General Manager - Commercial Testing Laboratory

About the role

The General Manager of the Commercial Testing Laboratory serves as the senior leader responsible for planning, directing, organizing, and controlling all laboratory-related operations under LDF Business Development Corporation. This position oversees laboratory operations including regulatory compliance, quality assurance, accreditation processes, staff leadership, and financial performance.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct oversight of day-to-day laboratory operations.
• Establish and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all laboratory functions.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant testing services for all clients.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and testing protocols.
• Implement efficient workflow systems to support laboratory scalability and growth.
• Lead the laboratory’s pursuit and maintenance of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation or other applicable certifications.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements related to water testing, hemp/cannabis testing, and future forensic testing services.
• Maintain documentation and quality systems required for accreditation and regulatory audits.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, auditors, and accreditation bodies.
• Ensure adherence to chain-of-custody standards and legal evidence handling procedures when applicable.
• Establish and oversee the laboratory’s Quality Management System (QMS).
• Maintain laboratory data integrity, accuracy, and reproducibility.
• Implement internal audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement processes.
• Ensure proper calibration, validation, and verification of laboratory equipment.
• Operate the laboratory as a revenue-generating business unit.
• Develop and manage operational budgets in coordination with Finance.
• Monitor testing volumes, pricing structures, and operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to expand testing services and revenue streams.
• Provide regular operational and financial performance reporting to executive leadership.
• Recruit, train, and manage laboratory personnel including technicians, analysts, and administrative support staff.
• Build and maintain a high-performance team culture focused on quality, accuracy, and accountability.
• Develop and implement training programs to maintain technical competency and regulatory compliance.
• Provide leadership during startup and scaling phases of laboratory development.
• Identify opportunities to expand laboratory capabilities and service offerings.
• Lead and support client acquisition and retention efforts through technical credibility and service excellence.
• Develop strong relationships with commercial clients, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Align long-term laboratory strategy with organizational growth objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in a commercial, accredited, or regulated laboratory environment.
• Minimum five (5) years of leadership or laboratory management experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with ISO/IEC 17025 or similar accreditation standards.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements for environmental, cannabis/hemp, and/or forensic testing services.
• Demonstrated experience establishing or maintaining a Quality Management System (QMS).
• Strong organizational, operational, and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a scientific discipline preferred.
• Experience launching or scaling a startup laboratory.
• Experience in cannabis/hemp testing laboratories.
• Experience with EPA, ASTM, or forensic testing protocols.
• Experience managing chain-of-custody evidence testing.
• Business development or commercial laboratory experience.

Skills

• Ability to navigate Microsoft Office software, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and quality tracking systems.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present findings and updates to executive leadership and regulatory agencies.
• Effective timemanagement and organizational skills in a multifunctional laboratory environment.
• Ability to develop, analyze, and interpret key performance metrics and laboratory data.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports including budgets and performance statements.
• Ability to be proactive, self-motivated, and self-directed while leading technical teams.
• Ability to operate calmly in a highly regulated and detail-oriented environment.
• Ability to lead, coach, and collaborate in a team-oriented leadership structure.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding laboratory data, client information, and regulatory matters.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a focus on scientific integrity and operational excellence.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

Not specified.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week.