Project Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Design Manager

Company: LabConnect

Location: Johnson City, Tennessee, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Clinical Operations / Project Management

Date Posted: May 18, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Manages the end-to-end setup and amendment process for clinical trial projects, ensuring seamless integration of client requirements into operational deliverables.

• Serves as a critical subject matter expert, bridging client needs with internal operational execution for central laboratory services and FSP solutions.

• Drives process efficiency and upholds quality standards through meticulous documentation, cross-functional coordination, and proactive problem-solving.

• Facilitates communication and alignment between external stakeholders (Sponsors, CROs) and internal functional departments to guarantee project success and adherence to timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the clinical operations domain, specifically focusing on the initial project setup and ongoing management of clinical trial logistics. While not a direct Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, it shares significant overlap in process management, client coordination, and ensuring operational efficiency for business objectives. The "Project Design Manager" title suggests a focus on the strategic and detailed planning phase of clinical trials, emphasizing documentation and system configuration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and revise Operational Specification Documents (OSDs), customized test requisitions, laboratory manuals, and collection kit specifications for clinical trials of varying complexities.

• Act as the primary project contact for Sponsors and Contract Research Organizations (CROs), maintaining clear communication channels and ensuring adherence to project timelines and deliverables.

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) during internal and external calls related to project initiation, providing detailed information and strategic insights to Project Managers.

• Translate complex client requirements into actionable steps for internal teams, facilitating problem-solving and issue resolution while maintaining compliance with internal standards and best practices.

• Coordinate with internal functional departments (e.g., database setup, logistics) to ensure all study needs are met, confirming the completion of setup-related tasks.

• Provide regular, clear status updates on project setup progress to Project Management and Client Services leadership, highlighting milestones and potential roadblocks.

• Interpret and understand project-specific budgets, ensuring that operational plans align with financial constraints and objectives.

• Assist in training and mentoring new team members on project setup processes, documentation standards, and best practices, fostering knowledge transfer and team consistency.

• Contribute to the creation and oversight of training materials, templates, job aids, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance operational efficiency and consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on documentation, client interaction, and internal coordination. This role requires translating strategic client needs into tangible operational outputs, a key function in many GTM and operations roles that focus on bridging business requirements with technical execution. The emphasis on OSDs, test requisitions, and lab manuals points to a specialized operational documentation process within the clinical research industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) from an accredited four-year college or university.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of setup-related experience and/or project management experience within the clinical research, central laboratory, or related clinical fields.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Required Skills:

• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to manage project timelines, deliverables, and resources effectively, particularly within the context of clinical trial setups.

• Operational Specification Documentation: Proficiency in creating, revising, and interpreting complex operational documents (OSDs, test requisitions, lab manuals) for clinical studies.

• Client Relationship Management: Strong skills in managing client expectations, communicating effectively, and building rapport with Sponsors and CROs.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to interface and coordinate with various internal departments to achieve project objectives and ensure seamless execution.

• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Capacity to analyze situations, identify root causes, and develop practical, creative solutions while adhering to established processes.

• Organizational & Time Management: Excellent skills in prioritizing tasks, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and meeting strict deadlines.

• Communication Proficiency: Superior listening, verbal comprehension, and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Working knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for document creation, data analysis, and communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Clinical Research/Central Lab Experience: Direct experience in a central laboratory setting or with clinical trial operations is highly advantageous.

• Technical Writing: Experience in developing or contributing to the creation of procedural documents, templates, and training materials.

• Budget Interpretation: Understanding of project budgets and ability to align operational plans with financial parameters.

• Mentorship/Training: Experience in training new team members or developing training content.

