| Location | Allentown, PA |
| Salary | $80,000–$90,000 Per Year |
Operations Manager
Allentown
Regular (US Only)
MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES
As a trusted partner, our Public Health mission is to make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable. Throughout our global network in 32 countries, we offer to our customers a wide range of testing and innovative solutions dedicated to preventing health risks related to food, environment and consumer goods. External growth has been a key pillar of our history with more than 40 acquisitions completed in the last 10 years.
If you want to contribute to an inspiring long-term purpose, to be part of a fast growing company on a high-value market with significant build-up opportunities, and to grow in an entrepreneurial and warm environment, join us!
YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE
We are looking for a Operations Manager in 7150 Windsor Drive, Allentown, PA 18106 USA. Your mission will be to:
Position Summary
The incumbent is responsible for managing a department and providing leadership to departmental supervisors in the activities of their subordinates in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures in the execution of testing client samples. Accountable for department performance, including productivity, quality, cost, and staffing outcomes.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Responsible for the performance and operations of a defined department or functional area within the laboratory
Leads and manages departmental supervisors and teams to ensure effective execution of laboratory operations
Establishes operational priorities and allocates resources to meet business objectives and client expectations
Makes decisions regarding staffing, scheduling, workflow, and resource allocation to ensure efficient and effective operations
Monitors key performance indicators (KPIs), identifies gaps, and drives action plans to improve overall department performance
Ensures compliance with quality systems, regulatory requirements, and company policies; partners with Quality to address non-conformances and implement corrective actions.
Leads hiring, onboarding, development, and performance management of direct reports, building a strong and capable team.
Supports the development of supervisors, providing coaching and guidance to strengthen leadership capability and team effectiveness
Drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, capacity utilization, and overall department performance
Partners with cross-functional teams (e.g., Client Services, Quality, Sales, and other departments) to ensure alignment and successful execution of operational and business objectives
Oversees the implementation of new methods, equipment, or processes within the department, ensuring readiness, training, and successful integration into operations
Communicates operational performance, risks, and priorities to site leadership, providing updates and recommendations as needed
Ensures appropriate response to operational challenges, including client needs, staffing constraints, and workflow disruptions, adjusting plans as necessary to maintain performance
Serves as a key escalation point for operational issues within the department and ensures timely resolution
Other related duties as assigned.
At any time, the incumbent must behave and operate in an ethical and Code of Conduct compliant manner.
Communication
Laboratory Director / Site Leadership: Regularly communicates to provide updates on department performance, operational risks, resource needs, and progress against key priorities. Escalates issues and provides recommendations for resolution
Supervisors and Department Teams: Provides direction, sets expectations, and ensures alignment on operational priorities. Coaches and supports supervisors to drive team performance and development
Cross-Functional Teams: Partners with functions such as Client Services, Quality, Sales, and other operational departments to ensure alignment, resolve issues, and support successful execution of business objectives
Clients: Communicates with clients as needed to address operational questions, resolve issues, and ensure service expectations are met
Corporate / Support Functions: Collaborates with HR, Finance, Quality, and other support teams on matters related to staffing, performance, compliance, and operational initiatives
Other Locations: Maintains communication with peers across locations to share best practices, align on processes, and support network consistency
YOUR PROFILE
Qualifications Required
Bachelor's degree in microbiology, chemistry, food science, or related field; or equivalent experience
6+ years of relevant laboratory or operational experience
Prior experience leading supervisors or multiple teams
Demonstrated ability to manage performance, staffing, and operational priorities
Strong understanding of laboratory operations, quality systems, and regulatory requirements
Experience making operational decisions related to resources, scheduling, and workflow management
Ability to analyze data and drive improvements in productivity, quality, and efficiency
Must have client-facing experiences with examples of problem solving operational issues.
Qualifications Desired
Experience managing multiple teams or supervisors within a laboratory or operational environment
Demonstrated success in improving operational performance, including productivity, quality, and turnaround time
Experience with resource planning, including staffing, scheduling, and workload management
Strong coaching and leadership skills with a track record of developing supervisors and building effective teams
Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives or implementing process enhancements
Ability to analyze operational data and translate insights into actionable improvements
Experience working in a fast-paced, high-volume, or complex operational environment
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to partner effectively across departments
Job Competencies
Self Management: Effectively prioritizes tasks, sets and achieves goals, and engages in activities that maintain productivity and well-being.
Problem Solving: Analyzes complex issues, generates innovative solutions, and makes informal decisions to overcome barriers and resolve challenges.
Accountability: Demonstrates responsibility by clearly owning decisions, actions and outcomes; consistently meets commitments and maintains transparency.
Emotional Intelligence: Recognizes and manages emotions, demonstrates empathy, maintains composure, and fosters team dynamics and environment.
Communication: Actively listens and clearly conveys information, expectations, and feedback to ensure alignment, understanding, and engagement.
Empowering Others: Builds autonomy and ownership by creating a supportive environment that motivates individuals to grow and contribute their best efforts.
Change Leadership: Guides organizational change by motivating others, fostering resilience, navigating disruptions, and engaging stakeholders effectively.
Culture Management: Cultivates a positive culture aligned with organizational values by developing talent, promoting ethics, and fostering employee engagement.
Six Global Competencies
Courage; Trust; Self-Awareness; Social & Emotional Intelligence; Inspiration; People Development/Coaching
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Regularly required to stand, walk, and move throughout the laboratory to observe operations and support team activities
Occasionally required to lift and/or move materials up to 50 pounds
Requires sufficient dexterity to use laboratory equipment and review operational processes as needed
Specific vision abilities may include close vision, color differentiation, and the ability to assess detailed work
Work is performed in a laboratory setting with exposure to chemicals, biological agents, and other potentially hazardous materials
Responsible for ensuring adherence to safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Combination of time spent on the laboratory floor and in an office environment for administrative and leadership responsibilities
Moderate noise levels and routine exposure to active laboratory operations
Occasional presence in different departments to support oversight, troubleshooting, and team alignment
Travel
Minimal travel is required, typically less than 10%
Occasional travel to other laboratory locations to support operations, share best practices, or assist with training and implementation of processes
May attend industry conferences, meetings, or company events to support professional development and business needs
Compensation Package Overview:
Compensation Range $80,000 - $90,000 annual salary USD
Potential bonus: Up to 10% based on performance.
Full Time Eligible Benefits Overview:
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.
The information above provides a general overview and may vary based on specific job responsibilities, location, or other factors. Details will be clarified during the hiring process.
WHY JOIN US?
Ready for the journey?
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