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.