Lab Manager - Atlanta

Join to apply for the Lab Manager - Atlanta role at Apex Systems Job Description Exceptional Leadership Opportunity in Food & Beverage Testing! Apex is partnering with a global powerhouse in the Food & Beverage testing industry to fill a pivotal Lab Manager role. This is a direct-hire opportunity with a company known for innovation, quality, and impact. Job # : 2084194 The Lab Manager leads a dynamic team of 40 professionals—including 10 direct reports—at a high-performing site. Your leadership will drive operational excellence and advance cutting-edge laboratory practices. Competitive compensation and career growth Relocation support may be available for the right candidate Local applicants preferred for immediate placement This is more than a job—it's a chance to make a global impact through science, leadership, and collaboration. JOB SUMMARY The Lab Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of leading a microbiological and/or chemical laboratory within a single site, ensuring accuracy, compliance and quality of testing to the local customer base. Accountable for all quality, customer, people, financial processes and workflow related activities in the lab. The Lab Manager operates with a strong general manager mindset, balancing scientific rigor with business acumen. They are expected to lead with an entrepreneurial spirit, taking full ownership of site performance, including P&L management, team development, resource optimization, customer engagement, quality and safety, innovation and continuous improvement. This leader will uphold our purpose – so the world can trust in what it consumes by fostering a culture aligned to our mission and values. RESPONSIBILITIES Core Operations Foster a high performing laboratory environment. Lead laboratory operations to drive high quality, efficient testing with consistent turnaround times, guided by a balanced operational scorecard. Conduct daily huddles with operations and supervisors to ensure daily priorities and resources are properly utilized. Maintain technical competence to ensure knowledge and standards are up to date. Quality & Safety Maintain ISO 17025 compliance by aligning with the Company’s Corporate Quality Management System. Prepare for external audits; ensure staff readiness to brief designated parts for auditors and participate in audits to identify improvement opportunities. Maintain a clean, well-organized, sanitary laboratory environment; coordinate with facilities and maintenance as required. Promote a culture of safety and ensure the lab working environment meets safety standards. Monitor lab equipment for functionality and proactive maintenance; coordinate replacements when needed. Customer Engagement Represent the Company professionally to build trust, retention, and growth with customers. Understand customer needs and respond timely and accurately to inquiries or concerns. Communicate with clients on laboratory capabilities, results, pricing, and other relevant topics to foster transparency and collaboration. Meet established turnaround goals for customers and elevate the customer experience. People Leadership Anticipate staffing needs and design schedules to match volume patterns across shifts. Enable strong labor productivity according to KPIs. Recruit, interview, select talent; lead onboarding; train and enable employees to grow. Prioritize talent retention and create a culture of engagement and growth; monitor turnover and cross-train for flexibility. Coach supervisors to drive accountability and ensure proper documentation for actions and performance. Hold supervisors accountable for hiring, coaching, training, feedback, and employee relations; conduct performance reviews that cover technical and behavioral aspects. Profitability Manage the laboratory’s financial performance and align plans with budget expectations. Identify opportunities to drive profitability by optimizing labor, inventory, and couriers. Manage outside vendors to minimize waste and ensure high standards. Innovation and Continuous Improvement Contribute to cross-site best practice sharing and foster continuous improvement. Collaborate with other laboratories for overflow testing, resource sharing, and training. Maintain a visible daily presence in the lab to observe operations and provide coaching. Oversee non-routine projects as requested by clients. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in science, business or related field required; Master’s preferred. Minimum five (5) years of operations leadership experience managing frontline supervisors and hourly staff. Prior experience in commercial laboratory testing or manufacturing, preferably food, cosmetics, or tobacco, with safety and quality exposure. Proven track record of driving financial and operational performance against metrics. Experience managing teams through multiple frontline leaders. Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to interpret complex documents. Skilled in developing reports, business correspondence and SOPs. Confident presenting to and engaging with senior leadership, peers, customers, and cross-functional teams. Problem-solving ability in dynamic or ambiguous situations. Mathematical Skills Work with probability, statistical concepts, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions. Supervision Lead a team of three to eight supervisors and indirectly lead a total team of 15 to 40 members. Physical Demands / Work Environment Exposure to odors, fumes, chemicals, and microbiological pathogens; PPE required. Noise varies; temperature varies; fast-paced environment. Occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds. Night and weekend work may be required; occasional travel. Benefits Progressive 401k and employer-paid disability and life insurance Group medical, dental, vision; tuition reimbursement Flexible Spending Accounts; paid holidays and time off Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or other protected status. If accommodation is needed to search or apply, contact our Employee Services Department. #J-18808-Ljbffr