Lab Supervisor

About the role

The Laboratory Services Supervisor provides frontline leadership and oversees the daily execution of laboratory operations. This hands-on role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely testing across assigned disciplines such as Microbiology, Chemistry, Sample Intake, and Media Preparation. You will lead a team of laboratory technicians while driving workflow efficiency, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring a safe, productive work environment. This role is critical to delivering consistent results aligned with productivity, quality, customer service, and safety expectations.

Purpose: So the world can trust in what it consumes.

Mission: Partner with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise.

Values:

• Put the customer first
• Commit to safety and quality
• Drive to deliver
• Act with integrity
• Support the team

Responsibilities

Quality, Safety & Technical Excellence

• Ensure adherence to SOPs, ISO 17025 standards, GLP, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain data integrity, accurate testing, and proper documentation
• Coach team members on quality control and laboratory best practices
• Prepare the laboratory and staff for internal and external audits
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant lab environment
• Promote and enforce a strong culture of safety

Operations & Workflow Management

• Lead daily operational huddles to align on priorities, staffing, and workflow
• Manage sample tracking, data entry, and reporting through LIMS
• Allocate staffing based on testing volume and priorities
• Identify and drive process improvements to increase efficiency and throughput
• Maintain performance in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

People Leadership & Development

• Supervise and develop a team of laboratory technicians
• Foster a high-performance, accountable, and engaging team culture
• Conduct performance reviews and regular 1:1 coaching conversations
• Support employee growth through training and career development
• Manage staffing plans, scheduling, and workforce planning
• Drive retention through engagement and development initiatives

Customer Focus

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of results
• Escalate out-of-specification results appropriately
• Support resolution of client inquiries and concerns
• Maintain professionalism in all customer interactions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or the biological sciences required
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading an hourly workforce in an operations environment
• Experience in commercial laboratory testing or manufacturing preferred (e.g., food, cosmetics, tobacco)
• Strong understanding of quality and safety standards
• Ability to interpret technical and regulatory documents
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Experience working in fast-paced, dynamic environments

Skills

• Working knowledge of statistical concepts and data interpretation
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as percentages, ratios, and proportions

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Exposure to laboratory conditions including chemicals, biological materials, and varying noise levels
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods
• May occasionally lift up to 50 pounds

Schedule

Tuesday – Saturday 2nd shift or Sunday – Thursday 2nd shift. Schedule may include nights and weekends based on business needs.