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

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, Food Microbiology, or a related life sciences discipline required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience within a microbiology laboratory.
• Previous experience managing laboratory personnel required.
• Experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory strongly preferred.
• Background in food, beverage, dietary supplement, environmental, pharmaceutical, consumer products, or third-party laboratory testing environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of microbiological testing methodologies, laboratory quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven leadership, organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, and team development.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) within laboratory environments.
• Noise levels may vary from quiet to loud depending on operational activity.
• Temperature conditions may vary from hot to cold.
• Fast-paced, interactive laboratory environment with changing operational demands.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Night and weekend work may be required based on business and customer demands.
• Occasional travel may be required.

The compensation details provided below reflect the expected pay range for this role, based on the selected compensation structure and applicable guidelines. Actual pay within this range may vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location. Additional components of total rewards—such as bonuses, benefits, or incentives—may also apply where applicable.

Salary Range for Pay Transparency

$120,000—$160,000 USD

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make employment decisions without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.