Group Lead - Sample Management

Eurofins•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 in compliance throughout the laboratory workflow. The role provides direct leadership for employee performance, development, scheduling, training, and operational execution, and serves as a liaison between Sample Management, Project Management, and laboratory operations. The position oversees workflow prioritization, addresses operational and personnel issues, supports automation and storage systems, and advances continuous improvement to meet client expectations and departmental 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 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.
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 organizational levels.
Strong organizational and workflow management skills, including managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
Experience coordinating cross-functional activities among Project Managers, laboratory personnel, and operational teams.
Knowledge of hazardous sample handling, storage, disposal, and associated 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 a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

Supervise, coach, and develop Sample Management employees to achieve individual and team performance objectives.
Hold regular one-on-one meetings and provide feedback, performance guidance, and career development support.
Complete performance management activities, including goal setting, mid-year reviews, year-end evaluations, and ongoing performance discussions.
Address employee concerns, attendance issues, performance deficiencies, and behavioral concerns professionally and promptly.
Oversee onboarding and provide training, mentoring, and development opportunities for staff.
Participate in interviews and hiring activities and maintain employee training records.
Coordinate daily operations, including workload distribution, task assignments, staffing plans, and workflow prioritization.
Set daily expectations and communicate priorities through shift huddles and routine team communications.
Monitor departmental performance and communicate metrics, workflow status, and updates to leadership and incoming shifts.
Review shift carryover, backlog trends, workflow bottlenecks, logbooks, and operational records to support timely resolution and accurate end-of-shift completion.
Manage employee schedules and departmental staffing to meet business and customer requirements.
Handle departmental communications and ensure timely response, 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 communicate relevant information to department employees.
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 operational improvements to enhance workflow efficiency, quality, productivity, and customer service.
Partner with leadership and cross-functional stakeholders on strategic initiatives and departmental objectives.
Perform additional duties as assigned.