Lab Operations Leader: Microbiology & Chemistry

Certified Group; Greeley (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Certified Group in the United States seeks a Lab Manager to lead a microbiological and/or chemical laboratory at a single site, ensuring accurate, compliant, and high-quality testing for the local customer base. This role combines scientific rigor with business acumen, owning site performance, financials, team development, safety, and customer partnerships in a fast-paced, regulated environment.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s in Microbiology, Chemistry, or Food Science and at least 5 years

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Food Technology, or related scientific field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading frontline supervisors within laboratory, manufacturing, or regulated operational environments.
• Prior experience in third-party laboratory testing or manufacturing environments preferred, particularly within food, beverage, cosmetics, tobacco, cannabis, or related regulated industries.
• Demonstrated success managing financial performance and operational KPIs.
• Proven ability to lead through frontline leadership teams and manage multi-level organizational structures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interpret technical, regulatory, and business documentation.
• Experience developing reports, SOPs, operational documentation, and business communications.
• Ability to effectively engage with senior leadership, customers, peers, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in dynamic operational environments.

Responsibilities

• Foster a high-performing laboratory environment aligned with Company standards.
• Lead laboratory operations to ensure high-quality, efficient testing with timely turnaround times.
• Utilize operational scorecards and KPIs to monitor performance and drive accountability.
• Conduct daily operational huddles with supervisors and team leads to align priorities and resource allocation.
• Maintain technical competency and ensure laboratory practices remain current with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain ISO/IEC 17025 compliance through adherence to the Corporate Quality Management System.
• Ensure laboratory readiness for internal and external audits, inspections, and accreditation activities.
• Prepare staff for audit participation and provide leadership throughout the audit process.
• Maintain a clean, organized, sanitary, and safe laboratory environment.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated, and proactively monitored for functionality and lifecycle replacement needs.
• Promote and reinforce all laboratory safety standards, procedures, and PPE requirements.
• Represent the Company professionally in all customer interactions with a focus on trust, transparency, and service excellence.
• Proactively identify customer needs and ensure timely responses to inquiries, concerns, and service requests.
• Communicate laboratory capabilities, testing results, pricing, and operational updates clearly and effectively.
• Support customer retention and growth by consistently meeting established turnaround time goals and service expectations.
• Anticipate staffing needs and align scheduling strategies with testing volumes and operational demands.
• Drive labor productivity and workforce efficiency through effective planning and performance management.
• Recruit, interview, onboard, train, and develop high-quality talent.
• Foster employee engagement, retention, cross-training, and career development opportunities.
• Coach supervisors to create high-performing teams focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure accurate and timely employee documentation related to performance management, coaching, disciplinary actions, and development planning.
• Holding frontline leaders accountable for hiring, training, coaching, performance feedback, employee relations, and operational leadership responsibilities.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Food Technology, or related scientific field

Minimum of 5 years of experience leading frontline supervisors within laboratory

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Experience developing reports, SOPs, and operational documentation

Job description

Certified Group in the United States seeks a Lab Manager to lead a microbiological and/or chemical laboratory at a single site, ensuring accurate, compliant, and high-quality testing for the local customer base. This role combines scientific rigor with business acumen, owning site performance, financials, team development, safety, and customer partnerships in a fast-paced, regulated environment.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s in Microbiology, Chemistry, or Food Science and at least 5 years