Senior Operations Supervisor - Microbiology

Mérieux NutriSciences • Crete, IL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Operations Supervisor provides oversight across one or more operational departments (e.g., Microbiology, Chemistry, or other lines of business) within a laboratory site. This position ensures that operational activities are executed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures, quality standards, and client requirements. The role acts as a bridge between site management and department supervisors, driving process optimization, fostering leadership capability, and ensuring consistent execution of operational strategies that meet both site and regional business objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant work experience; including 2 years of leadership experience, or a Master's degree and 3 years of relevant experience; including 2 years of leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in leading process improvements, managing operational KPIs, and supporting client-facing technical projects.
• Requires strong technical foundation in a relevant laboratory discipline (e.g., microbiology, chemistry, or related field) to analyze, interpret data, and provide expert guidance to supervisors and junior staff.
• A broad knowledge of food science is necessary.
• Strong grasp of quality systems (ISO 17025, etc.) and audit principles.
• Leadership, coaching, and talent development.
• Operational planning, performance analysis, and resource awareness.
• Client relationship management and communication.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with LIMS and data reporting tools.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Leads or supports cross-site initiatives and operational goal setting. Lead or support cross-site initiatives focused on standardization, technology implementation, and efficiency improvement. Promote Mérieux NutriSciences’ values and culture through ethical leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
• Coaches and develops supervisors, junior staff, and new leaders to improve leadership capability, performance management, succession planning, and employee engagement. Supports operational planning, change management, and execution of site initiatives in partnership with the management team.
• Drives consistency and standardization of processes across teams to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Provides advanced technical guidance and support to departmental supervisors and personnel in complex operational and technical challenges across departments to determine solutions. Provides guidance to the front-line team for various projects that come in from an internal or external client.
• Reviews, interprets, and validates analytical data across departments; ensure all results meet client and quality expectations. Maintain authority to suspend analyses when quality control or system integrity is compromised. Collaborates with Quality Assurance to monitor audit readiness, investigate non-conformances, and implement corrective actions.
• Leads the coordination and implementation of new equipment, methods, or systems, including preparation, scheduling, and ensuring readiness for operational use in alignment with quality and compliance requirements.
• Leads cross-functional initiatives to improve turnaround time, capacity utilization, and resource efficiency. Evaluates existing methods and recommends enhancements, automation, or process redesigns. Support continuous improvement practices.
• Identifies and escalates resource needs impacting operations (e.g., turnaround time, overtime, staffing, or workflow disruptions) and aligns teams to meet operational demands. Drives execution against established KPIs and supports action plans to improve productivity, cost efficiency, and quality outcomes.
• Coordinates cross-functional activities between departments to ensure alignment, effective communication, and resolution of operational challenges.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and ensures departmental personnel are trained and proficient in its use.
• Leads and supports cross-functional projects in alignment with laboratory leadership priorities, emerging client needs, and non-routine operational initiatives.
• Serves as a backup to the Operations Manager, providing leadership continuity and support as needed.
• Other related duties as assigned.
• At any time, the incumbent must behave and operate in an ethical and Code of Conduct compliant manner.
• Frequent cross-functional collaboration with Operations Supervisors, client service personnel, and laboratory management to provide status reports, solve technical and procedural difficulties, and implement new methods.
• Routine professional communication with clients to obtain or provide information, explain procedures, and discuss specific requirements for testing analysis. Regular contact with vendor representatives is also required. Acts as point of contact for internal and external audits, ensuring readiness and consistent adherence to ISO, FDA, or other applicable standards. Reviews and interprets quality metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for systemic improvement.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work-life balance following state and local ordinances.
• Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior