Lab Operations Manager

Job Title: Lab Operations Manager
Job ID: 85409
Location: Akron, Ohio


Overview:
We’re partnered with a high-volume, multi discipline analytical laboratory that is looking to bring in a senior operational leader to oversee day-to day performance across multiple technical departments. This is a true operations leadership role, responsible for execution, throughput, quality, people leadership, and continuous improvement across a complex lab environment that includes multiple analytical and sample preparation functions.You’ll work closely with senior leadership while directly managing departmentlevel leaders and driving performance, accountability, and scalability across the operation.


What you will be doing:
You’ll have oversight across multiple laboratory functions such as:

• Sample prep / prep chemistry

• Wet chemistry

• Metals / inorganic

• Organic / instrumental

• Air / environmental analysis

• And other analytical groups depending on structure

What you must have:
Operational Leadership

• Own day-to-day laboratory operations across multiple departments

• Ensure on-time, accurate, and high-quality sample throughput

• Monitor KPIs and operational metrics and drive process improvement initiatives

• Lead capacity planning, scheduling, and workload balancing across teams

• Resolve escalated operational and cross-departmental issues

• Support resource planning: staffing, equipment, and consumables

People Leadership

• Lead and develop department managers and team leads

• Own hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and engagement

• Build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and quality ownership

• Support succession planning and leadership development across the lab

Quality, Compliance & Systems

• Ensure ongoing compliance with:

• ISO/IEC 17025

• NELAC / EPA

• Internal quality systems and client requirements

• Act as a senior operational representative during:

• Audits

• Client meetings

• Regulatory inspections

• Partner with quality teams to drive right-first-time execution

Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with senior leadership on:

• Workflow redesign

• New service implementation

• Technology and automation upgrades

• Scaling initiatives

• Participate in budget planning and cost control

• Lead or sponsor special projects tied to growth, efficiency, or quality

What you must have:

• 5–7+ years in an environmental laboratory environment

• At least 3+ years in a management or multi-team leadership role

• Experience overseeing multiple departments or functions is strongly preferred

Bachelor’s degree in:

• Chemistry

• Biology

• Environmental Science

• Or related scientific discipline

• Master’s degree is a plus, not required

Skills & Competencies

• Strong people leadership and performance management capability

• Deep understanding of lab operations, workflows, and analytical environments

• Comfortable working in high-throughput, deadline-driven operations

• Strong process, systems, and continuous improvement mindset

• Experience with LIMS and operational reporting tools

• Strong communication skills — able to interface with:

• Executives

• Clients

• Regulators

• Technical teams

Other Informative:
Why This Role Is Attractive

• Value added analysis suites, not just routine commoditized offerings

• Leadership role with real operational control and influence

• Manages managers, not just teams

• High-impact role in a complex, growing laboratory operation

• Opportunity to modernize, scale, and improve a multi-function lab

• Strong visibility with executive leadership

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. If you are selected to move forward in the process, we will contact you directly. If you do not hear from us, we encourage you to continue visiting our website for other roles that may be a good fit.


For more information about TEEMA and to consider other career opportunities, please visit our website at www.teemagroup.com