Microbiology Operations Manager

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise – So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

Our Brands

Certified Group is comprised of a set of specialized brands that collectively deliver laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services across highly regulated industries:

• Certified Laboratories – Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries.
• Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) – A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry.
• Labstat – A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology.
• EAS Consulting Group – A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors.
• FSNS Certification & Audit – Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.

Job Summary

The position may be leveled as Lab Manager or Sr. Lab Manager based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Certified Group is seeking an experienced Microbiology Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of a high-volume microbiology laboratory serving the food and beverage industry.

This leadership role is responsible for ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and high-quality microbiological testing services while maintaining compliance with ISO 17025 accreditation requirements, regulatory standards, and internal quality systems.

The Microbiology Manager will provide both technical and operational leadership, overseeing laboratory workflow, personnel, quality systems, customer satisfaction, financial performance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This individual will foster a culture focused on scientific excellence, safety, accountability, collaboration, and operational efficiency while ensuring the laboratory consistently meets customer expectations and business objectives.

This position upholds the Company’s purpose, mission, and values by fostering a culture focused on quality, accountability, collaboration, and customer partnership.

Purpose: So the world can trust in what it consumes.

Mission: Partner with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise.

Values: Start with the customer, commit to safety and quality, drive to deliver, act with integrity, and support the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all daily microbiology laboratory operations to ensure quality, efficiency, and turnaround time goals are achieved.
• Provide technical oversight for microbiological testing, method validation, quality control, and laboratory investigations.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 17025 accreditation standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Lead internal and external audits, corrective actions, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Develop, coach, and mentor laboratory supervisors and technical staff while fostering a high-performing team culture.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, productivity, budgets, inventory, and laboratory resources.
• Partner with customers and internal stakeholders to ensure exceptional service and technical support.
• Drive operational excellence through Lean initiatives, workflow optimization, and performance metrics.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and ensure compliance with all safety policies and procedures.
• Support implementation of new technologies, equipment, and testing capabilities.

Qualifications