Operations Manager
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and support our environmental laboratory operations. This role is responsible for overseeing technical activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing staff, maintaining facility and equipment performance, and delivering high-quality analytical services to clients. The ideal candidate is a strong leader with deep technical expertise and a passion for operational excellence in a high-throughput production environment.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Operations & Technical Leadership - Oversee daily laboratory operations to ensure efficiency, quality, and timely project completion. Provide technical guidance on instrument troubleshooting, method development, and data interpretation. Ensure proper use, calibration, and performance of laboratory instrumentation. Support development and implementation of new analytical methods.
High-Throughput Production & Performance Management - Lead a high-volume production laboratory to consistently meet or exceed turnaround time (TAT) and on-time delivery (OTD) goals. Monitor and manage workflow, sample volume, and resource allocation across departments to maintain optimal throughput. Establish, track, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) including TAT, backlog, capacity, and productivity. Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce cycle time, and improve service reliability. Drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvement focused on operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Quality & Compliance - Ensure compliance with ISO 17025, NELAC, DoD, and other applicable regulatory standards. Partner with QA to maintain and improve laboratory quality systems. Monitor regulatory updates and communicate requirements to staff. Support audits and inspections.
Facilities & Maintenance Management - Oversee laboratory facility operations, ensuring a safe, compliant, and efficient working environment. Coordinate preventative maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and building systems. Work with vendors and internal teams to maintain service contracts and ensure timely issue resolution. Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and operational requirements related to facility infrastructure. Identify and implement improvements to laboratory layout, utilities, and workflow efficiency.
Team Leadership - Manage, mentor, and develop a team of 50+ laboratory personnel. Oversee hiring, training, performance evaluations, and staffing levels. Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance work environment.
Client & Business Support - Serve as a technical resource for client inquiries and data interpretation. Support project management and sales teams with technical expertise. Assist with proposals, QAPPs, SOWs, and client presentations.
Systems & Process Improvement - Optimize laboratory workflows, systems, and data management processes. Collaborate with IT to support LIMS and automated reporting. Drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
Education & Experience - Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related science (required). Minimum 5 years of laboratory management experience. Environmental laboratory experience strongly preferred.
Technical Skills - Strong knowledge of ISO 17025 and environmental regulations. Experience with LIMS systems. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word). Understanding of organic and inorganic analytical methods.
Leadership & Professional Skills - Proven success managing large teams (50+ staff). Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Excellent communication and client relationship skills. Demonstrated ability to manage high-throughput operations and meet performance targets. Experience with managing P&L (preferred).