Project Laboratory Operations Manager

Position Summary

GroundWork seeks an experienced Laboratory Operations Manager to lead daily lab operations, overseeing technicians, workflows, and performance to deliver reliable, high-quality output. This role drives efficiency, quality, and data integrity to align lab results with GroundWork and industry standards while supporting broader business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lab Operations Management
  • Develop and execute strategic plans to enhance lab operations, drive efficiency, and optimize operational costs.
  • Responsible for monitoring and updating the laboratory operations budget and expense oversight.
  • Oversee daily lab operations activities, including testing and maintenance scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow coordination.
  • Collaborate across departments to enhance data accuracy, traceability, and process reliability, starting with Lab Engineering and expanding organization-wide.
  • Define, track, and analyze Lab Operations KPIs - including productivity, turnaround time, and equipment availability and utilization to meet business and quality objectives.
  • Maintain equipment readiness, calibration schedules, and maintenance programs.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards, quality procedures, and internal policies.
  • Identify operational and safety risks and implement mitigation strategies.
  • Represent customer expectations within the organization and support external customer and accreditation audits.
  • Enforce lab-specific quality policies and procedures to support the lab's ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
  • Ensure that the lab is presented as a world-class laboratory with high standards for cleanliness and organization.
  • Accountable for the management and oversite of the Lab's off-site warehouse, and company logistics truck.
• Team Leadership
  • Supervise and develop lab technicians; manage workload distribution, priorities, and performance expectations.
  • Supervise and manage the Lab Logistics & Facilities Department Manager and staff.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement.
  • Provide coaching and training to strengthen technical capability and consistency across the team.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Spearhead the GroundWork LEAN initiative program for the laboratory.
  • Identify and address process gaps to improve efficiency and consistency.
  • Support scaling initiatives, equipment upgrades, and workflow redesigns.
  • Recommend actions to optimize performance, reduce costs, and improve quality.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, quality management, or a related field required. Master's degree is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in lab, manufacturing, or production operations. Renewable energy experience preferred. Experience managing teams of teams (with at least 3 members) for 5+ years is required.
• Skills:
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive action.
  • Effective communicator who collaborates across technical and leadership levels.
  • Demonstrated experience managing lab or production teams and improving workflow performance.
  • Solid understanding of operational and quality management principles, including ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001, AS9100D, or IATF 16949.
  • Organized, detail-oriented, and consistent in following established processes.

Reports to: CTO
Location: GR LAB – Albuquerque, NM
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt