Laboratory Operations Leader — Quality & Compliance

Certified-Group; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Certified Group in Columbus, OH is seeking a Lab Services Manager to oversee day-to-day lab operations, staffing, scheduling, and quality systems, ensuring regulatory compliance and excellent customer service. This role leads all daily laboratory operations, including staffing, scheduling, productivity, quality systems, safety, customer communication, and operational performance.

You will partner with laboratory leadership, quality, and cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, Food Technology, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in laboratory operations, manufacturing, or regulated operational environments.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience managing supervisors, team leads, or laboratory personnel.
• Prior experience in food testing, third-party laboratory testing, manufacturing, or regulated laboratory environments preferred.
• Strong understanding of laboratory operations, workflow management, quality systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with ISO/IEC 17025, FDA, USDA, or similar regulated environments preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage operational priorities, and drive performance improvements.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and operational reporting tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all day-to-day laboratory activities, workflows, staffing, and operational priorities.
• Coordinate laboratory schedules and staffing coverage to support workload demands and turnaround time commitments.
• Conduct daily operational meetings or huddles to align priorities, staffing, workflow, and customer expectations.
• Monitor laboratory productivity, sample flow, testing backlogs, and operational performance metrics.
• Ensure operational resources, supplies, equipment, and staffing are effectively utilized.
• Support budget management and operational planning initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce operational waste, and enhance productivity.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Regulatory compliance knowledge

LIMS experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Certified Group in Columbus, OH is seeking a Lab Services Manager to oversee day-to-day lab operations, staffing, scheduling, and quality systems, ensuring regulatory compliance and excellent customer service. This role leads all daily laboratory operations, including staffing, scheduling, productivity, quality systems, safety, customer communication, and operational performance.

You will partner with laboratory leadership, quality, and cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence,