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Job Title: Microbiology Operations Manager

Job Description

The Microbiology Operations Manager is a pivotal role responsible for leading and managing a department that ensures compliance with SOPs for testing client samples. This position requires overseeing a diverse team and ensuring efficient and safe testing across various product categories.

Responsibilities

+ Oversee daily operations of a team of approximately 20–25 staff within the Micro department, ensuring efficient testing across different product categories.

+ Develop and maintain systems to ensure proper methodologies are used in conformance with client requirements, and lead PCR and classical micro testing oversight.

+ Administer HR programs including recruitment, retention, compensation, training and development, EEO, and performance appraisals.

+ Interpret data and guide correction of discrepancies prior to release to Client Services and clients, ensuring data aligns with accepted methods.

+ Ensure corrective actions effectively eliminate errors and that documentation and follow-up meet SOP requirements.

+ Support company initiatives and partner with Operations, QA, and other leaders to implement methods, and train teams for complete understanding.

+ Communicate emerging client requirements to departmental personnel and align resources accordingly.

+ Interface with internal and external auditors to demonstrate quality systems and accreditation compliance with regulations.

+ Maintain expertise in food science and microbiology through resources and peer learning, and maintain a strong working knowledge of LIMS.

+ Champion corporate quality and continuous improvement, proactively initiating actions to prevent or minimize departures from the quality system or test procedures.

+ Address resource needs such as turnaround time requirements, overtime limits, turnover, and work stoppage, ensuring appropriate materials are available.

Essential Skills

+ A degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, or a related field.

+ A minimum of 8 years of experience in microbiology testing environments, with proven success in high-volume operations and team leadership.

+ Expertise in PCR and culture-based methods, method verification and validation, and LIMS proficiency.

+ Experience with CAPA, SOP authoring and updating.

+ Knowledge of quality and regulatory standards and customer audits.

+ Strong problem-solving skills and accountability.

+ Comfortable interfacing with customers and conducting third-party testing.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ Employee-centric coaching skills and collaborative communication abilities.

+ Proficiency in managing high-volume third-party microbiology lab operations.

+ Experience in hands-on oversight of PCR assays and culture-based testing.

+ Expertise in maintaining accreditation readiness and driving corrective/preventive actions.

+ Ownership of site-specific KPIs with a focus on on-time delivery and turnaround compliance.

Work Environment

The typical working hours are from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 6:00–8:00 p.m., with some Saturday flexibility. The position requires on-call availability one week per month for overnight coverage. The manager oversees 20–25 leads and supervisors within a 65-person Micro department, working in a collaborative, employee-centered culture that emphasizes learning, growth, and engagement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Chicago Heights, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Will upload soon.......................

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chicago Heights,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 6, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.