Senior Manager, Operations

Job summary

Lead laboratory operations and personnel to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant testing, including reviewing and authorizing data, resolving analytical issues, and maintaining quality systems. Manage staffing, resources, operational KPIs, client needs, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Job details

Our client is seeking a Senior Manager, Chemistry to lead laboratory operations and provide strategic and hands-on leadership to managers, supervisors, and laboratory personnel. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant testing of client samples while driving operational efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a strong technical and people leader with experience in chemistry, microbiology, food science, or a related laboratory environment who can balance day-to-day operational demands with long-term process improvement and client service. Key Responsibilities Lead laboratory operations and provide direction to Operations Managers, supervisors, and departmental personnel. Ensure testing activities are performed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures and client requirements. Develop and maintain systems and processes that ensure appropriate testing methodologies are consistently followed. Review and interpret laboratory data, identify discrepancies, and ensure issues are resolved before results are released to clients. Ensure corrective actions are appropriately implemented, documented, and followed through to completion. Partner with other department leaders to implement new testing methods, systems, and processes and ensure effective training. Communicate emerging client requirements and testing needs to laboratory personnel. Work with internal and external auditors to ensure quality systems and testing procedures are properly followed. Perform final authorization and release of laboratory data. Review proficiency testing and key performance data and address areas that are not meeting established targets. Monitor operational KPIs, including overtime and on-time delivery, and implement improvements as needed. Support corporate quality, continuous improvement, and industrial performance initiatives. Identify, develop, and retain high-potential talent within the organization. Manage departmental staffing, including hiring, training, performance management, and employee development. Maintain knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and other technology used to support laboratory operations. Develop and maintain expertise in food science, chemistry, and related technologies. Manage departmental resources and support financial efficiency, budgeting, and operational planning. Serve as a technical resource in resolving complex analytical challenges and determining appropriate testing methodologies. Requirements 7+ years of relevant laboratory experience with a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Strong technical knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, food science, or related laboratory disciplines. Proven experience supervising or managing laboratory personnel and leading daily laboratory operations. Strong knowledge of laboratory testing methods, quality systems, and Standard Operating Procedures. Experience interpreting laboratory data and resolving analytical discrepancies. Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Strong understanding of quality control, corrective actions, audits, and continuous improvement. Excellent organizational, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Strong communication and client relationship skills. Ability to manage competing priorities in a high-volume laboratory environment. Demonstrated ability to develop, coach, and motivate employees. Experience with budgeting and managing resources to support financial and operational efficiency. Ability to research and identify appropriate methodologies when faced with complex or non-standard testing requirements. Work Environment Laboratory-based environment with occasional exposure to fumes requiring appropriate safety equipment. Position may require extended periods of standing while working in or evaluating laboratory operations. Client visits may require protective clothing and equipment depending on the facility. Overnight travel is expected to be limited, generally fewer than two nights per month for meetings and professional seminars. Compensation: $115,000-$126,000 CAD annually Bonus: Eligible to earn a bonus based on performance Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance available If this position interests you and you meet the requirements, apply today! Thank you, Kelly Wagner Director LaSalle Network LNESC LaSalle Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer m/f/d/v. LaSalle Network is the leading provider of direct hire and temporary staffing services. For over two decades, LaSalle has helped organizations hire faster and connect top talent with opportunities, from entry-level positions to the C-suite. With units specializing in Accounting and Finance, Administrative, Engineering, Marketing, Technology, Supply Chain, Revenue Cycle, Call Center, Human Resources and Executive Search, LaSalle offers staffing and recruiting solutions to companies of all sizes and across all industries. LaSalle Network is the premier staffing and recruiting firm, earning over 100 culture, revenue and industry-based awards from major publications and having its company experts regularly contribute insights on retention strategies, hiring trends, hiring challenges, and more to national news outlets. LaSalle Network offers temporary Field Employees benefit plans including medical, dental and vision coverage. Family Medical Leave, Worker's Compensation, Paid Leave and Sick Leave are also provided. View a full list of our benefits here: View a full list of our benefits here. All assignments are at-will and their duration is subject to change.

What you’ll do

Lead laboratory operations and personnel to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant testing, including reviewing and authorizing data, resolving analytical issues, and maintaining quality systems. Manage staffing, resources, operational KPIs, client needs, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Requires at least seven years of relevant laboratory experience and a bachelor's or master's degree, with strong technical knowledge in chemistry, microbiology, food science, or a related discipline. Candidates should have laboratory leadership experience, knowledge of testing methods and quality systems, LIMS familiarity, and strong skills in employee development, communication, problem-solving, and resource management.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance

Listed skills

• Continuous Improvement · Preferred
• Client Relationship Management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Laboratory Operations Management
• Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Food Science
• Laboratory Testing Methods
• Quality Systems
• Standard Operating Procedures
• Laboratory Data Interpretation
• Corrective Actions
• Audits
• Continuous Improvement
• Laboratory Information Management Systems
• Staff Management and Development
• Budgeting and Resource Management
• Client Relationship Management
• Operational KPI Management

Job areas

• Management & Leadership
• Science & Research
• Manufacturing