Group Leader, Sample Receiving — Lead Laboratory Operations

McKinney Speciality Labs, LLC; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

McKinney Specialty Labs is seeking a Group Leader, Sample Receiving to oversee daily operations and lead a team responsible for accurate, timely, and compliant processing of laboratory samples. This hands-on leadership role ensures operational efficiency, sample integrity, and adherence to quality and safety standards while supporting employee development across laboratory departments.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in sample receiving or related roles, knowledge of chain‑of‑custody

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in sample receiving, laboratory operations, or a related environment.
• Knowledge of sample handling, chain-of-custody procedures, sample tracking, and laboratory quality standards.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem‑solving, and time‑management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate workflows, manage competing priorities, and provide effective team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily Sample Receiving operations, including staffing, workflow, scheduling, and priorities.
• Supervise, train, and mentor team members to promote accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee sample receipt, inspection, labeling, accessioning, documentation, storage, and distribution to lab departments.
• Ensure accurate chain‑of‑custody documentation and data entry into LIMS.
• Identify and resolve sample discrepancies, processing delays, and operational challenges.
• Collaborate with QA and Client Engagement for timely communication and efficient processing.
• Maintain SOPs, address nonconformances, and support process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with Quality Assurance Program, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform hands‑on sample receiving duties as needed and support occasional weekend operations.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Time management

Team leadership

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science

Tools

LIMS

Job description

McKinney Specialty Labs is seeking a Group Leader, Sample Receiving to oversee daily operations and lead a team responsible for accurate, timely, and compliant processing of laboratory samples. This hands-on leadership role ensures operational efficiency, sample integrity, and adherence to quality and safety standards while supporting employee development across laboratory departments.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in sample receiving or related roles, knowledge of chain‑of‑custody