Laboratory Operations Manager

Overview

The Laboratory Services Manager leads the day-to-day operations of a microbiological and/or chemical laboratory at a single site. This role ensures the accuracy, compliance, and quality of testing services delivered to a local customer base. The Manager is fully accountable for quality, customer satisfaction, people leadership, financial performance, and workflow management within the lab.

Operating with a strong general manager mindset, this leader balances scientific rigor with business acumen and brings an entrepreneurial approach to site leadership. The Laboratory Services Manager takes full ownership of site performance, including P&L management, team development, resource optimization, customer engagement, quality and safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.

This role champions our purpose, mission, and values by fostering a high-performing, accountable, and customer-focused culture.

Responsibilities

Quality Excellence

• Promote a culture where quality is embedded in every action
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, regulatory standards, and accuracy requirements
• Drive continuous improvement and proactive coaching across the team

Customer Focus

• Deliver timely, high-quality results that build trust and long-term partnerships
• Meet and exceed customer expectations to enhance reputation and grow business opportunities

People Leadership

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging work environment
• Support, coach, and develop team members to achieve their full potential
• Maintain strong visibility and accessibility to the team

Financial Performance

• Manage lab budgets and drive profitable growth
• Oversee labor, inventory, courier services, and overall resource optimization
• Ensure efficient and sustainable operations

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Lead a culture of problem-solving and learning from defects
• Encourage new ideas to improve service, quality, and operational efficiency

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, Chemistry, Food Technology, or related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum five years’ experience leading frontline supervisors who directly oversee an hourly workforce.
• Prior experience in third-party laboratory testing or manufacturing environments preferred; specifically, within industries such as food, cosmetics, tobacco, or cannabis, with exposure to safety, quality, sanitation and/or operations.
• Proven track record of successfully driving financial performance against defined KPIs.
• Proven ability to manage teams through a span of frontline leaders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interpret complex business, technical and regulatory documents.
• Skilled in developing reports, business correspondence and standard operating procedures.
• Confident in presenting to and engaging with senior leadership, peers, customers, and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated capability to solve practical problems using sound judgement, especially in dynamic or ambiguous situations.