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GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured.
The Role
Lead operational excellence by developing dashboards, KPI reporting, SPC/QC monitoring, and Lean/Six Sigma programs. Drive continuous improvement, prioritize issues, and partner cross-functionally to scale lab and operational processes in a regulated NGS/diagnostics environment.
Summary Generated by Built In
Our mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. We are working to change the trajectory of cancer mortality and bring stakeholders together to adopt innovative, safe, and effective technologies that can transform cancer care.
We are a healthcare company, pioneering new technologies to advance early cancer detection. We have built a multi-disciplinary organization of scientists, engineers, and physicians and we are using the power of next-generation sequencing (NGS), population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to overcome one of medicine’s greatest challenges.
GRAIL is headquartered in the bay area of California, with locations in Washington, D.C., North Carolina, and the United Kingdom. It is supported by leading global investors and pharmaceutical, technology, and healthcare companies.
For more information, please visit grail.com
The Associate Director, Operational Excellence is central to driving continuous improvement, operational rigor, and data-informed decision-making across laboratory and operational workflows. The ideal candidate combines deep analytical capability with proven experience in Lean methodologies and cross-functional leadership. They will play a critical role in transforming operational data into actionable insights, enabling scalable, high-quality execution in a regulated environment.
This role works on-site full-time at our office located in Durham, NC
Responsibilities:
- Operational Data & Insights
- Design, develop, and maintain operational dashboards and data visualizations to provide real-time visibility into performance
- Generate and distribute KPI reports, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with organizational goals
- Partner with stakeholders to define meaningful metrics and continuously improve reporting frameworks
- Data Exploration & Process Monitoring
- Conduct deep data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and leading indicators related to Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Quality Control (QC)
- Establish and refine control limits, early warning systems, and predictive indicators to proactively manage operational risk
- Translate complex data findings into clear, actionable recommendations
- Continuous Improvement Leadership
- Lead and scale Lean initiatives, including 5S, Six Sigma, and Kaizen programs, across operational teams
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement through structured problem-solving and iterative refinement of processes
- Measure and track the impact of improvement initiatives, ensuring sustained gains
- Issue Management & Prioritization
- Develop and maintain a centralized system for capturing operational issues, risks, and improvement opportunities
- Synthesize inputs across teams into a structured backlog of initiatives
- Partner with cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Engineering, Software, Lab) to prioritize and align on improvement efforts
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Act as a key liaison between Operations and non-Operations teams to drive execution of improvement initiatives
- Ensure alignment on priorities, timelines, and expected outcomes
- Influence without authority to remove barriers and accelerate progress
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Operations, Data Science, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
- 12+ years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or analytics, ideally in biotech, diagnostics, or regulated environments
- Demonstrated expertise in Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred), and Kaizen methodologies
- Strong experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker) and data analysis (SQL, Python, R, or similar)
- Proven ability to work with SPC/QC frameworks and operational performance metrics
- Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing senior stakeholders
- Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills
- Experience in NGS, clinical laboratory operations, or diagnostics workflows
- Familiarity with regulated environments (CLIA, CAP, FDA) preferred
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Work performed across office, production, and executive settings.
- Exposure to manufacturing environments, including noise, chemicals, and production equipment.
- Extended or flexible hours may be required to meet organizational goals.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection, required in designated areas.
The expected, full-time, annual base pay scale for this position is $146K - $194K. Actual base pay will consider skills, experience, and location.
This role may be eligible for other forms of compensation, including an annual bonus and/or incentives, subject to the terms of the applicable plans and Company discretion. This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the range that the Company reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire; the actual compensation offered may vary depending on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications. Employees in this role are also eligible for GRAIL’s comprehensive and competitive benefits package, offered in accordance with our applicable plans and policies. This package currently includes flexible time-off or vacation; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; medical, dental, and vision coverage; and carefully selected mindfulness programs.
GRAIL is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a workplace where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, , or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Additionally, GRAIL will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at [email protected] if you require an accommodation to apply for an open position.
GRAIL maintains a drug-free workplace. We welcome job-seekers from all backgrounds to join us!
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Operations, Data Science, or related field
- 12+ years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or analytics in biotech/diagnostics or regulated environments
- Demonstrated expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
- Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, Looker)
- Data analysis skills (SQL, Python, R, or similar)
- Proven ability with Statistical Process Control (SPC) / Quality Control (QC) frameworks and operational performance metrics
- Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing senior stakeholders
- Experience in NGS, clinical laboratory operations, or diagnostics workflows
- Familiarity with regulated environments (CLIA, CAP, FDA)
- Advanced degree (MS, PhD, MBA) in relevant field
What the Team is Saying
Neda Ronaghi
Strategy and Operational Excellence Associate Director
Ruth Mauntz
Staff Bioinformatics Scientist
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Tristan Matthews
Senior Director, Software Engineering
David Jenions
Principal Automation Engineer
Satnam Alag
SVP, Software Engineering
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GRAIL Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and mental‑health resources are offered, with FSAs/HSAs and multiple carrier options. Feedback suggests the company covers a large share of premiums, enhancing perceived value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Flexible/“unlimited” time off, sick time, paid holidays, and summer/winter shutdowns provide broad time‑off options. Hybrid/remote work further expands flexibility for many roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An ESPP with a discounted purchase feature and equity grants provide accessible ownership upside confirmed by company filings. Feedback suggests equity is a meaningful part of total rewards.
GRAIL Insights
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The Company
What We Do
GRAIL is a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. GRAIL is using the power of high-intensity sequencing, population-scale clinical studies, and state-of-the-art computer science and data science to enhance the scientific understanding of cancer biology, and to develop and commercialize pioneering products.
Why Work With Us
Everything we do is guided by our mission to detect cancer early, when it can be cured. It’s the reason we’re here, and it’s no small task. The right people make all the difference. That’s why we’re looking for those who strive to share their knowledge, contribute their skills, inspire each other and commit to something bigger than themselves.
Gallery
GRAIL Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
GRAIL has a variety of work types depending on the roles. Some roles are onsite like a lab role, some are fully remote like our Galleri Sales Consultant roles. Others are hybrid with 2-3 days onsite. Typically Tuesday and Thursday.
Typical time on-site:
2 days a week
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