Food Microbiology Technical Manager

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Laboratory Manager to lead our growing Microbiology Department in Commerce, California. This position oversees a team of approximately 30 laboratory professionals and plays a critical role in ensuring laboratory quality, operational efficiency, client satisfaction, and team development. This is an excellent opportunity for a proven laboratory leader who is passionate about food safety, enjoys mentoring and developing teams, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where scientific excellence and customer service are equally valued.

• Lead, mentor, train, and develop a team of approximately 30 encompassing microbiologists, laboratory analysts, and technicians.
• Manage daily microbiology laboratory operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, and timely reporting of results.
• Coordinate staffing, scheduling, workflow management, and departmental performance.
• Partner with laboratory leadership to improve processes, optimize turnaround times, and support continued growth.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Review, verify, and approve microbiological test results prior to client reporting.
• Conduct and oversee pathogen detection and confirmation according to FDA and USDA methodologies.
• Analyze food and environmental samples using PCR, VIDAS, VITEK, and other laboratory instrumentation.
• Interpret culture results, agar plates, biochemical reactions, and microbial identification data.
• Troubleshoot analytical methods, testing procedures, and laboratory instrumentation as needed.
• Ensure proper sample handling, enrichment, preparation, testing, documentation, and disposition.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 17025 accreditation requirements, laboratory quality systems, SOPs, and regulatory standards.
• Perform and oversee QA/QC activities involving media, reagents, supplies, and laboratory processes.
• Review and approve laboratory certificates and final reports.
• Consult with clients regarding test selection, result interpretation, and food safety concerns.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping and compliance with all laboratory safety procedures.

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Strong knowledge of food microbiology, pathogen detection, aseptic techniques, and laboratory best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑volume laboratory environment.
• Ability to work overtime when required.

• 5+ years of microbiology laboratory experience, preferably in food testing, environmental testing, or a commercial laboratory setting.
• 3+ years of supervisory or management experience leading laboratory personnel.
• Experience working within an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.
• Strong knowledge of FDA, USDA, AOAC, and food microbiology testing methodologies.
• Hands‑on experience with PCR, VIDAS, VITEK, pathogen detection, and microbial identification techniques.