• Process Improvement Acumen: Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for enhancing operational workflows and quality standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific documentation (OSDs, etc.) and client interaction in a regulated environment like clinical trials suggests a need for meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of process adherence. The blend of project management, client services, and technical documentation aligns with many operations roles that require bridging business needs with execution. The emphasis on problem-solving and adaptability is crucial for managing the dynamic nature of clinical trials.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Setup Documentation Examples: Showcase examples of Operational Specification Documents (OSDs), customized test requisitions, or laboratory manuals you have developed or significantly contributed to. Highlight complexity and client-specific adaptations.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Present a case study detailing a specific process you optimized within a project setup or amendment workflow. Focus on the problem, your solution, and the quantifiable improvements (e.g., reduced turnaround time, increased accuracy, enhanced client satisfaction).

• Client Communication Artifacts: Include anonymized examples of client communications (e.g., status updates, issue resolution summaries) that demonstrate your ability to manage client relationships and translate complex information.

• Workflow Design Examples: If applicable, provide examples of workflow diagrams or process maps you have created to illustrate or improve operational processes related to project initiation or amendment.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of developing and adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relevant to clinical trial setup and documentation.

• Showcase experience in translating client requirements into formal operational documents and internal action plans.

• Highlight your ability to document processes for training purposes and knowledge transfer, ensuring consistency across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For roles like this, a portfolio is crucial. It allows candidates to visually demonstrate their ability to create and manage complex operational documents and processes. The emphasis here is on tangible outputs that reflect accuracy, client focus, and process adherence, critical for a role managing clinical trial setups.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Financial Security: Competitive Base Pay, 401k with company match, and potential for annual bonus eligibility, providing a comprehensive financial planning package.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective from the date of hire.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) plan, 11 paid company holidays, and a dedicated Volunteer Day to support community engagement.

• Protective Benefits: Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance, Life Insurance, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage for peace of mind.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for career growth and advancement within a global organization, fostering continuous learning and skill development.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there might be some flexibility in daily start/end times, subject to team and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Johnson City, TN area, considering the specified experience level and the nature of the clinical operations industry. Benefits are directly extracted from the provided job description, highlighting key areas that appeal to professionals seeking stability and well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare / Pharmaceutical Services (Central Laboratory Services, Functional Service Provider)

Company Size: 201-500 employees (based on common industry classifications for companies of this scope)

Founded: LabConnect was founded with a mission to advance medicine through innovative central laboratory services and FSP solutions. The company emphasizes agility, innovation, and collaboration.

Team Structure:

• The Project Design Manager likely operates within a larger Project Management or Clinical Operations department. This team would include Project Managers, Project Coordinators, and potentially other specialized roles related to trial setup and execution.

• Reporting structure would typically be to a Senior Project Manager, Project Management Lead, or Department Manager, with direct interaction with client-facing teams such as Client Services.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Documentation: The company emphasizes translating client requirements into precise operational documents (OSDs), suggesting a data-centric approach to defining study parameters.

• Agile and Flexible Operations: LabConnect positions itself as adaptable to evolving study demands, implying a methodology that can accommodate changes and complexities in clinical trials.

• Quality and Compliance Focus: Operating within the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors necessitates a strong adherence to quality standards and regulatory compliance in all operational processes.

Company Website: https://www.labconnect.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "accelerating the development of new medicines" and its role as a "one-stop-shop" for central laboratory services and FSP solutions indicates a fast-paced, results-oriented environment. The emphasis on innovation, agility, and client-centricity suggests a culture that values proactive problem-solving and strong stakeholder management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is considered a mid-level position, suitable for individuals with foundational experience in project management and clinical operations setup. It requires a solid understanding of operational processes and the ability to manage tasks with a degree of autonomy.

Reporting Structure: The Project Design Manager typically reports to a Project Management Lead or a Director of Clinical Operations. They will work closely with Project Managers, Client Services, and various internal functional departments, acting as a key liaison.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the successful initiation and execution of clinical trials by ensuring that all logistical and operational requirements are accurately defined and implemented. Errors or delays in the setup phase can significantly impact study timelines, data integrity, and client satisfaction, thereby affecting the company's ability to deliver on its mission and revenue goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Project Design Manager/Project Manager: Progression to managing larger, more complex projects independently, with increased client responsibility and strategic input.

