Description:
Summary/Objective: The General Manager of the Commercial Testing Laboratory serves as the senior leader responsible for planning, directing, organizing, and controlling all laboratory-related operations under LDF Business Development Corporation. This position oversees laboratory operations including regulatory compliance, quality assurance, accreditation processes, staff leadership, and financial performance.
The General Manager provides strategic leadership, scientific oversight, and business management to ensure the laboratory operates as an accredited, compliant, and revenue-generating commercial testing facility. This role ensures laboratory operations align with the broader mission and performance standards of LDF Business Development Corporation.
Essential Functions: Specific duties include, but are not limited, to the following:
Operational and Laboratory Leadership:
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Provide direct oversight of day-to-day laboratory operations.
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Establish and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all laboratory functions.
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Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant testing services for all clients.
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Maintain laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and testing protocols.
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Implement efficient workflow systems to support laboratory scalability and growth.
Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation:
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Lead the laboratory’s pursuit and maintenance of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation or other applicable certifications.
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Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements related to water testing, hemp/cannabis testing, and future forensic testing services.
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Maintain documentation and quality systems required for accreditation and regulatory audits.
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Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, auditors, and accreditation bodies.
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Ensure adherence to chain-of-custody standards and legal evidence handling procedures when applicable.
Quality Assurance and Scientific Integrity:
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Establish and oversee the laboratory’s Quality Management System (QMS).
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Ensure all testing procedures meet applicable industry standards such as ASTM, EPA, and other relevant protocols.
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Monitor laboratory data integrity, accuracy, and reproducibility.
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Implement internal audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement processes.
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Ensure proper calibration, validation, and verification of laboratory equipment.
Financial Management and Business Performance:
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Operate the laboratory as a revenue-generating business unit.
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Develop and manage operational budgets in coordination with Finance.
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Monitor testing volumes, pricing structures, and operational efficiency.
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Identify opportunities to expand testing services and revenue streams.
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Provide regular operational and financial performance reporting to executive leadership.
Staff Leadership and Organizational Development:
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Recruit, train, and manage laboratory personnel including technicians, analysts, and administrative support staff.
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Build and maintain a high-performance team culture focused on quality, accuracy, and accountability.
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Develop and implement training programs to maintain technical competency and regulatory compliance.
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Provide leadership during startup and scaling phases of laboratory development.
Strategic Growth and Business Development:
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Identify opportunities to expand laboratory capabilities and service offerings.
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Lead and support client acquisition and retention efforts through technical credibility and service excellence.
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Develop strong relationships with commercial clients, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders.
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Align long-term laboratory strategy with organizational growth objectives.
Other duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Expectations/Abilities:
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Abide by and actively review applicable regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and industry ordinances to ensure operational compliance.
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Ability to navigate Microsoft Office software, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and quality tracking systems.
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Possess superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present findings and updates to executive leadership and regulatory agencies.
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Demonstrate effective time-management and organizational skills in a multi-functional laboratory environment.
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Ability to develop, analyze, and interpret key performance metrics and laboratory data.
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Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports including budgets and performance statements.
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Ability to be proactive, self-motivated, and self-directed while leading technical teams.
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Ability to operate calmly in a highly regulated and detail-oriented environment.
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Ability to lead, coach, and collaborate in a team-oriented leadership structure.
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Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding laboratory data, client information, and regulatory matters.
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Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a focus on scientific integrity and operational excellence.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position has direct supervisory responsibility over laboratory personnel, including technical and administrative staff. The General Manager is accountable for overall laboratory performance, compliance, and operational success.
Work Environment: This position operates in a combination of professional office and laboratory environments. The role routinely uses scientific instrumentation, laboratory equipment, computers, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and other standard office equipment. The position requires regular interaction within laboratory and controlled testing environments.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
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Sit, stand, bend, twist, and move throughout laboratory and office environments.
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Use fine motor skills and dexterity to handle laboratory materials and review documentation.
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Lift, carry, push, and pull laboratory materials or equipment up to 40 pounds on occasion.
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Operate laboratory instrumentation, computers, and related equipment.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a Full-Time Exempt position with 40 hours per week expected. Standard working hours are Monday through Friday. Additional work hours may be required based on operational needs, accreditation processes, or regulatory requirements. Must attend all mandatory meetings and participate in required training.
Travel: Occasional travel is expected for this position. Travel may include attendance at accreditation meetings, industry conferences, regulatory consultations, professional development training, vendor coordination, and other business-related events necessary to support operational growth and compliance.
Native American preference will be applied to hiring of this position as defined in Title 25, U.S. Code, Chapter 14, Subchapter V, subsection 273 & 274. We are an equal opportunity employer with preference given to qualified Native American applicants in accordance with federal law and tribal policy.
Requirements:
Required Experience/Education:
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Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, or related scientific discipline.
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Minimum five (5) years of experience in a commercial, accredited, or regulated laboratory environment.
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Minimum five (5) years of leadership or laboratory management experience.
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Demonstrated experience working with ISO/IEC 17025 or similar accreditation standards.
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Knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements for environmental, cannabis/hemp, and/or forensic testing services.
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Demonstrated experience establishing or maintaining a Quality Management System (QMS).
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Strong organizational, operational, and leadership skills.
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An equivalent combination of education and directly related professional experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Master’s degree in a scientific discipline preferred.
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Experience launching or scaling a startup laboratory.
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Experience in cannabis/hemp testing laboratories.
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Experience with EPA, ASTM, or forensic testing protocols.
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Experience managing chain-of-custody evidence testing.
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Business development or commercial laboratory experience.
