Lab Director

About the role

We are looking for a Lab Director in Salida, CA (5262 Pirrone Ct, 95368 USA). Reporting to the Division Vice President, the Lab Director is responsible for taking ownership and operating a successful laboratory through displaying an entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring excellence in others, building strong customer relationships, making sound operational decisions, and leading change.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the business; develop and implement a strategic plan for the laboratory to meet business goals.
• Manage financial aspects of the business including budget development, short and long-term financial goal setting, P&L management, and executing strategies to achieve goals.
• Understand and take advantage of available resources to help achieve results in a cost-effective, safe, and ethical manner.
• Develop and maintain expertise in the field of food science and related technologies through available library resources and peer expertise.
• Demonstrate leadership through communication and actions to earn respect and trust of the team.
• Set the tone of integrity, accountability, excellence, and initiative by modeling the behavior expected from leaders and staff.
• Clearly communicate goals and accountability of achievement across all levels of the workforce.
• Create and foster an environment where coaching and development is a priority to promote employee engagement, career pathing, and organizational succession planning.
• Understand corporate objectives and manage laboratory performance to maintain or improve operational and financial efficiencies aligning with company goals.
• Ensure compliance with Mérieux policies and standard operating procedures striving for the highest level of quality, customer excellence, safety, and efficiency for existing and new business.
• Ensure exceptional internal and external customer experiences through engagement, attitude, communication, and service.
• Participate in strategic conversations with the sales team and dedicate time to meet with current and prospective clients to understand customer needs and build trusting relationships.
• Develop deep industry knowledge and play an active role in industry events.
• Provide technical expertise to clients by helping them interpret laboratory data and suggesting solutions to their related business challenges.
• Constantly evaluate the laboratory from all aspects and challenge the status quo; analyze and derive strategy that is inclusive of change, provide clear goals, and continually measure progress.
• Communicate change and stand behind the message; present a united front with corporate partners and leadership team.
• Participate in the implementation of internal quality control programs, evaluation of the results, and in the establishment of the internal repeatability and reproducibility of standard methods, including participation in internal and external audits.
• Manage and check randomly and systematically that the quality system is documented, effective, updated, and being understood and adhered to by the staff.
• Monitor the quality activities and implement the agreed corrective action and evaluate its effectiveness.
• Manage local controlled documents (Manuals, Procedures, Work Instructions, Charts, Guidelines).
• Cease specific analyses when evidence from the quality system indicates the process is not in control and the quality of the results are compromised as a result of the non-conformances, and restart work and communicate the resumption of work to Corporate Sales and Quality groups.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of microbiology and/or chemistry in addition to food science obtained from a Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree or equivalent experience.
• General knowledge of the business disciplines of finance, budgeting, sales, and marketing practices to gain new business and maintain current customers successfully.
• Computer skills necessary to track laboratory information and produce documents to support the management function.
• General knowledge of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to review analysis results and correct any discrepancies.
• Analytical skills to problem solve and fulfill customer's analysis needs.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for effective customer contact.
• Customer relation skills to obtain and provide information to the customer.
• Strong management skills, obtained from previous supervisory experience, to ensure the laboratory runs smoothly.

Oversees one or multiple lab managers depending on lab size. Each manager oversees a group of lab supervisors who directly support the technicians and lab staff.

Pay

Compensation Range: $140,000 - $148,000 annual salary USD. Potential bonus: Up to 15% based on performance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work-life balance following state and local ordinances.
• Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.

Why join us?

• Contribute to an inspiring Public Health purpose, supported by long-term and visionary shareholders.
• Impact strategic pillars built on 50 years of experience and expertise.
• Be part of a community of enthusiastic and skilled professionals who collaborate to serve a purpose bigger than themselves.
• Join a diverse and open-minded environment that values individuality and differences.
• Grow within an international group of over 8,200 team members, with plenty of opportunities to learn and share.