Lab Director

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.