• Operations Specialist/Team Lead: Opportunity to specialize further in a specific area of operations, such as documentation management, process improvement, or training, potentially leading a small team.

• Client Services/Account Management: Transition into client-facing roles where deep understanding of operational processes is a significant asset for managing client relationships and business development.

• Process Improvement Specialist: Focus on optimizing operational workflows, implementing new technologies, and enhancing efficiency across the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path from Project Design Manager often leads to greater project ownership and strategic influence within clinical operations. The skills developed in translating client needs into operational plans are highly transferable across various roles within the life sciences and broader operations sectors.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: LabConnect emphasizes a "one global team" approach, suggesting a collaborative and integrated office environment. The role is on-site in Johnson City, TN, indicating a traditional office setting.

Office Location(s): Johnson City, Tennessee, United States. This location is a hub for the company's operations, providing access to necessary infrastructure and resources.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed for collaboration, with regular interaction expected among team members and across departments.

• Employees will have access to standard office technology, including computers, phones, and potentially specialized software for project management and documentation.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected. While the role requires on-site presence, the company's stated values (e.g., People First) might suggest a degree of flexibility regarding daily working hours, subject to team coordination and operational demands. The primary focus is on meeting project deadlines and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for this role suggests a preference for direct collaboration and team synergy. The emphasis on "People First" and "one global team" indicates a supportive and inclusive work culture where individual contributions are valued within a collective framework.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A phone or video call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager to evaluate technical skills, project management experience, and understanding of clinical trial setup processes. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Team/Panel Interview: May involve meeting with potential colleagues or cross-functional partners to assess collaboration skills and ability to integrate into the team. This could include a practical exercise or case study.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize any outstanding questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Examples: Choose 2-3 strong examples that best represent your capabilities in creating OSDs, managing project setups, or driving process improvements.

• Focus on Impact: For each example, clearly articulate the challenge, your specific actions, the tools/processes used, and the quantifiable results or benefits achieved.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio pieces demonstrate your attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, client communication skills, and understanding of clinical trial operations.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio items, explaining your role and decision-making process in detail during the interview.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to design or revise a process for a specific clinical trial setup requirement. Focus on logical steps, potential pitfalls, and stakeholder communication.

• Problem-Solving Case Study: You might be presented with a common issue in clinical trial setup (e.g., a client request that conflicts with standard procedures) and asked to propose a solution, outlining your thought process and communication strategy.

• Document Review: Practice reviewing technical or operational documents for clarity, accuracy, and completeness, as you'll be expected to do this for OSDs and other project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is a key differentiator for this role. Candidates should prepare specific examples that showcase their ability to translate complex requirements into actionable operational plans and documents, demonstrating their project management and problem-solving skills within the clinical operations context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, including Word (for OSDs, manuals), Excel (for data tracking, budget analysis), and PowerPoint (for presentations and training materials).

• Project Management Software: Likely use of a project management tool (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Microsoft Project, or a specialized clinical trial management system) for task tracking, timeline management, and collaboration.

• CRM System (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot): While not directly managing sales, understanding CRM principles for client tracking and communication history is beneficial.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for storing, organizing, and version-controlling critical project documents.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software (Excel): For basic data analysis, budget tracking, and reporting on project setup metrics.

• Data Visualization Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI): Potentially used for creating reports or dashboards on project setup progress and efficiency, though less likely to be a primary requirement for this specific role.

CRM & Automation:

• Communication Platforms: Proficient use of email, video conferencing (Zoom, Teams), and internal communication tools (e.g., Slack).

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with how automation can streamline setup processes, even if not directly implementing them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Microsoft Office is explicitly mentioned. Experience with project management tools and a general understanding of how technology supports operational efficiency are key. While not explicitly stated, familiarity with systems used in clinical trials (e.g., EDC systems, LIMS) could be a plus, though the focus here is on the design and setup phase.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People First: Demonstrates respect for employees, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. This translates to valuing team members' contributions and well-being.

