Development Laboratory Manager Jobs in California

Position Overview:

The Laboratory Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the laboratory to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of analytical results. This role oversees laboratory staff, instrumentation, and workflows supporting chemical testing for personal care and cosmetic products.

The Laboratory Manager partners closely with the Lab Director to support operational strategy while ensuring laboratory activities meet quality, regulatory, and client expectations. The successful candidate is a proactive and resourceful leader who drives operational excellence, fosters innovation, and maintains a strong focus on client satisfaction and team development.

This role requires a hands-on leader who can balance technical oversight, staff management, and operational performance in a fast-paced testing environment.

Responsibilities:

Laboratory Operations

• Direct the day-to-day activities of laboratory staff, ensuring testing is performed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with quality standards and laboratory procedures.
• Manage laboratory workflows, scheduling, and resource allocation to meet turnaround time and productivity targets.
• Oversee the proper operation, maintenance, and utilization of laboratory instrumentation used in chemical testing.
• Monitor performance metrics and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and throughput.

Technical & Analytical Oversight

• Provide technical guidance and oversight for analytical testing performed within the laboratory.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex technical challenges, supporting root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Ensure analytical results consistently meet internal quality standards and external audit requirements.
• Maintain awareness of new technologies, instrumentation, and methodologies relevant to personal care testing.

Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure laboratory operations comply with ISO, GMP, and internal quality system requirements.
• Oversee execution of QA/QC programs, documentation practices, and laboratory procedures.
• Support the development and implementation of laboratory methods, SOPs, and policies.
• Participate in internal and external audits and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Client Support & Collaboration

• Serve as a technical resource for clients, providing scientific insight and guidance related to testing processes and results.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure testing programs meet client expectations for accuracy, reporting format, and turnaround time.
• Support strong client relationships by delivering reliable results and responsive communication.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Analyze laboratory operations and implement improvements that enhance productivity, turnaround time, and data quality.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, facilities, and workspaces to ensure operational efficiency and safety.
• Prepare operational reports and provide recommendations for strategic and operational improvements.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop laboratory staff to ensure strong technical capability and professional growth.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance evaluations.
• Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and innovative laboratory culture.
• Address performance issues and partner with HR on employee development and disciplinary processes when needed.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of laboratory experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Experience working in a high-throughput analytical laboratory environment, preferably supporting personal care, cosmetics, or consumer product testing.
• Familiarity with GMP, ISO quality systems, and laboratory operational processes.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of laboratory instrumentation and analytical testing workflows.
• Experience working with LIMS systems and laboratory data management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team development abilities.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking capabilities.
• Ability to build collaborative, trust-based relationships across teams.