Kelly® Science & Clinical is hiring a Laboratory Director in Aurora, IL. for a full-time, direct-hire opportunity with one of our clients who is a leading provider of laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services in North America. If you’re passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career, trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.

• This is a direct hire opportunity to become a permanent employee of our client
• Location is Aurora, IL. (relocation package available including options on temporary housing)
• Shift: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm
• Compensation: Range is based on industry and leadership experience

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Laboratory Director to provide leadership to our testing laboratory and manage the overall activities of the laboratory staff to ensure the reliability, timeliness, and accuracy of testing results.The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in microbiology or food science, extensive managerial experience managing high volume fast pace labs, as well as chemistry experience.. As Laboratory Director, you will be responsible for implementing strategic initiatives, managing resources, ensuring accurate test results, and maintaining client satisfaction. Additionally, you will supervise a team of technical professionals and support staff to ensure the efficient operation of the laboratory including Lab Managers.
Essential Functions

• Implement strategic business initiatives to produce accurate test results, maintain client relationships, and drive continuous improvement.
• Facilitate interdepartmental initiatives and interactions to meet the needs of clients and projects requiring multiple resources.
• Provide operational, technical, and administrative support to all departments, including resource management and planning.
• Manage staff performance through evaluations, training, coaching, and mentoring to foster personal and professional growth.
• Ensure timely delivery of projects and adherence to testing turnaround times.
• Uphold internal and external audit standards and criteria for result accuracy.
• Continuously improve practices and processes to enhance accuracy, productivity, and efficiency.
• Ensure proper maintenance and availability of equipment and technical resources.
• Oversee departmental performance and execution of QA/QC programs and accreditation requirements.
• Collaborate with colleagues to maintain and enhance the company's management systems.
• Work closely with the VP Operations to meet business objectives and position expectations.
• Perform other duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise and provide oversight to 40 - 60 staff members, depending on laboratory volume.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, or Food Science; Master’s degree preferred.
• Ten years of technical laboratory experience with at least seven years in a managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of micro and chemistry lab testing processes.
• Demonstrated business acumen and experience managing a P&L of at least $10 million.
• Extensive experience in food testing, including knowledge of microbiology testing methodologies such as MLG, BAM, AOAC, USP, ISO, and CMMEF.
• Familiarity with ISO 17025 requirements and AOAC Food Guidelines.
• Proficiency in proximate and analytical chemistry methods and instrumentation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent quantitative skills with meticulous attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Proven ability to develop, adapt, and validate testing methods.
• Expertise in relevant technologies and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; familiarity with Labware LIMS is desirable.
• Possible travel based on customer meetings or presentations as needed.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.
Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?
Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.
About KellyWork changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly’s Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.