Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Gainesville Science Center

Permanent

MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES

As a trusted partner, our Public Health mission is to make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable. Throughout our global network in 32 countries, we offer to our customers a wide range of testing and innovative solutions dedicated to preventing health risks related to food, environment and consumer goods. External growth has been a key pillar of our history with more than 40 acquisitions completed in the last 10 years.


If you want to contribute to an inspiring long-term purpose, to be part of a fast growing company on a high-value market with significant build-up opportunities, and to grow in an entrepreneurial and warm environment, join us!

YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE

We are looking for a Operations Manager in 2183 SE Hawthorne Road, Gainesville, FL 32641 USA. Your mission will be to:

Position Summary

The incumbent is responsible for managing a department and providing leadership to departmental supervisors in the activities of their subordinates in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures in the execution of testing client samples. Accountable for department performance, including productivity, quality, cost, and staffing outcomes.

Qualifications Desired

• Experience managing multiple teams or supervisors within a laboratory or operational environment

• Demonstrated success in improving operational performance, including productivity, quality, and turnaround time

• Experience with resource planning, including staffing, scheduling, and workload management

• Strong coaching and leadership skills with a track record of developing supervisors and building effective teams

• Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives or implementing process enhancements

• Ability to analyze operational data and translate insights into actionable improvements

• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume, or complex operational environment

• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to partner effectively across departments

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the performance and operations of a defined department or functional area within the laboratory

• Leads and manages departmental supervisors and teams to ensure effective execution of laboratory operations

• Establishes operational priorities and allocates resources to meet business objectives and client expectations

• Makes decisions regarding staffing, scheduling, workflow, and resource allocation to ensure efficient and effective operations

• Monitors key performance indicators (KPIs), identifies gaps, and drives action plans to improve overall department performance

• Ensures compliance with quality systems, regulatory requirements, and company policies; partners with Quality to address non-conformances and implement corrective actions.

• Leads hiring, onboarding, development, and performance management of direct reports, building a strong and capable team.

• Supports the development of supervisors, providing coaching and guidance to strengthen leadership capability and team effectiveness

• Drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, capacity utilization, and overall department performance

• Partners with cross-functional teams (e.g., Client Services, Quality, Sales, and other departments) to ensure alignment and successful execution of operational and business objectives

• Oversees the implementation of new methods, equipment, or processes within the department, ensuring readiness, training, and successful integration into operations

• Communicates operational performance, risks, and priorities to site leadership, providing updates and recommendations as needed

• Ensures appropriate response to operational challenges, including client needs, staffing constraints, and workflow disruptions, adjusting plans as necessary to maintain performance

• Serves as a key escalation point for operational issues within the department and ensures timely resolution

• Other related duties as assigned.

• At any time, the incumbent must behave and operate in an ethical and Code of Conduct compliant manner.

Communication

• Laboratory Director / Site Leadership: Regularly communicates to provide updates on department performance, operational risks, resource needs, and progress against key priorities. Escalates issues and provides recommendations for resolution

• Supervisors and Department Teams: Provides direction, sets expectations, and ensures alignment on operational priorities. Coaches and supports supervisors to drive team performance and development

• Cross-Functional Teams: Partners with functions such as Client Services, Quality, Sales, and other operational departments to ensure alignment, resolve issues, and support successful execution of business objectives

• Clients: Communicates with clients as needed to address operational questions, resolve issues, and ensure service expectations are met

• Corporate / Support Functions: Collaborates with HR, Finance, Quality, and other support teams on matters related to staffing, performance, compliance, and operational initiatives

• Other Locations: Maintains communication with peers across locations to share best practices, align on processes, and support network consistency

YOUR PROFILE

Qualifications Required


• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, chemistry, food science, or related field; or equivalent experience


• 6+ years of relevant laboratory or operational experience


• Prior experience leading supervisors or multiple teams


• Demonstrated ability to manage performance, staffing, and operational priorities


• Strong understanding of laboratory operations, quality systems, and regulatory requirements


• Experience making operational decisions related to resources, scheduling, and workflow management


• Ability to analyze data and drive improvements in productivity, quality, and efficiency


• Must have client-facing experiences with examples of problem solving operational issues.

Job Competencies


• Self Management: Effectively prioritizes tasks, sets and achieves goals, and engages in activities that maintain productivity and well-being.


• Problem Solving: Analyzes complex issues, generates innovative solutions, and makes informal decisions to overcome barriers and resolve challenges.


• Accountability: Demonstrates responsibility by clearly owning decisions, actions and outcomes; consistently meets commitments and maintains transparency.


• Emotional Intelligence: Recognizes and manages emotions, demonstrates empathy, maintains composure, and fosters team dynamics and environment.


• Communication: Actively listens and clearly conveys information, expectations, and feedback to ensure alignment, understanding, and engagement.


• Empowering Others: Builds autonomy and ownership by creating a supportive environment that motivates individuals to grow and contribute their best efforts.


• Change Leadership: Guides organizational change by motivating others, fostering resilience, navigating disruptions, and engaging stakeholders effectively.


• Culture Management: Cultivates a positive culture aligned with organizational values by developing talent, promoting ethics, and fostering employee engagement.

Six Global Competencies


• Courage; Trust; Self-Awareness; Social & Emotional Intelligence; Inspiration; People Development/Coaching

Physical Demands and Work Environment


• Regularly required to stand, walk, and move throughout the laboratory to observe operations and support team activities


• Occasionally required to lift and/or move materials up to 50 pounds


• Requires sufficient dexterity to use laboratory equipment and review operational processes as needed


• Specific vision abilities may include close vision, color differentiation, and the ability to assess detailed work


• Work is performed in a laboratory setting with exposure to chemicals, biological agents, and other potentially hazardous materials


• Responsible for ensuring adherence to safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)


• Combination of time spent on the laboratory floor and in an office environment for administrative and leadership responsibilities


• Moderate noise levels and routine exposure to active laboratory operations


• Occasional presence in different departments to support oversight, troubleshooting, and team alignment

Travel


• Minimal travel is required, typically less than 10%


• Occasional travel to other laboratory locations to support operations, share best practices, or assist with training and implementation of processes


• May attend industry conferences, meetings, or company events to support professional development and business needs

Compensation Package Overview:

• Compensation Range starts at $75000 annual salary/USD
• Potential bonus: Up to 10% based on performance.

Full Time Eligible Benefits Overview:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work-life balance following state and local ordinances.
• Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.

The information above provides a general overview and may vary based on specific job responsibilities, location, or other factors. Details will be clarified during the hiring process.

WHY JOIN US?

• Because you would contribute to an inspiring Public Health purpose, supported by long-term and visionary shareholders.
• Because you would have an impact on our strategic pillars that build on 60 years of experience and expertise.
• Because you would be part of a community of an enthusiastic and skilled group of people who love co-building together and serving a purpose bigger than them.
• Because you would be welcome as you are , in a diverse and open-minded environment that is rich in our singularities and differences.
• Because you would grow in an international group of more than 10,000 fantastic team members , with plenty of opportunities to learn and share.

Ready for the journey?

To apply please click on 'Apply now' button