Microbiology Lab Manager

Job Summary:

The position may be leveled as Lab Manager or Sr. Lab Manager based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Certified Group is seeking an experienced Microbiology Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of a high-volume microbiology laboratory serving the food and beverage industry.

This leadership role is responsible for ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and high-quality microbiological testing services while maintaining compliance with ISO 17025 accreditation requirements, regulatory standards, and internal quality systems.

The Microbiology Manager will provide both technical and operational leadership, overseeing laboratory workflow, personnel, quality systems, customer satisfaction, financial performance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This individual will foster a culture focused on scientific excellence, safety, accountability, collaboration, and operational efficiency while ensuring the laboratory consistently meets customer expectations and business objectives.

This position upholds the Company’s purpose, mission, and values by fostering a culture focused on quality, accountability, collaboration, and customer partnership.

Purpose: So the world can trust in what it consumes.

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, and support the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all daily microbiology laboratory operations to ensure quality, efficiency, and turnaround time goals are achieved.
• Provide technical oversight for microbiological testing, method validation, quality control, and laboratory investigations.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 17025 accreditation standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead internal and external audits, corrective actions, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Develop, coach, and mentor laboratory supervisors and technical staff while fostering a high-performing team culture.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, productivity, budgets, inventory, and laboratory resources.
• Partner with customers and internal stakeholders to ensure exceptional service and technical support.
• Drive operational excellence through Lean initiatives, workflow optimization, and performance metrics.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and ensure compliance with all safety policies and procedures.
• Support implementation of new technologies, equipment, and testing capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, Food Microbiology, or a related life sciences discipline required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience within a microbiology laboratory.
• Previous experience managing laboratory personnel required.
• Experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory strongly preferred.
• Background in food, beverage, dietary supplement, environmental, pharmaceutical, consumer products, or third-party laboratory testing environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of microbiological testing methodologies, laboratory quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven leadership, organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, and team development.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) within laboratory environments.
• Noise levels may vary from quiet to loud depending on operational activity.
• Temperature conditions may vary from hot to cold.
• Fast-paced, interactive laboratory environment with changing operational demands.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Night and weekend work may be required based on business and customer demands.
• Occasional travel may be required.