Laboratory Services Director jobs in Cicero, IL

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 Lab Director to join our growing team!

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.
  
  

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 25 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.