People are the chemistry: Jennifer Lilley
At Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, we believe that our people provide our strength. Their dedication to quality, professional competence and hard work is the key element in the company’s success. In this regular feature, we introduce you to some of the people who have helped make Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories an industry leader.
Jennifer Lilley, a group leader in Pharmaceutical Project Management, refers to her customers as family. And once in her care, Jennifer is devoted to keeping her family members happy. To that, her career in Pharmaceutical Project Management since 2006 has been the perfect use of her B.S. in chemistry and M.B.A. “I’m attracted to this job as it’s the business side of chemistry, but more importantly, it’s helping my customers advance their very important projects− projects that in the end can improve health and even save lives,” says Jennifer. “It’s an extremely satisfying and rewarding career.”
What does your current job entail?
As a project manager, I serve as a liaison between our clients and the laboratory by communicating client’s requirements to the technical staff, maintaining project-related documentation, communicating desired turnaround times and managing information flow. I also coordinate the entry of samples into our LIMS and audit client paperwork, making sure to resolve any discrepancies or issues prior to the start of testing.
Other responsibilities include facilitating and organizing client audits, visits and conference calls; monitoring ongoing projects and providing status updates as needed. I oversee the general administration of pharmaceutical projects such as issuing quotations to clients, answering billing and reporting questions and scheduling sample pickups.
As a group leader, in addition to the above responsibilities, I also serve as a technical resource, trainer and troubleshooter within the department. I coach and develop direct reports, plan and monitor workload, as well as make recommendations for operational and/or technical improvements.
What is the scope of your group?
The Project Management Group currently has one manager, four group leaders and 18 project managers who manage a combination of routine, non-routine and complex client projects. Our department also includes the Pricing Group, Inside Business Development and Operations. Each group helps manage client projects, as well as our internal systems in a variety of ways.
Our group has grown a great deal over the last few years, not only in size, but also in the level of service we provide our clients. We have worked on several service based initiatives over the last few years−always emphasizing excellent service to our clients.
Given all of your responsibilities, how would you describe a typical workday?
I believe all of the project managers would agree with me in saying there is no typical workday in Project Management. Although we have daily responsibilities, the majority of our day relies on the requests, inquiries and the needs of our clients.
All of the project managers are dedicated to their jobs and work very hard every day. Each of us has a unique personality and background that we bring to the table. We all value what each other has to offer and work together to serve our clients.
How would you characterize your leadership style?
My leadership style has always been to lead by example. I strive to motivate employees by demonstrating a strong commitment to my own work. I am also a strong proponent of process improvement, and as a leader, I try to inspire others to offer alternative, creative solutions to unmet needs or problems.
And when you’re not working?
My husband and I are expecting our first child in June, so these days we have been busy preparing for the baby’s arrival. This time of year is also very exciting for my family as we are huge Philadelphia Phillies fans, and we have been gearing up for the season.
