Overview

Element is a leader in Life Sciences and offers personalized, global-scale testing addressing complex regulatory challenges. Our accredited laboratories specialize in Pharmaceutical, Medical Devices, Biotech, Antimicrobial, Food, and Environmental testing. We are seeking an experienced business leader to join our pharmaceutical testing lab in Santa Rosa, CA as an Operations Manager.   As a key member of the site leadership team, the Operations Manager will execute strategy, drive growth, and build strong customer relationships while overseeing the day-to-day chemical operations of the production lab. This includes managing staff, budgets, workflow, and resources; ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards; optimizing processes to meet turnaround times and performance goals; and fostering a positive, high-performing team culture.   Compensation: $150,000–$190,000 base + Management Bonus Plan eligibility 

Responsibilities

• Prioritize safety for colleagues and customers, embedding safety into all processes and designs
• Develop and execute operational plans to increase productivity and drive additional revenue at the Santa Rosa facility focusing on manufacturing, revenue, EBITDA, capacity planning, and customer relationships. 
• Lead strategy execution for the Santa Rosa site, defining processes, metrics and KPIs to support revenue growth
• Participate in customer-centric partnerships to align operational delivery with customer feedback
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement in operational excellence, colleague engagement, and sustainable results
• Collaborate effectively with support functions including Quality, Sales, Safety, Security, Finance, Human Resources, and Business Excellence
• Align strategies with long-term business growth goals, leveraging industry knowledge and market conditions 

Skills / Qualifications

• 5-10 years of cGMP chemical operations management experience, ideally within the pharmaceutical  or Contract Development Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) industries, managing operational results and on time delivery.  
• Knowledge and understanding of Organic Chemistry and Manufacturing raw materials is required.   
• Proven track record in operationalizing new service-driven value streams to meet evolving customer needs and strategic objectives.
• Strong critical thinking skills to analyze financial challenges and innovate solutions.
• Demonstrated experience in customer engagement and leading organizations to enhance customer service.
• Ability to lead through influence, aligning dynamic teams toward shared goals.
• Strong problem-solving skills, resolving business challenges with cross-functional teams.
• Effective collaboration with departments such as Sales, Marketing, Legal, Human Resources, and Finance.
• Exceptional multitasking ability in an intense, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• On-site presence required in Santa Rosa, CA 

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Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.