The incumbent is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for the QC Chemistry laboratory, ensuring the highest standards of compliance, quality, safety, and operational excellence. This role oversees all laboratory operations, including facility and equipment maintenance, instrument lifecycle management, computer system validation (CSV), commissioning, qualification and validation (CQV), Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), laboratory Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) programs, and Quality Management System (QMS) processes to maintain continuous GMP readiness and inspection preparedness.
The incumbent leads laboratory activities supporting routine and non-routine testing, extractables and leachables (E&L) studies, analytical extractions, USP compendial testing, method lifecycle management, and laboratory investigations. The role is accountable for ensuring regulatory compliance, data integrity, operational reliability, and effective execution of testing programs while driving continuous improvement initiatives across laboratory operations.
Additionally, the Manager establishes and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics related to safety, compliance, turnaround times, laboratory utilization, instrument uptime, right-first-time performance, deviations, CAPAs, training compliance, and customer service. Working closely with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Engineering, Validation, EHS, IT, and Scientific Services teams, this position drives a culture of operational excellence, risk management, innovation, and continuous improvement while ensuring the laboratory consistently delivers high-quality, compliant, and business-critical analytical support.
What Chemistry contributes to Cardinal Health
Quality develops and implements quality policies, procedures, and processes to ensure products and services comply with regulatory standards and specifications.
Chemistry performs laboratory testing to characterize the chemical properties of our medical device and pharmaceutical products. This job family develops and executes test protocols using specialized instrumentation and analytical techniques to assess chemical properties of finished drug products, medical devices, materials, processing aids, and the chemical constituents which may be released when a device is used in a clinical setting as well as the stability of pharmaceutical products.
Responsibilities:
Laboratory Operations Leadership
- Lead all operational aspects of the Chemistry Center laboratory to ensure efficient, compliant, and cost-effective execution of laboratory activities.
- Develop and implement strategic plans to support laboratory growth, capability expansion, and business objectives.
- Manage laboratory capacity, workflow prioritization, staffing, and resource allocation.
- Foster a culture of safety, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Quality and Compliance
- Ensure continuous GMP compliance and maintain a state of audit and inspection readiness.
- Oversee implementation and maintenance of QMS processes, including deviations, CAPAs, change controls, investigations, and risk assessments.
- Ensure compliance with FDA, USP, ICH, EMA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
- Promote and sustain data integrity principles across laboratory systems and processes.
Extractables & Leachables and USP Testing
- Provide operational oversight for extractables and leachables (E&L) studies supporting product and packaging qualification.
- Ensure effective execution of extraction studies, method development, method validation, and routine E&L testing activities.
- Oversee USP compendial testing programs and ensure compliance with current pharmacopeial requirements.
- Maintain laboratory capabilities to support product lifecycle, regulatory submissions, and customer requirements.
Laboratory Systems and Validation
- Lead governance and compliance of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
- Oversee Computer System Validation (CSV) activities for laboratory software and computerized systems.
- Direct Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) activities for laboratory instruments, utilities, and equipment.
- Ensure instrument qualification, calibration, preventive maintenance, and lifecycle management programs are executed effectively.
Facility and EHS Management
- Oversee facility maintenance activities to ensure laboratory infrastructure supports business and compliance requirements.
- Partner with EHS teams to maintain a safe working environment and ensure compliance with applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations.
- Lead laboratory risk assessments and implementation of corrective actions to mitigate operational risks.
Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to optimize laboratory processes, increase efficiency, and reduce operational risks.
- Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies where appropriate.
- Support digital transformation initiatives, automation, and modern laboratory technologies.
- Drive standardization of laboratory practices and operational procedures.
Performance Management and Metrics
- Establish, monitor, and communicate departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics.
- Utilize performance data to identify trends, mitigate risks, and drive informed decision-making.
- Develop action plans to improve operational performance and customer satisfaction.
Key metrics may include:
- Testing turnaround time (TAT)
- On-time testing completion
- Instrument uptime and utilization
- Right-first-time performance
- Laboratory productivity
- Training compliance
- Deviation and CAPA closure rates
- Audit and inspection observations
- Safety performance metrics
- Sample throughput
- Customer satisfaction metrics
- Cost management and budget adherence
People Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop laboratory personnel to build a high-performing organization.
- Establish performance expectations and development plans for team members.
- Support succession planning, workforce development, and talent management initiatives.
- Promote cross-functional collaboration and employee engagement.
Qualifications
- 8-12 years of experience, preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent work experience, preferred.
What is expected of you and others at this level
- Manages department operations and supervises professional employees, front line supervisors and/or business support staff.
- Participates in the development of policies and procedures to achieve specific goals.
- Ensures employees operate within guidelines.
- Decisions have a short term impact on work processes, outcomes and customers.
- Interacts with subordinates, peers, customers, and suppliers at various management levels; may interact with senior management
- Interactions normally involve resolution of issues related to operations and/or projects
Anticipated salary range: $140,300 - $180,360
Bonus eligible: Yes
Benefits: Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being.
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- Paid time off plan
- Health savings account (HSA)
- 401k savings plan
- Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay
- Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Work-Life resources
- Paid parental leave
- Healthy lifestyle programs
Application window anticipated to close: 10/30/2026 *if interested in opportunity, please submit application as soon as possible.
The salary range listed is an estimate. Pay at Cardinal Health is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s geographical location, relevant education, experience and skills and an evaluation of internal pay equity.
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Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
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