Lab Operations Manager

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise – So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries. Certified Group is comprised of a set of specialized brands that collectively deliver laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services across highly regulated industries: Certified Laboratories – Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries. Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) – A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry. Labstat – A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology. EAS Consulting Group – A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors. FSNS Certification & Audit – Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs. Job Summary: The Lab Services Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and operational oversight of the laboratory, ensuring efficient workflow, high‑quality testing, regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service. This role leads all daily laboratory operations, including staffing, scheduling, productivity, quality systems, safety, customer communication, and operational performance. The Lab Services Manager serves as the primary operational leader for the site and is accountable for maintaining a high‑performing laboratory environment that consistently delivers accurate, timely, and compliant microbiological and/or chemical testing services. This position partners closely with laboratory leadership, quality, and cross‑functional teams to drive operational excellence, employee engagement, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction. The Lab Services Manager is expected to lead with accountability, professionalism, and a strong service mindset while supporting the Company’s purpose, mission, and values. Purpose: So the world can trust in what it consumes. Mission: Partner with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise. Values: Start with the customer, commit to safety and quality, drive to deliver, act with integrity, and support the team. Responsibilities: Daily Laboratory Operations Manage and oversee all day-to-day laboratory activities, workflows, staffing, and operational priorities. Coordinate laboratory schedules and staffing coverage to support workload demands and turnaround time commitments. Conduct daily operational meetings or huddles to align priorities, staffing, workflow, and customer expectations. Monitor laboratory productivity, sample flow, testing backlogs, and operational performance metrics. Ensure operational resources, supplies, equipment, and staffing are effectively utilized. Quality & Safety Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards, company quality systems, SOPs, and safety requirements. Maintain audit readiness and support all internal, external, and customer audits or inspections. Reinforce adherence to laboratory safety procedures, PPE requirements, and sanitation standards. Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated, and functioning properly. Support investigations involving deviations, nonconformances, customer complaints, and corrective actions. Customer & Service Management Serve as an operational point of contact for customer service issues, turnaround concerns, and laboratory coordination needs. Ensure accurate and timely communication with customers regarding operational updates and service expectations. Support delivery of consistent, high-quality laboratory services that strengthen customer relationships and trust. Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, team leads, and laboratory staff. Support hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, performance management, and employee development activities. Promote employee engagement, accountability, teamwork, and professional growth. Ensure frontline leaders are effectively managing employee performance, training, and operational execution. Monitor operational expenses, labor productivity, inventory levels, and resource utilization. Support budget management and operational planning initiatives. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce operational waste, and enhance productivity. Manage vendor and service provider relationships to support operational effectiveness. Drive operational improvement initiatives focused on workflow optimization, turnaround time performance, quality, and customer satisfaction. Promote best practice sharing and standardization across teams and laboratory operations. Support implementation of new processes, technologies, and operational initiatives. Maintain a visible and engaged leadership presence within the laboratory environment. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, Food Technology, or related scientific field required; advanced degree preferred. Minimum of 5 years of experience in laboratory operations, manufacturing, or regulated operational environments required. Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience managing supervisors, team leads, or laboratory personnel required. Prior experience in food testing, third‑party laboratory testing, manufacturing, or regulated laboratory environments preferred. Strong understanding of laboratory operations, workflow management, quality systems, and regulatory compliance. Experience working within ISO/IEC 17025, FDA, USDA, or similar regulated environments preferred. Proven ability to lead teams, manage operational priorities, and drive performance improvements. Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills. Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and operational reporting tools preferred. Mathematical Skills Ability to apply mathematical concepts including percentages, ratios, statistical trends, and operational metrics in practical situations. Ability to analyze productivity, turnaround time, staffing, and operational performance data. Supervision Directly supervise frontline supervisors, team leads, and/or laboratory personnel. Indirectly oversee laboratory staff across one or more operational shifts. Physical Demands & Work Environment Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens. Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) within laboratory environments. Noise levels may vary from quiet to loud depending on operational activity. Temperature conditions may vary from hot to cold. Fast‑paced, team‑oriented laboratory environment with changing operational priorities. Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Night, weekend, or extended‑hour work may be required based on operational and customer demands. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make employment decisions without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr