Director of LS Operations – Eastern US
Position Summary
The Director of Operations is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, management, and execution of operational activities within the Life Sciences Division. This position ensures efficient resource utilization, effective project staffing, accurate revenue forecasting, and successful project delivery while supporting the division's growth, profitability, and client satisfaction objectives.
The Director of Operations serves as the central coordination point between Project Management, Resource Management, Business Development, Finance, and Executive Leadership to ensure operational excellence and alignment with strategic business goals.
Reporting Relationship
Reports To: Executive Vice President of Operations
Direct Reports QA/QC Field Personnel
Administrative Support Staff
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership Lead the day-to-day operations of the Life Sciences Division.
Establish operational priorities and allocate resources to meet business objectives.
Develop and implement processes that improve efficiency, scalability, and consistency.
Monitor key operational metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Support the achievement of revenue, profitability, utilization, and client satisfaction goals.
Resource Planning & Workforce Utilization Develop and maintain short-term and long-term resource plans.
Monitor workforce utilization and implement strategies to maximize billable efficiency.
Forecast staffing requirements based on backlog, pipeline, and projected workload.
Collaborate with department leaders to align personnel resources with project demands.
Identify capacity constraints and develop mitigation plans.
Project Staffing & Scheduling Oversee assignment of personnel to projects based on qualifications, availability, client requirements, and business priorities.
Manage resource allocation conflicts and establish staffing priorities.
Work closely with Project Managers to ensure projects are appropriately staffed throughout execution.
Ensure efficient deployment of personnel across multiple clients and projects.
Supervise scheduling processes and workload balancing activities.
Revenue Forecasting & Backlog Management Maintain accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue forecasts.
Review and analyze project backlog to anticipate future resource requirements.
Track project pipeline, award projections, and workload trends.
Partner with Business Development and Finance to support annual budgeting and strategic planning efforts.
Provide regular reporting and insights to executive leadership regarding operational performance and forecast accuracy.
Project Management Oversight Provide leadership, support, and oversight to Project Managers.
Establish and maintain project management standards, tools, and best practices.
Monitor project performance related to schedule, budget, scope, quality, and profitability.
Conduct regular project review meetings and implement corrective actions when necessary.
Support resolution of client concerns, project risks, and operational challenges.
Hiring & Workforce Development Coordinate hiring activities based on forecasted staffing needs.
Participate in recruitment, interviewing, and candidate selection.
Support onboarding, training, and development of operational personnel.
Develop succession plans and career growth opportunities for staff.
Mentor Project Managers and operational team members.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Business Development to evaluate project opportunities and staffing requirements.
Collaborate with Finance on forecasting, budgeting, and financial performance reporting.
Support Quality and Compliance initiatives applicable to regulated life sciences operations.
Participate in strategic planning and organizational growth initiatives.
Qualifications Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent combinations of education, certifications, and relevant experience will be considered.
10+ years of…