Job Title: Laboratory Director (80% Microbiology / 20% Chemistry)

Location : Aurora IL 60502

Perm/FTE Role

US citizens and Green Card Holders and those authorized to work in the US are encouraged to apply. We are unable to sponsor H1b candidates at this time”

Overview

• Onsite role
• Lab is almost a 24/7 facility so person will need to work extra hours where needed.
• The Lab is 80% Microbiology and 20% Chemistry so the person will need to be strong with Microbiology.
• This lab is a 3rd party contractor so they see about 1000 samples a day and about 70 individuals in the lab that they will oversee with 5 - 7 direct reports (Chem Lab manager, Micro Lab Manager, Quality Manager, Supervisors)
• Must have experience running a P&L. They current P&L is 10M. The person will interview with the President, and they want business acumen and an understanding of how to manage costs on a P&L etc
• 5 - 10 years leadership experience required
• Must be hands on and be able to help out the lab in many capacities as needed.

Job Description

• Provides leadership to our testing laboratory and manages the overall activities of the laboratory staff and ensures the reliability, timeliness, and accuracy of testing results.

Essential Functions:

• Implement strategic business initiatives with the objective of consistently producing accurate test results, maintaining clients, and ensuring continuous improvement in all areas.
• Interact with clients/projects requiring multiple resources and effectively facilitate inter-company and interdepartmental initiatives and interactions to best meet the needs of the client/project.
• Provide operational, technical, and administrative support to all departments through management, planning, and allocation of resources.
• Effectively manage the staffs performance; 1:1 meetings, evaluations, and training.
• Coach and mentor personnel and facilitate their personal and professional growth.
• Support the consistent production of accurate results. Ensure on time delivery (OTD) of all projects. Ensure testing turnaround times (TAT) are met.
• Ensure all results consistently stand up to internal and external audit standards and criteria.
• Maintain current practices and processes to continuously increase accuracy, productivity and efficiency.
• Ensure appropriate equipment and technical resources are provided and maintained.
• Ensure all departments are performing to expectations.
• Ensure the proper execution of the QA/QC programs, ISO 17025 requirements and all other accreditations regarding all operations and documentation requirements.
• Collaborate with colleagues to maintain and improve Certified Laboratories Management systems.
• Work effectively with the VP Operations to meet business and position expectations.
• Other duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervision and oversight of 40 - 60 incumbents dependent on Lab volume

Minimum Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry, Microbiology or Food Science, Master’s degree is preferred.
• Ten years technical lab experience and seven plus years managerial experience.
• Business acumen and experience managing a P&L of at least $10MM.
• Broad experience in food testing.
• Knowledge of food microbiology testing methodologies- MLG, BAM, AOAC, USP, ISO, and CMMEF.
• Knowledge of the requirements of ISO 17025 and the AOAC Food Guidelines.
• Knowledge of proximate and analytical chemistry methods and instrumentation.
• Effective interpersonal skills with strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong quantitative skills, proven attention to detail with effective organizational skills.
• Proven ability to develop, adapt, and validate testing methods.
• Proven expertise in relevant technologies.
• Proven problem solving, trouble shooting and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent computer skills required – Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint; knowledge of Labware LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) desirable.

A reasonable, good faith estimate of the minimum and maximum base salary for this position is $130K/Annum to $150K/Annum. This position will also include a discretionary bonus that generally will be depending on a variety of factors