Lab Director

Job Description

Job Description

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.

Our Brands

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 Director leads a high-complexity, high-volume microbiological and chemical testing laboratory. This role is responsible for all day-to-day operations including team leadership, quality and safety, financial management, and customer engagement. Acting with a strong general manager mindset, the Lab Director owns the site's performance, including profit and loss (P&L) responsibility, resource planning, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Core Operations

• Lead the lab to deliver high-quality, efficient testing aligned with company goals.
• Conduct daily huddles with operations and supervisors to set priorities and allocate resources.
• Maintain up-to-date technical competence and stay informed on industry developments.

Quality & Safety

• Ensure ISO 17025 compliance and audit readiness.
• Champion a culture of quality and safety; maintain sanitary and organized lab conditions.
• Monitor lab equipment functionality and coordinate timely maintenance or replacement.

Customer Engagement

• Serve as the lab's primary point of contact for clients.
• Deliver exceptional service with timely and accurate responses to inquiries and concerns.
• Support client retention and growth by exceeding expectations and turnaround time goals.

People Leadership

• Lead a large, multi-shift team (40–100+ employees).
• Forecast staffing needs and align schedules with testing volume.
• Recruit, train, coach, and retain high-performing employees.
• Develop supervisors into effective people leaders and ensure accountability at all levels.
• Promote cross-training and career growth aligned with internal career ladders.

Profitability

• Own and manage the site's financial performance.
• Optimize operational costs related to labor, inventory, couriers, and vendors.
• Drive productivity and cost-efficiency while maintaining service excellence.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Champion problem-solving and new ideas for improving service, quality, and efficiency.
• Serve as a key contributor to Certified Group enterprise-wide projects and pilots.
• Maintain a visible presence in the lab to provide real-time coaching and support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields.
  • MBA preferred
• Hands-on experience utilizing analytical methods and instrumentation (LC-MS, HPLC, ICP-MS, etc.)
• 7+ years of leadership experience in operations, preferably in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
• Experience managing and coaching front-line supervisors
• Experience with commercial laboratory testing (dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC products preferred)
• Proven success in P&L management and operational excellence.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, including experience leading through others.
• Ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and drive compliance.
• Proficient in problem-solving and process improvement methodologies.

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make employment decisions without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.