Lab Director

The posting, as Certified Group wrote it

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise – So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

Our Brands

Certified Group is comprised of a set of specialized brands that collectively deliver laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services across highly regulated industries:

• Certified Laboratories – Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries.
• Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) – A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry.
• Labstat – A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology.
• EAS Consulting Group – A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors.
• FSNS Certification & Audit – Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.

Job Summary

The Lab Director is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and operational oversight of a microbiological and/or chemical laboratory within a single site, ensuring accurate, compliant, and high-quality testing services for the local customer base. This role is accountable for all quality, customer, people, financial, workflow, and operational activities within the laboratory.

The Lab Director operates with a strong general manager mindset, balancing scientific rigor with business acumen. This leader is expected to demonstrate an entrepreneurial approach by taking full ownership of site performance, including financial management, team development, customer engagement, quality and safety compliance, operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

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.

Responsibilities

Core Operations

• Foster a high-performing laboratory environment aligned with Company standards and expectations.
• Lead laboratory operations to ensure high-quality, efficient testing with consistent turnaround times.
• Utilize operation

[…]
stomer-specific assignments.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, service, and employee engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Food Technology, or related scientific field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading frontline supervisors within laboratory, manufacturing, or regulated operational environments.
• Prior experience in third-party laboratory testing or manufacturing environments preferred, particularly within food, beverage, cosmetics, tobacco, cannabis, or related regulated industries.
• Demonstrated success managing financial performance and operational KPIs.
• Proven ability to lead through frontline leadership teams and manage multi-level organizational structures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interpret technical, regulatory, and business documentation.
• Experience developing reports, SOPs, operational documentation, and business communications.
• Ability to effectively engage with senior leadership, customers, peers, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in dynamic operational environments.

Supervision

• Directly lead a team of approximately three to eight supervisors.
• Indirectly oversee a laboratory workforce of approximately 15 to 40 employees.

Salary : $100,000-$120,000

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