Program director Jobs in Madison, WI

Job Description

Based out of the company's site in Middleton, WI, the Site Director is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of the site. This role serves as the senior operational leader, ensuring that site business goals are met through direct oversight of teams in production, lab services, quality control, and process development. The Site Director partners closely with cross-functional leaders across multiple teams to ensure the successful delivery of products and services while maintaining compliance with quality, safety, regulatory, and financial requirements. As directed by leadership, this individual may oversee operations for more than one operational site.

In partnership with respective HR, operational leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders, this individual is expected to foster a positive work environment and a high-performance culture of accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer satisfaction.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the following essential functions satisfactorily:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the site, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, customer commitments, and long-term business priorities while serving as the senior leadership representative for site operations
• Lead and oversee all site operations to ensure the safe, compliant, efficient, and profitable delivery of products and services while meeting quality, regulatory, and customer expectations
• Develop and execute site business and operational strategies that drive operational excellence, scalability, productivity, and sustainable growth
• Build and sustain a high-performing culture that promotes employee engagement, accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement across all functions
• Lead talent and organizational development initiatives within respective team and business function, including workforce planning, succession management, recruitment, coaching, performance management, and leadership development to ensure organizational capability and readiness
• Ensure adherence to all applicable quality, safety, environmental, regulatory, and company requirements, fostering a culture of compliance, risk management, and operational integrity
• Manage site financial performance, including budgeting, resource allocation, capital planning, cost management, and profitability improvement initiatives to achieve business objectives
• Drive continuous improvement and business transformation efforts through data-driven decision making, process optimization, innovation, and operational excellence methodologies that improve efficiency, quality, and customer experience
• Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to align priorities, resolve operational challenges, manage risk, and support the successful execution of strategic initiatives
• Monitor, evaluate, and communicate site performance, utilizing key operational, financial, quality, customer, and people metrics to drive accountability, informed decision-making, and achievement of business results

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, operations management, engineering, life sciences, manufacturing, supply chain management, or a related discipline—or an equivalent combination of applicable education and relevant work experience
• Demonstrated experience leading site-wide operations with accountability for business performance, customer outcomes, operational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and financial results
• Significant leadership experience in a complex operational environment with demonstrated success building, developing, and motivating high-performing teams, including experience leading managers and developing future leaders
• Comprehensive knowledge of operational management principles and best practices within manufacturing, laboratory, service, distribution, or other regulated operational environments
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans that align organizational objectives with operational priorities and sustainable business growth
• Advanced business and financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, capital planning, and performance management
• Strong understanding of quality systems, regulatory requirements, workplace safety, risk management, and compliance standards applicable to the business and industry
• Demonstrated success leading organizations through change, transformation, and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining employee engagement and business continuity
• Proven ability to utilize data, key performance indicators, and business insights to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, drive accountability, and achieve organizational objectives

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in Business Administration (e.g., MBA) or related field
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent operational excellence certification
• Experience leading multiple sites, business units, or geographically dispersed teams
• Experience supporting commercial growth, capacity expansion, mergers, acquisitions, or large-scale organizational change initiatives

Behavioural and Interpersonal Competencies:

• Resonate and operate in line with LGC’s core value behaviors: Passion, Curiosity, Integrity, Brilliance, and Respect
• Exceptional analytical, decision-making, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence outcomes and build effective partnerships across all organizational levels
• Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships, gain stakeholder commitment, and drive alignment across functions and organizational levels
• Proven commitment to customer-focused decision making and the delivery of exceptional customer experiences, operational performance, and service outcomes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to evaluate complex situations, interpret business data, manage risk, and make sound decisions in dynamic environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to operational excellence through innovation, continuous improvement, and the effective application of process optimization methodologies.
• Established reputation for integrity, professionalism, accountability, and ethical leadership, with a commitment to fostering a culture of trust, compliance, and organizational responsibility

Additional Information

What we offer (US based-employees):

• Competitive compensation with strong bonus program
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and dependents
• FSA/HSA Pre-tax savings plans for health care, childcare, and elder care
• Deductible Buffer Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with matching employer contribution
• Company-paid short- and long- term disability, life insurance, and employee assistance program
• Flexible work options
• Pet Insurance for our furry friends
• 8 weeks of Parental Leave for qualifying life events
• PTO that begins immediately
• Town Hall monthly meeting onsite/virtual, Cheer program where employees are recognized for outstanding work, Company wide social events, frequent catered lunches and much more!

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

This position requires current U.S. work authorization. We are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship for temporary visas (including H‑1B, H‑2B, OPT, O‑1, TN)