Lab Operations Manager

Job description

Team Leadership & Workforce Management • Lead, schedule, and supervise laboratory personnel to ensure coverage and performance targets are consistently met • Conduct interviews, evaluate candidates, and make hiring decisions for direct-report positions • Deliver structured onboarding and ongoing training for assigned staff on test methods, SOPs, ISO requirements, and laboratory policies • Conduct annual performance reviews and provide continuous coaching and feedback to foster team development • Foster a culture of morale, teamwork, and accountability that reflects Eurofins' mission and values Laboratory Operations & Quality Assurance The Laboratory Operations Manager provides operational leadership for Eurofins Microbiology laboratory functions, acting with sufficient authority from the Business Unit Manager to ensure the highest standards of quality, compliance, and team performance. This role serves as a backup to the Business Unit and Quality Manager and has the authority to initiate work stoppages in response to quality failures and to reinstate operations once issues are resolved. • Assist the Business Unit Manager in managing daily microbiology laboratory operations, including scheduling, supervision, and performance of manual and instrumental analyses • Ensure all analytical work complies with ISO requirements, applicable government regulations, and Eurofins quality standards • Review and evaluate test data for technical accuracy, SOP compliance, and test method adherence; apply basic statistical tools to assess data quality • Investigate non-conformances, determine root causes, implement corrective actions, and verify resolution • Maintain authority to execute a work stoppage upon quality failure and to reinstate operations upon resolution • Create and review laboratory reports and maintain accurate, complete records of work performed Equipment & Facility Management • Establish and implement procedures ensuring all equipment is properly cleaned, calibrated, and maintained in good working order • Maintain equipment operating instructions, manuals, and required logbooks • Troubleshoot instruments and equipment; perform minor repairs and coordinate major repairs with qualified service personnel Compliance & Continuous Improvement • Adhere to and enforce all Quality System documentation including the Quality Manual, SOPs, and applicable test methods • Apply quality measures that meet or exceed standards set by government regulations and company requirements • Maintain a working knowledge of technical, industry, and regulatory advancements as directed by the Business Unit Manager • Adhere to all company health, safety, and environmental regulations • Promote the Eurofins brand through ethical, professional business practices with clients and the public • Perform other duties as assigned Education & Experience • Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline or closely related field • Minimum 3–5 years of supervisory experience, preferably in a laboratory environment • Demonstrated ability to organize and lead laboratory personnel in alignment with corporate goals and productivity objectives Technical Skills • Hands-on experience with laboratory procedures, data analysis, computer operations, and technical/business writing • Experience with PCR, ELISA, and cultural confirmation of foodborne pathogens including Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli O157:H7 • Strong computer proficiency and organizational skills Core Competencies • Exceptional leadership, initiative, and team-building capabilities • Strong written and verbal communication skills with high attention to detail • Ability to work independently and collaboratively; self-motivated with a positive, adaptable mindset • Capacity to learn new techniques, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and comply with company policies • Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed In a fast growing group, successful leaders are frequently being offered increased areas of responsibility (subject to geographic mobility). Eurofins offers international opportunities to strong performers. Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins works with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate. Eurofins believes it is a global leader in food, environmental, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products testing and in agroscience CRO services. It is also one of the global independent market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, CDMO, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies. In over just 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to over 65,000 staff across a network of more than 950 independent companies in over 57 countries and operating more than 800 laboratories. Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products, as well as providing innovative clinical diagnostic testing services, as one of the leading global emerging players in specialised clinical diagnostics testing. In 2026, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR € 7.3 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.