Director, Microbiology Laboratory Operations

Purpose of the job

Reporting to the Division Vice President, the Director Microbiology Laboratory Operations is responsible for leading and overseeing the performance of the laboratory. Success in this role requires strong operational leadership, the ability to drive business results, build meaningful customer partnerships, and lead teams through continuous improvement and change.

Main Activities

• Provide overall leadership of the laboratory, developing and executing operational strategies that support business objectives and long-term growth
• Oversee the financial health of the laboratory, including budget planning, financial forecasting, P&L management, and implementing initiatives to achieve performance targets
• Leverage internal resources and tools to ensure work is completed efficiently, safely, ethically, and in alignment with company expectations
• Maintain and expand expertise within microbiology, food science, and related analytical technologies through professional development and collaboration with industry peers
• Demonstrate visible leadership that builds trust and credibility with employees through clear communication and consistent actions
• Reinforce a culture centered on integrity, accountability, innovation, and operational excellence through leadership behaviors and team expectations
• Establish clear performance goals and ensure alignment across managers, supervisors, and laboratory personnel
• Promote employee engagement and professional growth by prioritizing coaching, mentorship, and career development initiatives
• Align laboratory operations with broader corporate goals while identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, service quality, and financial outcomes
• Ensure adherence to company policies, laboratory procedures, and regulatory requirements while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and service delivery
• Foster positive internal and external customer experiences through effective communication, responsiveness, and service excellence
• Collaborate with commercial teams by participating in strategic discussions with sales partners and meeting with customers to understand business needs and strengthen relationships
• Remain actively engaged in industry organizations and events to deepen knowledge of market trends and emerging technologies
• Support clients by providing technical insight related to laboratory testing results and advising on solutions to address their analytical challenges
• Continuously evaluate laboratory performance and operational processes, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing strategies to drive progress
• Communicate organizational or operational changes clearly and ensure alignment with corporate leadership and company initiatives
• Support the implementation and monitoring of internal quality control programs, including evaluation of testing outcomes and participation in internal and external audits
• Ensure the laboratory quality management system remains accurate, current, and consistently followed by all staff
• Monitor quality-related activities and oversee implementation of corrective actions when needed, ensuring effectiveness of improvements
• Maintain oversight of locally controlled documentation, including manuals, procedures, work instructions, charts, and operational guidelines
• Suspend laboratory analyses when quality system indicators show processes are not in control and authorize resumption of work once issues are resolved and appropriate stakeholders are notified.