What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Services Director position at Food Safety Net Services?
About Certified Group
Certified Group is a leading provider of food safety and quality assurance services. We partner with our clients to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise. Everything we do is grounded in our core purpose - so the world can trust in what it consumes - and guided by our mission and values:
- Mission: Partner with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise.
- Values: Start with the customer | Commit to safety and quality | Drive to deliver | Act with integrity | Support the team
Job Summary
The Lab Director leads a high-complexity, high-volume microbiological and chemical testing laboratory. This role is responsible for all day-to-day operations including team leadership, quality and safety, financial management, and customer engagement. Acting with a strong general manager mindset, the Lab Director owns the site's performance, including profit and loss (P&L) responsibility, resource planning, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Core Operations
- Lead the lab to deliver high-quality, efficient testing aligned with company goals.
- Conduct daily huddles with operations and supervisors to set priorities and allocate resources.
- Maintain up-to-date technical competence and stay informed on industry developments.
Quality & Safety
- Ensure ISO 17025 compliance and audit readiness.
- Champion a culture of quality and safety; maintain sanitary and organized lab conditions.
- Monitor lab equipment functionality and coordinate timely maintenance or replacement.
Customer Engagement
- Serve as the lab's primary point of contact for clients.
- Deliver exceptional service with timely and accurate responses to inquiries and concerns.
- Support client retention and growth by exceeding expectations and turnaround time goals.
People Leadership
- Lead a large, multi-shift team (40-100 employees).
- Forecast staffing needs and align schedules with testing volume.
- Recruit, train, coach, and retain high-performing employees.
- Develop supervisors into effective people leaders and ensure accountability at all levels.
- Promote cross-training and career growth aligned with internal career ladders.
Profitability
- Own and manage the site's financial performance.
- Optimize operational costs related to labor, inventory, couriers, and vendors.
- Drive productivity and cost-efficiency while maintaining service excellence.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Champion problem-solving and new ideas for improving service, quality, and efficiency.
- Serve as a key contributor to Certified Group enterprise-wide projects and pilots.
- Maintain a visible presence in the lab to provide real-time coaching and support.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in science, business, or a related field (Master's preferred).
- 7 years of leadership experience in operations, preferably in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
- Experience with commercial laboratory testing (food, cosmetics, or tobacco preferred).
- Proven success in P&L management and operational excellence.
- Strong communication and leadership skills, including experience leading through others.
- Ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and drive compliance.
- Proficient in problem-solving and process improvement methodologies.
Food Safety Net Services is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer including Women, Minorities, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.