Vice President, Life Sciences CRO

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President and General Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of operations, including laboratory and project delivery, quality, client services, and facilities of our Life Sciences Contract Research Organization (CRO). This position ensures high performance operations and preparing the business to scale. The incumbent drives process improvement, optimizes resourcing, and oversees space and infrastructure planning to support growth and efficient service delivery.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Execution & Delivery:

• Lead and oversee all operational functions including lab services, project delivery, client reporting, and support services.
• Ensure seamless execution of scientific programs, delivering on time, on budget, and to client expectations.
• Implement standardized operating procedures, tools, and controls that enable scalable and reliable execution.

Process & Performance Optimization:

• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) across all operational areas.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, cost control, and service consistency.
• Lead integration of systems and technologies (e.g., LIMS, automation platforms) that enhance throughput, compliance, and traceability.

Facilities & Space Planning:

• Lead facilities management for all CRO operations, including lab, office, and support areas.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term space planning strategies to accommodate current workloads and future growth.
• Partner with lab managers and technical leads to ensure facility layout and infrastructure supports scientific and operational needs.
• Oversee capital planning, equipment procurement, and facility renovations or expansions.
• Ensure compliance with environmental health & safety (EHS), building codes, and laboratory safety standards.
• Lead expansion of laboratories and facilities into international locations

Team Leadership & Culture:

• Build and lead a cross-functional operations team including lab leadership, program management, quality, and facilities.
• Develop talent through mentorship, structured training, and leadership development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, operational discipline, safety, and continuous learning.

Customer and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as a senior operational contact for strategic clients; ensure consistent communication and service delivery excellence.
• Work closely with commercial and scientific teams to translate customer needs into operational plans and delivery models.
• Represent the CRO's capabilities in client meetings, audits, and industry engagements.

Financial & Resource Management:

• Lead operational planning and budgeting, including headcount, infrastructure, and capacity investments.
• Optimize cost structures while maintaining service quality and flexibility.
• Support strategic decisions on facility investment, outsourcing, and capital expansion.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, engineering, or a related discipline required
  • Advanced degree (MS, MBA, PhD) preferred.
• 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 leading operations in a facility-intensive, regulated, and high-throughput scientific environment.
• Experience building a multi-site, global operation, including establishing and managing several international locations
• Experience scaling operations in a growth-stage CRO or life sciences service company preferred.
• Oversight of new facility buildouts, lab expansions, or major capital equipment investments preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• 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.  Ability to build/foster relationships.
• A professional presence and strong interpersonal skills for interacting in a courteous, timely, and diplomatic manner with all levels of employees as well as other parties/stakeholders involved with the company.
• Attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance improvement and the drive to deliver quality and value-added results and 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.
• Familiarity with lab planning tools, cleanroom design, and shared scientific infrastructure preferred.
• Prior ownership of EHS programs or laboratory safety oversight preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing this job, the employee is required to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment (computer, keyboard, printer, phone, etc.), and move about the office.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is performed in a traditional office environment.

COMPENSATION SUMMARY

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $218,000. to $348,800. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.

EEO/AA STATEMENT

MSD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit here. Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E-Verify to validate the work eligibility of candidates.