Executive Director, EMEA Operations - Biorepository Services

Executive Director, EMEA Operations – Biorepository Services

Cologne, Germany ● Swalmen, Netherlands Req #503

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Overview

LabConnect improves lives by partnering with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and clinical research organizations (CROs) to accelerate the development of new medicines around the world. We are an independent, global, one-stop-shop focused on delivering Central Laboratory Services that are tailor-made, timely and flexible to meet the evolving study demands of traditional to increasingly complex trials. Additionally, we provide Functional Service Provider (FSP) Solutions, supporting our clients with scientific and technical expertise, acting as an extension of their team, coordinating all laboratory related needs, advising on strategies for lab data collection and providing end-to-end analytical and logistical solutions.

Job Summary

The Executive Director LabConnect EMEA Operations is responsible for the full EMEA operations which consists of the teams of Project Management, Clinical Trial Materials and the accessioning (ISS) and Biorepository Storage (BRS). Close collaboration and partnering with the Global peer and leadership organization is essential. This role is fully responsible for meeting our client’s specifications and ensuring quality deliverables on time and within budget. In addition, the Executive Director EMEA Operations will support the development of regional services and relationships with partner and affiliate laboratories and service providers.

Essential Duties and Other Responsibilities:

Management & Development

• Spearhead operations (kit building, accessioning, sample storage, project management) within the EMEA organization and take full top-level responsibility.
• Work closely with the leadership team to define EMEA operational strategy and direction.
• Continue to build a high performing Good Clinical Practices (GCP) team with a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Play a key role in directing future growth and success of the EMEA organization in close alignment with global stakeholders.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor and develop a high-performance clinical operations team. Foster a collaborative and results-driven culture to support clinical trials.
• Supervise, coach, develop, and retain talented associates.
• Operational execution: drive cross functional collaboration with global functional leaders, QA, Business development, finance and logistics.
• Oversee EMEA book of work to uphold project delivery reliability and efficiency, especially for, but not limited to, the achievement of deliverables on time and on quality.
• Act as point of contact for escalations and identify risks and remove barriers to finding solutions.
• Proactively manage client relationships and issues and make recommendations for related process enhancements and business process optimization.
• Maintain contact with key clients to ensure satisfaction levels, monitor customer surveys, and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and execute regional staffing strategy to meet the needs of the organization.
• Direct supervision of (Sr.) Project Management Managers, Clinical Trial Materials Lead, Sample Management Lead, and other key staff as defined.
• Ensure that staff maintain effective and productive communication and working relationships with all departments.
• Meet with directors and other (Sr.) managers/supervisors to stay informed of changes affecting operations.

Quality

• Develop and document standard regional standard operating procedures aligned with organizational SOPs and global/regional regulatory requirements.
• Support investigation and resolution of regional quality events related to all areas of the EMEA Operations.
• Ensure that all organizational activities and operations are carried out in compliance with local, national and EU regulations and laws governing business operations, and with adherence to procedures and compliance.
• Consistently evaluate metrics, guide actions to be taken based on metrics data to enhance services, quality, and profitability.
• Liaise with the Quality and Regulatory Services (QRS) department to ensure vendors are qualified/re-qualified and assist with issue resolution.

Operations

• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of project deliverables conducted throughout the EMEA Operations.
• Create, track, report, and analyze functional KPIs with orientation to action.
• Serve as a critical escalation point of contact for management issues related to clinical trials.
• Oversee teams’ participation in internal quality assurance unit.

Finance

• Perform ongoing project and operational profitability tracking and analysis.
• Maximize the profitability of LabConnect Service Fees to meet or exceed budgeted profitability.
• Take a proactive approach to collaborate with Finance to formulate operational and economic projections and budget expectations.
• Manage studies based on conditions, operational projections, and economic budget forecasts, ensuring members of the departments work according to the schedules and timelines established by the Sponsor.
• Liaise with LabConnect management and key Vendor Laboratories to identify and implement opportunities for standardization of processes and increase efficiency within and between our organization and departments.
• Interface with laboratory, customer service, business development, external project management, and information technology, logistics, and data management personnel.
• Ensure appropriate communication channels are maintained and reporting schedules are adhered to.
• Represent LabConnect at client meetings and industry conferences.
• Perform other related duties and tasks as necessary or as assigned.

Education/Experience

Bachelor of Science in a Life Science discipline, MBA also desirable with at least 5 years of experience in Clinical Operations, managing clinical trials and/or Laboratory services. Demonstrated experience in senior leadership roles including establishing RACI and communication channels.

Skills Required

• Dynamic leader with proven experience successfully leading a team on global trials.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and developing teams.
• Skilled in working collaboratively with senior management teams, as well as pharmaceutical, biotech, and CRO companies.
• Experienced in customer service and possess excellent organization and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to navigate software and databases.
• Adaptive to change, and excellent problem-solving and multi-tasking skills are required for success in this position.
• Willing to work onsite at one of the main locations in Swalmen or Cologne.

Language Ability

Fluently in English and one other European language (with preference for German).

Read more below and get ready for your next great employment adventure!

Some of the Perks our LabConnectors Love:

• We truly live our values: partnership, excellence, execution, collaboration, forward thinking, accountability, informed and nimble
• The ability to make an impact on a passionate and growing team
• Great communication on a smaller sized team
• A market-based salary
• Tools to effectively do your job (laptop, phone reimbursement)

We are a growing and global team on a mission to create healthier communities by accelerating the development of new medicines. In addition to great perks and challenging work assignments, we invest in our people with enriching career growth opportunities. We believe in a friendly and collaborative environment with open lines of communication. Join our team and discover how your work can impact the lives of people all over the world.

It is the policy of LabConnect to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Posters:

If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please email or call +1(423)722-3155.

For more information, visit

#J-18808-Ljbffr