Group Lead - Sample Management

Eurofins USA Environment Testing•Lancaster, PA

About The Position

The Group Lead, Sample Management leads daily departmental operations and supervises Sample Management personnel to ensure samples are handled accurately, promptly, and compliantly throughout the laboratory workflow. The role provides direct leadership for employee performance, development, scheduling, training, and operational execution, and serves as a liaison among Sample Management, Project Management, Client Services, and laboratory operations. The Group Lead oversees workflow prioritization, staffing, operational communications, and resolution of personnel and workflow issues. The position also supports sample storage and automated retrieval systems, ensures compliance with quality and safety requirements, and advances process improvements to meet client expectations and departmental performance objectives. The role is scheduled Tuesday through Saturday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Knowledge of sample management processes and TALS.
At least 1 year of relevant experience.
Professional working proficiency in English, including the ability to read, write, and speak in English.
Authorization to work in the United States without restriction or sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Advanced knowledge of laboratory sample management processes, sample lifecycle requirements, and chain-of-custody principles.
Expert proficiency in TALS and other laboratory information management systems.
Strong understanding of laboratory workflows and resource coordination to meet operational priorities and client commitments.
Demonstrated ability to independently resolve complex sample management issues and make sound operational decisions.
Previous leadership experience.
Strong leadership, mentoring, and training skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills across multiple organizational levels.
Strong organizational and workflow management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
Experience coordinating cross-functional activities among Project Managers, laboratory personnel, and operational teams.
Knowledge of hazardous sample handling, storage, disposal, and related administrative requirements.
Ability to troubleshoot laboratory systems and coordinate resolution of technical workflow issues.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality, compliance, and customer service.
Ability to serve as a lead resource and departmental subject matter expert while fostering collaboration.

Responsibilities

Supervise, coach, and develop Sample Management employees to achieve individual and team performance objectives.
Hold regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports to provide feedback, coaching, performance guidance, and career development support.
Complete performance management activities, including goal setting, mid-year reviews, year-end evaluations, and ongoing discussions.
Address employee concerns, attendance issues, performance deficiencies, and behavioral concerns promptly and professionally.
Oversee onboarding and provide training, mentoring, and development opportunities for staff.
Conduct interviews and participate in hiring activities to support departmental staffing needs.
Maintain employee training records and ensure required training is completed and documented.
Coordinate daily operations, including workload distribution, task assignments, staffing plans, and workflow priorities.
Set daily team expectations and communicate priorities through shift huddles and routine communications.
Monitor performance and communicate operational metrics, workflow status, and key updates to leadership and incoming shifts.
Review shift carryover, backlog trends, bottlenecks, logbooks, and operational records to ensure continuity and accurate completion of end-of-shift responsibilities.
Manage employee schedules and staffing to meet business and customer requirements.
Handle incoming departmental communications and ensure appropriate responses, escalation, and follow-up.
Coordinate with Client Services and Project Managers to understand and fulfill client requirements.
Resolve operational issues that could affect project execution, turnaround times, or customer satisfaction.
Attend leadership, operational, and cross-functional meetings and share relevant information with department personnel.
Oversee long-term sample storage capacity and effective use of storage resources.
Support troubleshooting and resolution of Automated Sample Retrieval and Storage System (ASRS) issues.
Ensure compliance with laboratory quality systems, safety procedures, chain-of-custody requirements, and standard operating procedures.
Identify and implement improvements to workflow efficiency, quality, productivity, and customer service.
Partner with leadership and cross-functional stakeholders on strategic initiatives and departmental objectives.