Laboratory Manager, Animal Operations (Denver)

DIRECT HIRE MUST HAVES: Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Animal Science, Management, or equivalent experience with 10+ years of experience in the biomedical/animal research industry 8+ years of management experience in operations or animal facility leadership Hands-on experience working with lab animals (animal production experience strongly preferred) Overview The Laboratory Manager of Animal Operations is a hands-on operational leadership role overseeing day-to-day activities across two animal facilities within the Denver, PA site: Denver, PA Campus: Rodents & Poultry (barrier environment, shower-in required ) Robesonia, PA (Texter Mountain): Rabbits (no shower-in required) This role directly supports lab animal operations involving rodents, poultry, and rabbits . (NHPs and the surgery suite fall under a different Operations Manager). You will provide visible, floor-based leadership focused on safety, quality, compliance, staffing, and overall operational performance. The role requires strong communication, a high level of situational awareness, and comfort spending significant time in animal housing and barrier areas.

Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership & Floor Presence Lead daily operations at both Denver and Robesonia campuses. Maintain a highly visible leadership presence on the floor. Ensure exceptional animal care and compliance with all animal welfare standards.

Oversee barrier operations: Rodents & poultry: Shower-in required. Rabbits: No shower-in required. Ensure the facility is consistently audit-ready and adheres to all regulatory and accreditation requirements (USDA, AAALAC, SOPs, etc.).

People Management Directly manage two Operations Supervisors (one per site) and potentially an administrative staff member. Support hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and workforce planning. Foster a culture of accountability, communication, and continuous improvement.

Financial & Business Operations Own operational budgets, cost control, and forecasting activities. Monitor KPIs, productivity metrics, and operational performance targets. Support customer visits, regulatory inspections, and internal/external audits.

Collaborate with senior leadership to align operations with business strategy. Cross-Functional Collaboration Regularly partner with: Veterinary teams Supervisors Quality Assurance HR / Talent Acquisition Customer Service Facilities & Engineering Senior Leadership Compliance, Quality & Safety Maintain high standards of safety, biosecurity, and regulatory compliance. Drive quality improvements and ensure consistent adherence to SOPs.

Support risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and business continuity planning. Schedule & Work Environment Full on-site role with daily presence required. Approximately 50% in meetings/office and 50% in barrier/animal areas .

Standard hours generally align with 7 AM–4 PM, depending on department needs. Expected travel: 2–3 times per year . Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Animal Science, Management, or equivalent experience. 8–10 years of management experience in operations or animal facility leadership. 10+ years of experience in the biomedical/animal research industry.

Hands-on experience working with lab animals; animal production experience strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and oversee complex operations. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Comfortable with a highly hands-on leadership role in animal facilities. Preferred Advanced studies in Engineering, Business, or a related field. Experience with process improvement methodologies.