Regional Lab Director - West Region

Certified Group is committed to delivering expert solutions and quality testing our customers can feel confident in – on time, every time – so the world can trust in what it consumes. As a leading North American provider of laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services, Certified Group includes Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), FSNS Certification & Audit, Certified Laboratories, EAS Consulting Group, and Labstat International Inc. Certified Group provides analytical testing and regulatory guidance services in the food & beverage, dietary supplements & NHP, cosmetics, OTC, personal care, tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

We have embarked on an important journey to unify and strengthen our culture by living these core values: Start with the Customer, Drive to Deliver, Commit to Safety and Quality, and Believe in the Team — including believing in you.

We are currently looking for a Regional Lab Director to join our growing team!

JOB SUMMARY

Lead the execution of laboratory testing services at laboratories within an assigned region, including all routine microbiological and chemical testing. Ensure laboratory management staff (Lab Managers, Operations Managers, Technical Managers) effectively execute all required ongoing operations including but not limited to KPI management, testing, customer service, maintenance, compliance and quality management, financial management, and people management (including hiring, onboarding, and training).

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and support direct reports within assigned region (Lab Managers, Operations Managers, Technical Managers) in their work.
• Ensure senior laboratory management staff (Lab Managers, Operations Managers, Technical Managers) are managing each laboratory in a consistent way, using Certified Group’s standard operating model.
• Ensure all laboratories’ day-to-day operational microbiological and chemistry test execution is in compliance with Certified Group’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) as well as with relevant regulatory & accreditation requirements.
• Ensure all assigned laboratories maintain and manage relevant proficiency and quality control processes and related records, including documentation, corrective action and reporting.
• Ensure individualized customer service, communication, and issue escalation / resolution is maintained at each assigned laboratory with all customer samples processed in accordance with the specified methods and within agreed turnaround times; directly interact with customers in resolving issues as necessary.
• Measure and regularly communicate the operational performance (revenue, cost, quality, time, customer issues) of all assigned laboratories using Certified Group’s established standardized metrics.
• Hire, train, engage, empower, develop and mentor assigned senior laboratory management staff in accordance with Certified Group’s management standards.
• Ensure senior laboratory management staff are effectively hiring, training, and coaching front line staff as well as identifying and developing the next generation of senior laboratory leadership.
• Establish performance goals for each laboratory (cost, quality, time, customer issues) in collaboration with senior laboratory leadership staff and the Executive Leader.
• Establish and manage budget / P&L for each assigned laboratory in coordination with the Executive Leader (including capital & facilities), reflecting both current operations and anticipated business volume growth.
• Actively contribute to improving Certified Group’s standard operating model to facilitate continued company growth.
• Execute ongoing productivity improvement strategy in each assigned laboratory, leveraging internal and external best practices (e.g., labor and equipment utilization, process improvements).
• Assist in sales and marketing as well as other Certified Group’s departments as requested.
• Ensure continuous process improvements across assigned region, including consistency across each of the sites in the region.

SUPERVISION

• Supervise multiple laboratory operations within a region.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ten plus years industrial food safety and quality assurance preferred
• Five plus years third party laboratory experience
• BS degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Technology, or related Engineering field
• M.S. degree preferred
• Or equivalent combination and experience
• Proven ability to recruit, train, develop, and coach teams as well as identify and mentor next generation leaders in a multi-location services business
• Proven management skills including budgeting, labor analysis, and cost management in a multi-location services business
• Direct process improvement experience and knowledge preferred (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, TQM)
• Advanced studies in food science and/or microbiological analysis preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse and to handle other communications/computer components
• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens
• Noise level varies from quiet to loud
• Temperature varies from hot to cold
• Interactive and fast-paced team-oriented tasks
• Overnight Travel is required at the discretion of management
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Color vision and depth perception

BENEFITS:

• Progressive 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Employer Paid Short- Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Group Medical
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Dental
• Paid Holidays and Time Off

Certified Group values diversity in its workforce. The company is firmly committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and will administer its policies in a manner that treats each employee and applicant for employment on the basis of merit. Certified Group will take affirmative action to seek out qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or veteran status.