• Quality Focused: Commitment to high standards in all deliverables, especially critical documentation and client interactions, ensuring accuracy and reliability in clinical trial support.

• Customer Centered: Prioritizing client needs and satisfaction by effectively translating requirements and providing excellent service throughout the project lifecycle.

• Technology Driven: Leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and innovation in operational processes and service delivery.

• Accountability Always: Taking ownership of responsibilities, commitments, and outcomes, ensuring reliable execution and problem resolution.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: LabConnect fosters a "one global team" environment, emphasizing collaboration across departments and geographical locations.

• Proactive Communication: Open lines of communication are encouraged, facilitating efficient problem-solving and knowledge sharing.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: The role requires active collaboration with diverse internal teams (Project Management, Client Services, Operations, QA) to ensure holistic project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of core values provides a strong insight into the company's operational philosophy. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their work aligns with these values, particularly "Quality Focused," "Customer Centered," and "Accountability Always," as these directly relate to the Project Design Manager's responsibilities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Client Needs: Accurately interpreting and translating diverse and sometimes ambiguous client requirements into precise operational specifications can be challenging.

• Managing Multiple Complex Projects: Juggling the setup and amendment of several clinical trials simultaneously, each with unique specifications and deadlines, requires exceptional organizational skills.

• Navigating Internal Dependencies: Ensuring timely input and execution from various internal departments can be difficult, requiring strong negotiation and coordination skills.

• Adapting to Evolving Trial Demands: Clinical trials can change frequently; adapting documentation and setup processes to meet these evolving needs while maintaining quality is a constant challenge.

• Balancing Speed and Accuracy: The pressure to deliver setups quickly for fast-tracked trials must be balanced with the critical need for accuracy and compliance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Clinical Trial Operations Expertise: Deepen knowledge of central laboratory services, FSP models, and the intricacies of clinical trial execution.

• Process Optimization Techniques: Develop skills in analyzing workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing improvements within a regulated environment.

• Advanced Project Management: Gain experience with more complex project management methodologies and tools, potentially leading to PMP certification or similar.

• Client Relationship Management: Enhance skills in managing high-stakes client relationships and strategic communication within the pharmaceutical/biotech sector.

• Mentorship and Training: Develop leadership capabilities through training new team members and contributing to SOP development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding potential challenges allows candidates to prepare thoughtful responses about their problem-solving approaches and resilience. The growth opportunities highlight LabConnect's commitment to employee development within the specialized field of clinical operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex client requirement into actionable operational steps. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, communication, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail when creating critical operational documents like OSDs?" (Highlight your quality control measures and systematic approach.)

• "Walk me through your process for managing multiple project setups simultaneously. How do you prioritize and ensure all deadlines are met?" (Emphasize your organizational, time management, and prioritization strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on what you know about LabConnect, how do you see your role contributing to our mission of advancing medicine?" (Connect your responsibilities to the company's overall goals.)

• "Which of LabConnect's core values (People First, Quality Focused, Customer Centered, Technology Driven, Accountability Always) resonates most with you, and why?" (Prepare examples that demonstrate alignment with these values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Examples: For each portfolio piece, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly explain your contribution and the impact.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., "reduced setup time by 15%," "handled 10 complex studies concurrently").

• Focus on Process: Explain how you achieved the results, detailing your thought process, the steps you took, and any challenges you overcame.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your portfolio that directly relate to OSD creation, project initiation, client communication, and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should heavily emphasize the candidate's ability to manage documentation, coordinate complex processes, and interact with clients, all within the specific context of clinical trials. Demonstrating an understanding of the company's values and mission will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Project Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the LabConnect careers portal via the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in project setup, operational documentation (OSDs, manuals), client communication, and cross-functional coordination within the clinical research or related industries. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 relevant examples of your work, such as OSDs, process improvement case studies, or client communication samples. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with LabConnect's services, mission, and core values. Understand their role in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry and their commitment to advancing medicine.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions focusing on project management, problem-solving, attention to detail, and client interaction, using the STAR method.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.