General Manager

Certified Group•Dallas, TX

20d

About The Position

The General Manager leads the day-to-day operations of a single-site microbiological and/or chemical laboratory, delivering accurate, compliant, and high-quality testing services to local customers. The role is accountable for the laboratory’s quality, customer relationships, people, finances, workflow, and operations, balancing scientific rigor with business acumen and taking ownership of site performance. The General Manager fosters a culture of quality, accountability, collaboration, and customer partnership while supporting the company’s purpose, mission, and values. The position oversees laboratory operations and performance, quality and safety compliance, customer engagement, staffing and employee development, financial results, vendors, and continuous improvement. It directly leads approximately three to eight supervisors and indirectly oversees a laboratory workforce of approximately 15 to 40 employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Food Technology, or a related scientific field.
At least 5 years of experience leading frontline supervisors in laboratory, manufacturing, or regulated operational environments.
Demonstrated success managing financial performance and operational KPIs.
Proven ability to lead through frontline leadership teams and manage multi-level organizational structures.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interpret technical, regulatory, and business documentation.
Experience developing reports, SOPs, operational documentation, and business communications.
Ability to engage effectively with senior leadership, customers, peers, and cross-functional teams.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in dynamic operational environments.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Prior experience in third-party laboratory testing or manufacturing, particularly in food, beverage, cosmetics, tobacco, cannabis, or related regulated industries.

Responsibilities

Lead laboratory operations to deliver high-quality, efficient testing and consistent turnaround times.
Use operational scorecards and KPIs to monitor performance and drive accountability.
Conduct daily operational huddles with supervisors and team leads to align priorities and resource allocation.
Maintain technical competency and keep laboratory practices current with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Maintain ISO/IEC 17025 compliance through the Corporate Quality Management System and ensure readiness for audits, inspections, and accreditation activities.
Prepare staff for audits and provide leadership throughout the audit process.
Maintain a clean, organized, sanitary, and safe laboratory; ensure equipment is maintained, calibrated, and monitored for functionality and replacement needs.
Promote laboratory safety standards, procedures, and PPE requirements.
Represent the company professionally with customers; identify customer needs and respond to inquiries, concerns, and service requests in a timely manner.
Communicate laboratory capabilities, test results, pricing, and operational updates clearly.
Support customer retention and growth by meeting turnaround-time goals and service expectations.
Anticipate staffing needs and align schedules with testing volumes and operational demands.
Improve labor productivity and workforce efficiency through planning and performance management.
Recruit, interview, onboard, train, and develop employees; foster engagement, retention, cross-training, and career development.
Coach supervisors and hold frontline leaders accountable for hiring, training, coaching, feedback, employee relations, and operational leadership.
Ensure accurate and timely employee documentation for performance management, coaching, disciplinary actions, and development planning.
Manage laboratory financial performance in accordance with budgets and profitability goals.
Identify ways to improve efficiency and optimize labor, inventory, supplies, and vendor services.
Manage third-party vendors and contractors to support cost control, quality service, and operational effectiveness.
Promote best-practice sharing and collaboration across laboratory locations; support cross-site resource sharing, overflow testing, and training.
Maintain a visible leadership presence in the laboratory, reinforcing standards and providing real-time coaching and support.
Lead or support non-routine projects, operational initiatives, and customer-specific assignments.
Drive continuous improvement in efficiency, quality, service, and employee engagement.