Lab Director

Mérieux NutriSciences; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 148,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision coverage

Generous PTO

401(k) plan with employer matching

Job summary

Mérieux NutriSciences is seeking a Lab Director in Salida, CA to lead operations, strategy, and client relationships for a high‑performing food safety laboratory. You will drive quality, safety, and financial performance while mentoring a team of lab professionals.

You will shape the lab's direction, ensure compliance with internal SOPs, and collaborate with sales to meet customer needs in a fast‑paced environment in Salida, California.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Strong knowledge of microbiology and/or chemistry within food science.
• Understanding of finance, budgeting, sales and marketing to grow business.
• Proficient computer skills to manage lab information and documents.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Excellent analytical problem solving and data interpretation abilities.
• Strong written and spoken communication for client interaction.
• Experience supervising teams and leading a lab.
• Ability to implement quality systems and drive improvements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for the laboratory.
• Manage budget, P&L, and financial goals for the lab.
• Ensure cost-effective, safe, ethical operations and resource use.
• Maintain expertise in food science technologies and lab methods.
• Provide technical guidance to clients interpreting data and solutions.
• Lead and develop staff; promote engagement and succession planning.
• Communicate goals and accountability across the workforce.
• Ensure compliance with policies and SOPs; drive quality and safety.
• Engage with sales and clients to understand needs and build relationships.
• Oversee audits and quality control programs to ensure validity of results.

Skills

Microbiology

Chemistry

Food science

Finance & marketing basics

LIMS knowledge

Analytical thinking

Communication

Customer relations

Leadership & supervision

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in relevant field

Tools

LIMS

Job description

As a trusted partner, our Public Health mission is to make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable. Throughout our global network in 27 countries, we offer to our customers a wide range of testing and innovative solutions dedicated to preventing health risks related to food, environment and consumer goods. External growth has been a key pillar of our history with more than 40 acquisitions completed in the last 10 years.

If you want to contribute to an inspiring long-term purpose, to be part of a fast growing company on a high-value market with significant build-up opportunities, and to grow in an entrepreneurial and warm environment, join us!

YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE

We are looking for a Lab Director in 5262 Pirrone Ct, Salida, CA 95368 USA. Your mission will be to:

Purpose of the job

Reporting to the Division Vice President, the Lab Director is responsible for taking ownership and operating asuccessful laboratory. This achieved through displaying an entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring excellence in others, building strong customer relationships, making sound operational decisions and leading change.

Main activities

• Take ownership of the business; develop and implement a strategic plan for the laboratory to meet business goals
• Manage financial aspects of the business including budget development, short and long term financial goal setting, P&L management and executing strategies to achieve goals
• Understand and take advantage of available resources to help achieve results in a cost effective, safe, ethical manner
• Develop and maintain expertise in the field of food science and related technologies through available library resources and peer expertise
• Demonstrate leadership through communication and actions to earn respect and trust of the team
• Set the tone of integrity, accountability, excellence and initiative by modeling the behavior that is expected from leaders and staff
• Clearly communicate goals and accountability of achievement across all levels of the workforce
• Create and foster an environment where coaching and development is a priority to promote employment engagement, career pathing, and organizational succession planning
• Understand corporate objectives and manage laboratory performance to maintain or improve operational and financial efficiencies aligning with company goals
• Ensure compliance with Mérieux policies and standard operating procedures striving for the highest level of quality, customer excellence, safety, and efficiency for existing and new business
• Ensure exceptional internal and external customer experiences through engagement, attitude, communication and service
• Participate in strategic conversations with sales team and dedicate time to meet with current and prospective clients to understand customer needs and build trusting relationships
• Develop deep industry knowledge and play an active role in industry events
• Provide technical expertise to clients by helping them interpret laboratory data and suggesting solutions to their related business challenges
• Constantly evaluate laboratory from all aspects and challenge the status quo; analyze and derive strategy that is inclusive of change, provide clear goals and continually measure progress
• Communicate change and stand behind the message; present a united front with corporate partners and leadership team
• Participate in the implementation of internal quality control programs, evaluation of the results and in the establishment of the internal repeatability and reproducibility of standard methods, including participation in internal and external audits
• Manage, and check randomly and systematically, that the quality system is documented, effective, updated and being understood and adhered to by the staff.
• Monitor the quality activities and implement the agreed corrective action and evaluate its effectiveness
• Manage local controlled documents (Manuals, Procedures, Work Instructions, Charts, Guidelines).
• Cease specific analyses when evidence from the quality system indicates the process is not in control and the quality of the results are compromised as a result of the non-conformances and (b) to restart work and communicate the resumption of work to Corporate Sales and Quality groups

YOUR PROFILE

Required skills

• Advanced knowledge of microbiology and/or chemistry in addition to food science obtained from a Bachelor's degree or a Masters degree or equivalent experience
• A general knowledge of the business disciplines of finance, budgeting, sales, and marketing practices are necessary to gain new business and maintain current customers successfully.
• Computer skills necessary to track laboratory information and produce documents to support the management function.
• General knowledge of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is needed to review analysis results and correct any discrepancies.
• Analytical skills are needed to problem solve and fulfill customer's analysis needs.
• Strong oral and written communication skills are essential to this position for effective customer contact.
• Customer relation skills are needed to obtain and provide information to the customer.
• Strong management skills, obtained from previous supervisory experience, are necessary to ensure that the laboratory runs smoothly.

Management (Size and characteristics of the team(s))

• Oversees one or multiple lab managers depending on lab size
• Each manager oversees a group of lab supervisors who directly support the technicians and lab staff

Compensation Package Overview

Compensation Range - $140,000 - $148,000 annual salary USD

Potential bonus: Up to 15% based on performance.

Full Time Eligible Benefits Overview

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work-life balance following state and local ordinances.
• Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.

The information above provides a general overview and may vary based on specific job responsibilities, location, or other factors. Details will be clarified during the hiring process.

WHY JOIN US?

• Because you would contribute to an inspiring Public Health purpose, supported by long-term and visionary shareholders.
• Because you would have an impact on our strategic pillars that build on 50 years of experience and expertise.
• Because you would be part of a community of anenthusiastic and skilled group of people who love co-building together and serving a purpose bigger than them.
• Because you would be welcome as you are, in a diverse and open-minded environment that is rich in our singularities and differences.
• Because you would grow in an international group of more than 8200 fantastic team members, with plenty of opportunities to learn and share.

Ready for the journey?