hybrid working model
Approximately 10–15% travel, including international travel
Flexibility required to collaborate across global time zones
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive base salary, typically ranging from approximately $238,000 to $374,000 annually, depending on experience and location
Eligibility for performance-based incentives
Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement plans, and wellbeing support