Operations Manager

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big.

When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future.

About the Role We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and support our environmental laboratory operations. This role is responsible for overseeing technical activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing staff, maintaining facility and equipment performance, and delivering high-quality analytical services to clients. The ideal candidate is a strong leader with deep technical expertise and a passion for operational excellence in a high-throughput production environment.

Key Responsibilities Laboratory Operations & Technical Leadership Oversee daily laboratory operations to ensure efficiency, quality, and timely project completion

Provide technical guidance on instrument troubleshooting, method development, and data interpretation

Ensure proper use, calibration, and performance of laboratory instrumentation

Support development and implementation of new analytical methods

High-Throughput Production & Performance Management Lead a high-volume production laboratory to consistently meet or exceed turnaround time (TAT) and on-time delivery (OTD) goals

Monitor and manage workflow, sample volume, and resource allocation across departments to maintain optimal throughput

Establish, track, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) including TAT, backlog, capacity, and productivity

Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce cycle time, and improve service reliability

Partner with department supervisors to prioritize workload and ensure alignment with client expectations and contractual deadlines

Drive a culture of accountability and continuous improvement focused on operational excellence and customer satisfaction

Quality & Compliance Ensure compliance with ISO 17025, NELAC, DoD , and other applicable regulatory standards

Partner with QA to maintain and improve laboratory quality systems

Monitor regulatory updates and communicate requirements to staff

Support audits and inspections

Facilities & Maintenance Management Oversee laboratory facility operations, ensuring a safe, compliant, and efficient working environment

Coordinate preventative maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and building systems

Work with vendors and internal teams to maintain service contracts and ensure timely issue resolution

Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and operational requirements related to facility infrastructure

Identify and implement improvements to laboratory layout, utilities, and workflow efficiency

Team Leadership Manage, mentor, and develop a team of 50+ laboratory personnel

Oversee hiring, training, performance evaluations, and staffing levels

Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance work environment

Client & Business Support Serve as a technical resource for client inquiries and data interpretation

Support project management and sales teams with technical expertise

Assist with proposals, QAPPs, SOWs, and client presentations

Systems & Process Improvement Optimize laboratory workflows, systems, and data management processes

Collaborate with IT to support LIMS and automated reporting

Drive continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related science (required)
Minimum 5 years of laboratory management experience

Environmental laboratory experience strongly preferred

Technical Skills Strong knowledge of ISO 17025 and environmental regulations

Experience with LIMS systems

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)
Understanding of organic and inorganic analytical methods

Leadership & Professional Skills Proven success managing large teams (50+ staff)
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

Excellent communication and client relationship skills

Demonstrated ability to manage high-throughput operations and meet performance targets

Experience with managing P&L (preferred)
Work Environment & Requirements Ability to sit or stand for extended periods

Occasional…