Laboratory Director

About the role

The Laboratory Director is responsible for ensuring a positive operating margin, meeting or exceeding annual budgetary goals, and overseeing daily laboratory operations to efficiently meet client needs while achieving quality and production objectives. This role involves supervising personnel, ensuring compliance with corporate and regulatory policies, and providing leadership and direction. The Director serves as a liaison with corporate business partners, champions company policies and mission, and provides technical support to client services, sales, and other departments. Additionally, they support Group Leaders in managing staff and production to align with company goals.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall operational and administrative leadership for laboratory operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, compliance, and financial performance.
• Drive revenue growth and profitability while minimizing the cost of product delivery and meeting turnaround time, quality, and customer service objectives.
• Partner closely with Laboratory Managers, Operations Managers, and the Business Unit Manager to prioritize operational initiatives, review financial performance, implement cost controls, and achieve KPIs and budget targets.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies, methods, and systems into production to support business growth, regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement.
• Lead and support the Project Management team, including the development of customer relationship and retention strategies to enhance service quality and long-term partnerships.
• Maintain strong customer relationships and support high-level client negotiations by contributing technical expertise, operational insight, and long-term strategic planning.
• Foster a positive, high-performing laboratory culture that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, safety, engagement, and professional development.
• Coordinate and oversee staff development, coaching, training, performance management, and succession planning across laboratory and operations teams, ensuring fair and legally compliant employee practices in collaboration with HR.
• Conduct performance appraisals, recommend compensation adjustments aligned with performance and budget guidelines, and take corrective actions as needed.
• Coach and mentor Group Leaders and Supervisors to strengthen leadership capability, accountability, and operational effectiveness.
• Establish, implement, and monitor productivity, quality, and safety metrics; identify improvement opportunities and enact contingency plans when performance deviates from targets.
• Lead health, safety, quality, ethics, and compliance initiatives, ensuring all company policies and regulatory requirements are communicated, understood, and followed.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to develop, implement, and review standard operating procedures and ensure sustainable, audit-ready processes across departments.
• Partner with the Business Unit Manager to review financial performance and implement cost control measures.
• Provide monthly performance reports and identify improvement opportunities.
• Actively participate in workforce planning, recruitment, and interview processes, clearly articulating required skills and competencies to support current and future operational needs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, HR, IT, Sales, and corporate partners to ensure alignment, effective resource utilization, and adoption of best practices.
• Provide clear communication of company initiatives, goals, and expectations to employees, reinforcing engagement and organizational alignment.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support business objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a scientific field.
• 5 years of environmental lab management experience.
• 5 years of environmental analytical experience or related technical knowledge.
• Experience with laboratory operations and services.
• Familiarity with EPA, DOT, OSHA, and DOL regulations.
• Strong leadership, initiative, and team-building skills.
• Experience managing a team of at least 20 scientists and technicians.
• Proven ability to manage business operations with profit/loss responsibility.
• Expertise in VOC analysis under SW846 or EPA TO method guidelines.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and delegation abilities.
• Ability to handle contracts and negotiations effectively.
• Proficiency in GCMS techniques and instrumentation.
• Track record of improving laboratory efficiency and profitability.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
• Experience in leading quality system improvements, including audits and corrective action plans.
• Ability to engage with key clients and discuss technical and business solutions.
• Demonstrated leadership in both downsizing and business growth scenarios.
• Excellent communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with adaptability and a positive attitude.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to other laboratory locations.
• Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship.

Work Environment

The position is located at 180 Blue Ravine Road, Suite B, Folsom, CA. The Laboratory Director will work day shifts in an exempt status. The role involves leading a team of approximately 15 direct reports, fostering a high-performing laboratory culture, and collaborating with various departments to achieve organizational goals.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $55.00 per hour.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire position based in Folsom, CA, and is fully onsite.