Lab Manager

Eterna Management, LLC

Newport Beach, CA

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

$75,000–$100,000 Per Year

SKILLS

Analysis Skills, Biology, Cadence, Chemistry, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) Systems, Data Quality, Detail Oriented, Documentation, Documentation Standards, Establish Priorities, File Maintenance, Follow Through, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Identify Issues, Laboratory, Laboratory Analysis, Laboratory Management, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Testing, Leadership, Operations, Operations Management, Organizational Skills, People Management, Performance Management, Performance Metrics, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Process Management, Quality Assurance, Quality Assurance Methodology, Quality Metrics, Record Keeping, Regulatory Requirements, Reliability Testing, Research & Development (R&D), Resource Management, Root Cause Analysis, Sample/Specimen Processing, Specimens/Samples, Staff Training, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Standards Development, Systems Administration/Management, Team Lead/Manager, Test Lab, Third-Party Logistics (3PL), Time Management, Traceability, Workflow Analysis

LOCATION

Newport Beach, CA

POSTED

Today

*Eterna Management * Quality-Driven Laboratory Excellence Laboratory Manager Department: Laboratory Operations Reports To: Director of Operations Location: Santa Ana, CA Employment Type: Full-Time Industry: Hemp-Derived Products / Production Salary: $75,000-$100,000 Position Overview 3PL Hemp Derived Company is seeking a Laboratory Operations Manager to lead, organize, and elevate laboratory operations across our Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Research & Development (R&D) functions. This role is responsible for building structure, implementing systems, managing team performance, and driving continuous improvement in efficiency and accuracy. The ideal candidate brings both operational leadership and a strong technical foundation—someone who doesn't just manage processes but understands the science behind the results. The laboratory has an established team and existing processes, with significant opportunities for standardization and improvement. This is not a build-from-scratch role; it is about organizing, refining, and elevating what's already in place. This position works closely with Quality Assurance to ensure all laboratory activities align with established quality standards and COA requirements. The Laboratory Operations Manager is expected to take full ownership of lab operations, proactively identify issues, and implement solutions that improve consistency, efficiency, and performance. Key Responsibilities Operations & Workflow Management Oversee daily laboratory operations across COA and R&D functions Manage sample tracking, prioritization, and third-party laboratory coordination Ensure all deadlines and turnaround times are consistently met Prioritize workload and allocate resources to ensure critical tasks are completed efficiently Identify workflow inefficiencies and implement process improvements to reduce errors and rework Monitor and evaluate third-party laboratory performance, including turnaround time, result consistency, and reliability Take ownership of operational issues and resolve them independently, escalating only when necessary Proactively identify emerging issues and address them without requiring direction for day-to-day problem solving Conduct and present analyses on new R&D projects, including summarizing findings and providing clear operational insights Technical & Analytical Oversight Review and interpret COA results with a strong understanding of underlying test methods Provide insight into laboratory results, including identifying potential causes of unexpected or inconsistent outcomes Evaluate whether results are impacted by formulation, raw materials, sample handling, or laboratory variability Analyze relationships between raw material COAs and finished product results to identify sources of variability Communicate with third-party laboratories regarding methodologies, discrepancies, and result interpretation Support investigation of failed or out-of-spec (OOS) results and identify root causes Document investigation findings and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence Systems & Documentation Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aligned with quality standards Implement tracking systems for samples, tasks, and team performance metrics Establish COA review checklists and documentation procedures Organize and maintain digital files, records, and laboratory documentation Maintain batch records, logs, and operational tracking systems with clear traceability Ensure all systems support efficient backtracking of samples, materials, and results Ensure accuracy and integrity of all laboratory data, records, and reporting Team Leadership & Management Directly manage COA Manager, R&D Manager, and laboratory technicians Conduct weekly team meetings and track action items to completion Assign responsibilities, set expectations, and enforce deadlines Train staff on procedures, documentation standards, and workflows Develop team members' understanding of laboratory processes, COA interpretation, and quality documentation Build accountability and a culture of ownership within the laboratory team Reporting & Quality Alignment Provide structured weekly operations reports with KPI tracking Communicate delays, risks, and issues clearly and proactively to leadership Collaborate with Quality Assurance on COA standards, documentation requirements, and discrepancy investigations Ensure all workflows align with quality and regulatory documentation requirements Qualifications Required Demonstrated experience in laboratory operations, including workflow coordination, documentation systems, and process improvement 2 years Management experience Strong understanding of laboratory testing methods (e.g., HPLC, GC, or similar analytical techniques) and their impact on COA results Ability to interpret laboratory data and explain underlying causes of results—not just pass/fail outcomes Proven experience managing people, setting expectations, and enforcing deadlines Strong organizational skills, systems thinking, and attention to detail Excellent communication skills and follow-through Preferred Experience working within quality systems or regulated environments Experience working with third-party testing laboratories and reviewing COAs Cannabis or hemp industry experience strongly preferred Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field (or equivalent hands-on laboratory experience) What Success Looks Like Clear SOPs and organized systems are in place and actively maintained Workflow efficiency has measurably improved and errors are reduced COA results and variability are well understood and clearly communicated Consistent weekly reporting provides full operational visibility to leadership Traceability is strong—issues can be backtracked quickly and effectively Teams are meeting deadlines and operating with accountability Laboratory operations run in a structured, predictable, and scalable manner First 90 Days During the first 90 days, the Laboratory Operations Manager will be expected to: Audit and organize existing documentation and tracking systems Implement weekly reporting cadence and structured team meetings Develop SOPs for key laboratory workflows Improve sample tracking and COA review processes Begin identifying root causes of recurring issues and implement corrective actions Establish clear accountability standards and deadline management practices Why Join Us This is an opportunity to take full ownership of laboratory operations within a growing hemp-derived products company. You will have a direct impact on product quality, operational performance, and the overall reliability of our testing and compliance processes. The role offers the chance to build and refine systems that support continued growth and scalability. It is ideal for someone who thrives on improving processes, solving problems, and understanding the “why” behind laboratory results—not just the “what.” PI26ed3f56daeb-25448-408585805c143e31-5e48-4549-b638-05792d185386

About the Company

Eterna Management, LLC

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