Microbiology Lab Supervisor
About the Role
Certified Group partners with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise across the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories includes specialized brands providing laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services:
- Certified Laboratories – Comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing for food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplements.
- Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) – ISO-accredited laboratories focused on food safety testing and technical services.
- Labstat – Global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products.
- EAS Consulting Group – Regulatory consulting for FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors.
- FSNS Certification & Audit – Accredited third-party auditing and certification services.
The Laboratory Services Supervisor provides frontline leadership, overseeing daily laboratory operations to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely testing across disciplines such as Microbiology, Chemistry, Sample Intake, and Media Preparation. This role drives workflow efficiency, maintains quality standards, and ensures a safe, productive work environment.
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.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or the biological sciences.
- Minimum 3 years of experience leading an hourly workforce in an operations environment.
- Experience in commercial laboratory testing or manufacturing (e.g., food, cosmetics, tobacco) preferred.
- 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, 3:00 PM–11:30 PM.
Pay
Salary range: $80,000 USD – $90,000 USD. Additional components of total rewards—such as bonuses, benefits, or incentives—may apply where applicable.