Laboratory Director

ALS Limited; Stratford (CT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Laboratory Director, where you will lead strategic initiatives and ensure operational excellence. This role emphasizes financial performance, quality assurance, and client engagement, making a significant impact in a dynamic environment. You will oversee laboratory operations, uphold compliance standards, and drive a culture of safety and sustainability. With a commitment to innovation and community, this position offers the chance to thrive in a supportive atmosphere that values your contributions. If you're ready to make a difference and grow your career, this opportunity awaits you.

Benefits

Structured wage increases

Comprehensive benefit package

Additional vacation days for years of service

Business support for education or training

Learning & development opportunities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science or related field required.
• 3+ years of experience in management roles preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational planning for the business unit.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Foster strong client relationships to drive retention.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Financial Management

Quality Assurance

Client Relationship Management

Communication Skills

HSE Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

LIMS

Job description

Overview

Laboratory Director

Imagine your future with us!

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join ALS, you join a purpose and values-driven team that empowers you to innovate, create, and thrive.

Our global team turns up each day with passion and commitment to do amazing things, always challenging our thinking to find ways to solve some of the world’s most complex problems for a safer, healthier world.

About the role:

The Laboratory Manager will be responsible for the sustainable financial and commercial performance of the nominated business. They will be responsible for strategic and business planning and the execution of those plans. The Laboratory Manager will ensure the business meets all local federal government compliance and ALS government requirements.

Responsibilities

Strategic & Financial Leadership

• Participate in the development of regional strategy and business planning initiatives.
• Lead strategic and operational planning for the business unit to support organizational goals.
• Execute strategic and business plans to achieve financial and operational targets.
• Align the business with ALS’s low-cost product positioning strategy.
• Achieve budgeted financial performance and ensure sustained, profitable growth.
• Prepare and manage annual budgets, including oversight of CAPEX and OPEX.
• Monitor and manage cost controls, labor efficiency, and operational performance.
• Lead debt collection efforts and optimize cash conversion.
• Provide final approval on accounts payable activities.
• Take ownership of business-critical initiatives and drive implementation.

Operational Excellence & Quality Assurance

• Oversee Environmental Laboratory operations and associated regional service centers.
• Ensure operational alignment with the ALS purpose: Science. Assurance. Sustainability.
• Champion ALS’s brand promise: Right Solutions, Right Partner.
• Maintain the integrity of the laboratory’s quality management system, ensuring it meets or exceeds standards such as ISO17025 and NELAC.
• Ensure quality data production and sound analytical methodologies.
• Review and respond to quality audit results and client complaints with appropriate corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, legislative, and ALS policy requirements.
• Adhere to the ethical and compliance standards of the ALS brand.

Client & Market Focus

• Foster and maintain strong client relationships to drive retention and market share.
• Ensure timely and high-quality service delivery to all clients.
• Lead turnaround time performance and continuous client service improvement.
• Develop and execute client acquisition, sales, marketing, and pricing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage formal client feedback processes, including Net Promoter Score (NPS) and/or client surveys.
• Promote ALS’s technical leadership and credibility in the marketplace.
• Build trust with clients and internal stakeholders through consistency, reliability, and innovation.

People & Culture Leadership

• Build trust within the team and lead by example in alignment with ALS values: Safe, Resilient, Curious, Committed, Caring, Honest.
• Ensure the staff structure and capability meet both current and future business needs.
• Lead a culture of staff engagement, development, and continuous learning.
• Develop and implement succession planning strategies.
• Hold team members accountable for individual and team performance.
• Ensure direct reports receive appropriate mentoring, training, and development opportunities.
• Manage performance reviews through a structured Performance Management Review framework.
• Promote inclusive, diverse, and equitable workforce practices.
• Ensure the development and maintenance of sound human resources management practices.

Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility

• Support ALS’s carbon reduction strategy through operational initiatives.
• Champion the organization’s social responsibility efforts and community engagement goals.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of business priorities and organizational success.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in science or related field is required.
• At least 3 years’ experience as a Department Manager, Laboratory Supervisor, Laboratory Manager, or Project Manager preferred.
• Understanding of the company’s major HSE policies and safety & environmental requirements as set out in the safety manual.
• To ensure that the business is compliant with ALS requirements for Health, Safety and the Environment.
• To report and rectify any compliance concern, unsafe practice or environmental harm.
• To develop and further improve the safety & sustainability culture within the business unit through strong leadership.
• Understanding of HSE precautions necessary while working with samples of unknown hazard.
• Follow operating procedures, site standards and policies to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the site.
• Play an active role in the ALS safety program by monitoring unsafe acts and conditions that are observed during day-to-day operations to create a zero-injury work environment.
• Participate and support HSE initiatives, as required by ALS leadership.

Physical Demands:

• Able to speak and hear clearly while communicating with staff, management, and clients.
• Dexterity in hands and fingers to operate computer and other equipment.
• Must have average vision and able to see to read reports.
• Ability to travel to client locations to promote new business.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, LIMS, and Internet based reference libraries.
• Possess excellent customer relation skills including the ability to assist sales and marketing with client visits and presentations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Routinely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move heavier loads with assistance.
• Must be able to stand, bend, push, pull, stoop and crouch up to 25% of the time while performing the duties of this position.
• Must be able to work on computer while sitting for up to 8 hours per day.

Qualifications

Working at ALS:

Our people are our most valuable asset and drive our success at ALS. We are a diverse community of dedicated professionals united by our passion to make a difference in the world. We reward excellence and uphold our values in our work and how we treat each other. At ALS, you’ll be supported to expand your skills and develop new ones so you can reach your full potential. We invest in our people with a range of programs and provide opportunities across the company, giving our people scope to grow diverse careers and develop as leaders. We want everyone to have a safe, flexible and rewarding career that makes a positive impact on our people, the planet and the communities where we work.

Our benefits include:

• Structured wage increases
• Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with company match, employee assistance and wellness programs, access to company perks
• Additional vacation days for years of service
• Business support for education or training after 9 months with the company
• Learning & development opportunities (unlimited access to e-learnings and more)

About ALS:

ALS is a global leader in scientific testing, providing comprehensive testing solutions to clients in more than 60 countries across a wide range of industries, including environment, food and beverage, mining, personal care, pharmaceutical, healthcare and equipment reliability. Using state-of-the-art technologies and innovative methodologies, our dedicated international teams deliver the highest-quality testing services and personalized solutions supported by local expertise. We help our clients leverage the power of data-driven insights for a safer and healthier world.

Everyone matters:

ALS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving and maintaining a workforce which reflects and affirms the diversity of our society.

ALS is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. EOE AA Minority, Female, Veteran, Individuals with Disabilities

ALS also welcomes applications from people with all levels of ability. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.