Operations Manager Microbiology

Job Description

The Microbiology Operations Manager is a pivotal role responsible for leading and managing a department that ensures compliance with SOPs for testing client samples. This position requires overseeing a diverse team and ensuring efficient and safe testing across various product categories.

Work Environment:

Schedule: Approx. 10:00 a.m.–6:00–8:00 p.m.; some Saturday flexibility.

On‑call: One week per month (overnight coverage; note there is no manager onsite at 1:00 a.m.).

Operations: 7‑day/week facility; many teams on 4‑day schedules.

Team Structure: Role oversees 20–25 leads & supervisors within a 65‑person Micro department.

Qualifications

• A degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in microbiology testing environments, with proven success in high-volume operations and team leadership.
• Expertise in PCR and culture-based methods, method verification and validation, and LIMS proficiency.
• Experience with CAPA, SOP authoring and updating.
• Knowledge of quality and regulatory standards and customer audits.
• Strong problem-solving skills and accountability.
• Comfortable interfacing with customers and conducting third-party testing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of a team of approximately 20–25 staff within the Micro department, ensuring efficient testing across different product categories.
• Develop and maintain systems to ensure proper methodologies are used in conformance with client requirements, and lead PCR and classical micro testing oversight.
• Administer HR programs including recruitment, retention, compensation, training and development, EEO, and performance appraisals.
• Interpret data and guide correction of discrepancies prior to release to Client Services and clients, ensuring data aligns with accepted methods.
• Ensure corrective actions effectively eliminate errors and that documentation and follow-up meet SOP requirements.
• Support company initiatives and partner with Operations, QA, and other leaders to implement methods, and train teams for complete understanding.
• Communicate emerging client requirements to departmental personnel and align resources accordingly.
• Interface with internal and external auditors to demonstrate quality systems and accreditation compliance with regulations.
• Maintain expertise in food science and microbiology through resources and peer learning, and maintain a strong working knowledge of LIMS.
• Champion corporate quality and continuous improvement, proactively initiating actions to prevent or minimize departures from the quality system or test procedures.
• Address resource needs such as turnaround time requirements, overtime limits, turnover, and work stoppage, ensuring appropriate materials are available.

***Relocation assistance offered!

#LI-SC1

This is a Permanent position based out of Crete, IL.

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Benefits include but not limited to Medical, Dental, Vision.

This is a fully onsite position in Crete,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 14, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $70,000 - $100,000