Operations Supervisor, Chemistry

Operations Supervisor, Chemistry

Location: Crete, IL
Salary: $65,000–$75,000 annually
Bonus: Eligible for up to a 5% performance-based bonus
Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM

About the Role

Mérieux NutriSciences is seeking an experienced Operations Supervisor, Chemistry to join our Crete Analytical Laboratory in Crete, Illinois.

In this role, you will lead day-to-day chemistry laboratory operations, supervise and develop laboratory personnel, support sample analysis, and help ensure testing is completed accurately, efficiently, safely, and in accordance with established quality standards.

This position is ideal for a laboratory professional who combines strong technical knowledge with hands-on leadership experience and enjoys developing teams, improving processes, and supporting high-quality laboratory operations.

What You’ll Do

• Supervise daily activities of chemistry laboratory personnel to ensure work is completed according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality requirements, and assigned priorities
• Coordinate workflow and employee schedules to support accurate, timely, and efficient completion of laboratory testing
• Provide hands-on support with sample analysis and laboratory activities when needed
• Review, calculate, and record analytical data and resolve discrepancies before results are reported
• Communicate emerging client requirements, testing priorities, operational challenges, and delays to appropriate laboratory and client service teams
• Train and develop laboratory employees on testing procedures, new analytical methods, safety requirements, and laboratory systems
• Evaluate current testing methods and recommend procedural or operational improvements as appropriate
• Support employee recruitment, onboarding, training, retention, performance management, and documentation in partnership with Human Resources and laboratory leadership
• Maintain appropriate laboratory supplies, materials, and instrumentation needed for departmental operations
• Ensure employees are appropriately trained in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and maintain processes to monitor and verify LIMS competency
• Support laboratory quality systems and continuous improvement initiatives
• Identify and address issues that may impact turnaround time, staffing, overtime, workflow, resources, or test quality
• Partner with the Operations Manager and Laboratory Director to stop testing activities when quality system concerns or non-conformances could compromise the accuracy or integrity of results
• Initiate corrective or preventive action when departures from established quality systems or testing procedures are identified
• Maintain current technical knowledge within food science and laboratory testing through relevant training, professional development, and industry resources
• Perform additional duties as assigned

All employees are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with Mérieux NutriSciences' ethical standards and Code of Conduct.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline with 2–5 years of relevant laboratory experience, or a Master's degree in a related field
• Experience working in a laboratory environment, preferably within food testing, analytical chemistry, quality, or a related industry
• Strong working knowledge of chemistry, laboratory testing principles, and analytical procedures
• General knowledge of food science and laboratory quality practices
• Experience supervising, training, mentoring, or coordinating the work of laboratory employees
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Ability to review and interpret analytical data and identify discrepancies or quality concerns
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and regulatory expectations
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with laboratory leadership, client service teams, employees, and other cross-functional partners
• Ability to consistently work Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Leadership Responsibilities

As an Operations Supervisor, you will play a key role in building an effective and engaged laboratory team. Responsibilities include:

• Providing day-to-day direction and technical support to employees
• Coaching and developing team members
• Supporting performance management and employee development
• Helping maintain appropriate staffing and work schedules
• Ensuring employees receive the training and resources needed to perform their responsibilities effectively
• Escalating operational, staffing, quality, and client service concerns when appropriate
• Promoting a culture of safety, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

This position is primarily performed in a laboratory environment and may involve exposure to laboratory chemicals, materials, and fumes.

Team members may be required to:

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, laboratory coats, and safety glasses
• Use laboratory equipment, which may include an autoclave
• Lift and transport laboratory materials weighing up to 50 pounds
• Stand for extended periods
• Perform hands-on laboratory and sample-processing activities
• Distinguish slight variations in color when required for testing procedures

Compensation

Salary Range: $65,000–$75,000 annually

This position is also eligible for a performance-based bonus of up to 5%.

Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and other relevant business considerations.

Benefits

Eligible full-time employees may receive:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) in accordance with applicable company policies and state and local requirements
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions

Benefit eligibility and plan details may vary based on position, location, and other applicable factors. Additional information will be provided during the hiring process.

About Mérieux NutriSciences

Mérieux NutriSciences is a trusted global partner dedicated to making food systems safer, healthier, and more sustainable.

Through our global network across more than 30 countries, we provide testing and innovative solutions designed to help prevent health risks related to food, the environment, and consumer goods.

When you join Mérieux NutriSciences, you become part of an international organization of more than 10,000 team members working toward a shared public health mission.

Why Join Us?

At Mérieux NutriSciences, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead and develop a team within a critical laboratory operation
• Contribute directly to food safety and public health
• Build your leadership and technical expertise in analytical laboratory operations
• Partner with experienced laboratory, quality, client service, and HR professionals
• Help drive continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Grow your career within an international organization with opportunities to learn, develop, and advance

Ready to take the next step in your laboratory leadership career? Apply today to join our Crete Analytical Laboratory team.

https://mxns.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/5/home/requisition/8894?c=mxns&sq=req8894

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• What is your desired salary for this position? (Applications without a reasonable numeric value will not be considered.)
• How many years of supervisory or people leadership experience do you have?
• Now or any point in the future would you require sponsorship?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Analytical chemistry: 2 years (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Crete, IL 60417 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000