Laboratory Services Director
Food Safety Net Services, Carrollton, TX, United States
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.