Laboratory Manager - Food Safety Net Services : Job Details

About Certified Group Certified Group is a leading provider of laboratory testing and scientific solutions for the food & beverage, cosmetics, and related industries. Our purpose is simple — so the world can trust in what it consumes. We do this by partnering with clients to deliver innovative, science-based solutions with unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and customer success. 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 | Support the team Position Overview The Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a microbiological and/or chemical laboratory, ensuring the highest standards of testing accuracy, compliance, and customer service. This role combines scientific leadership with strong operational and business acumen. The Lab Manager is responsible for quality, safety, team development, financial performance, and customer engagement. With a general manager mindset, the Lab Manager is empowered to lead the site's growth, profitability, and continuous improvement initiatives. Key Leadership Accountabilities Quality Excellence – Promote a culture of quality by ensuring strict adherence to SOPs, regulatory standards, and continuous improvement practices. Customer Focus – Deliver timely, high-quality results and responsive service to strengthen client relationships and promote business growth. People-Centric Leadership – Cultivate a safe, inclusive, and engaging work environment that empowers employees to thrive. Operational Profitability – Manage budgets and resources effectively to drive sustainable and efficient operations. Innovation & Improvement – Foster a team culture that champions innovation, problem-solving, and operational excellence. Key Responsibilities Operations Direct day-to-day lab activities to meet performance goals for quality, turnaround time, and productivity. Conduct daily huddles with supervisors to align on testing priorities and resource allocation. Ensure technical competence and up-to-date knowledge of laboratory methods and best practices. Quality & Safety Ensure compliance with ISO 17025 and corporate quality management standards. Lead preparation and readiness for external audits; coach staff for success in audit interactions. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized lab environment; coordinate with facilities/maintenance. Monitor lab equipment condition and manage maintenance/replacement needs. Customer Engagement Represent Certified Group with professionalism in all client interactions. Communicate results, capabilities, and pricing clearly and accurately. Respond promptly to customer questions or concerns, enhancing the customer experience. Meet and exceed client expectations for turnaround time and service delivery. People Leadership Lead a team of 3–8 supervisors and oversee 15–40 total staff across shifts. Align staffing plans with volume patterns; optimize labor schedules and productivity. Recruit, train, and develop talent through structured onboarding and career pathing. Promote employee engagement, retention, and cross-training to build a flexible, skilled team. Hold supervisors accountable for performance coaching, training, support, and employee relations. Oversee documentation and performance reviews that support growth and accountability. Financial Management Manage the lab's P&L and align operational decisions with budget expectations. Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities across labor, supplies, and services. Manage vendor relationships (e.g., sanitation, temp labor, contractors) to ensure value and efficiency. Innovation & Collaboration Lead and contribute to cross-lab best practice sharing, overflow testing, and pilot projects. Maintain a strong presence on the floor to reinforce performance standards and provide real-time feedback. Oversee client-specific and non-routine testing projects as needed. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in science, business, or related field required; Master's degree preferred. Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations, including leading supervisors of hourly teams. Preferred experience in commercial lab testing (food, cosmetics, or tobacco) or manufacturing. Proven success managing operations, financials, and teams to measurable outcomes. Strong interpersonal and written communication skills. Skilled in interpreting technical, regulatory, and business documentation. Comfortable presenting to leadership and engaging clients directly. Effective problem-solver with sound judgment in dynamic situations. Employment Type: Full Time