Laboratory Operations Leader - Microbiology & Quality

Certified Group; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Certified Group is seeking a Lab Services Manager in Ohio to lead daily laboratory operations, staffing, and quality systems. You will drive safety, regulatory compliance, and customer service while partnering with leadership to achieve operational excellence.

The role requires a strong service mindset, accountability, and experience guiding supervisors and teams in a regulated lab environment. This is an on-site position supporting multi-site lab operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field is required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in laboratory operations or regulated environments.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience supervising staff.
• Experience in food testing or regulated lab environments is preferred.
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025, FDA, USDA or similar regulations is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with LIMS and operational reporting tools is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day laboratory activities, staffing, and priorities.
• Coordinate schedules, staffing coverage, and workload planning.
• Lead daily huddles to align priorities and expectations.
• Monitor productivity, sample flow, and turnaround metrics.
• Ensure resources, equipment, and staffing are used efficiently.
• Maintain ISO/IEC 17025 compliance and audit readiness.
• Direct customer service coordination and communications.
• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and staff.
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Monitor budgets, expenses, and vendor relationships.
• Drive process improvements and operational efficiency.
• Promote safety, quality, and adherence to SOPs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

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

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Certified Group is seeking a Lab Services Manager in Ohio to lead daily laboratory operations, staffing, and quality systems. You will drive safety, regulatory compliance, and customer service while partnering with leadership to achieve operational excellence.

The role requires a strong service mindset, accountability, and experience guiding supervisors and teams in a regulated lab environment. This is an on-site position supporting multi-site lab operations.