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Director Lab Operations Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Manager - High Power Test Lab

Chicago, IL · On-site

$154K - $205K/yr

This leadership roles is responsible for overseeing all aspects of lab operations, including the supervision of both direct and indirect laboratory team members. The role involves a focus on ...

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Director Lab Operations information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$35K

$110.9K

$184.9K

How much do director lab operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for director lab operations in Chicago, IL is $110,926.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $139,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

In laboratory settings, the highest paying roles are often senior management positions such as Laboratory Directors or Chief Scientific Officers, who oversee operations and research strategies. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and they can command salaries significantly higher than other laboratory positions.

What are some of the biggest challenges a Director of Lab Operations might face in managing multidisciplinary teams?

A Director of Lab Operations often oversees teams with diverse scientific backgrounds and expertise, which can present challenges in ensuring effective communication and collaboration. Balancing competing priorities, such as meeting research goals while maintaining compliance with safety and quality standards, is also common. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing technologies and regulatory requirements requires strong leadership and the ability to foster ongoing professional development within the team. Building a cohesive culture and aligning team efforts with broader organizational objectives are key to success in this role.

What does a laboratory director do?

A laboratory director oversees the daily operations of a laboratory, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, managing staff, and coordinating testing procedures. They are responsible for maintaining accurate records, implementing protocols, and ensuring the lab meets regulatory requirements, often requiring strong leadership, technical expertise, and relevant certifications. The role involves strategic planning and quality assurance to support reliable testing outcomes.

What is the difference between Director Lab Operations vs Laboratory Manager?

AspectDirector Lab OperationsLaboratory Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related field, often with advanced degrees and leadership experienceUsually requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related field, with some roles preferring a master's
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple labs or departments, strategic planning, and high-level operationsManages daily lab activities, staff, and workflow within a specific lab or department
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large biotech, pharmaceutical, and research organizationsFound in hospitals, clinical labs, and smaller research facilities

The main difference is that the Director Lab Operations focuses on strategic oversight and high-level management across multiple labs, while the Laboratory Manager handles daily operations and staff within a specific lab. Both roles require strong scientific knowledge, but the director position emphasizes leadership and planning.

How much does a laboratory director make in the US?

A laboratory director in the US typically earns between $90,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on factors such as experience, location, and the size of the laboratory. Senior directors or those in specialized fields may earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

Is a director of operations a high position?

A director of operations is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing daily business activities, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. It is generally considered a high-level position within an organization, often reporting to executive management or the CEO.

What does a Director of Lab Operations do?

A Director of Lab Operations oversees the daily management and strategic direction of laboratory facilities. Their responsibilities include supervising lab staff, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, managing budgets, and optimizing workflow efficiency. They also play a key role in implementing new technologies, maintaining equipment, and collaborating with other departments to support research or clinical goals. This position typically requires strong leadership skills and experience in scientific or clinical laboratory environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Lab Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Lab Operations, you need a robust background in laboratory science, operational management experience, and typically a relevant advanced degree such as a PhD or MSc. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), regulatory compliance standards (e.g., CLIA, CAP), and quality control protocols is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive team performance and foster a culture of safety and efficiency. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality results, regulatory compliance, and effective lab operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Operations jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Lab Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Director Lab Operations jobs near you
Lead Process Owner -Testing (Electrical )

Lead Process Owner -Testing (Electrical )

UL Solutions

Northbrook, IL • Hybrid

$116K - $160K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

UL Solutions rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 105 rated laboratories

Job description

Job Description

The Testing Process Owner - Electrical serves as the global functional leader for a defined testing sub-process within the broader Performance Process Testing framework. Reporting to the Director Lab Operational Excellence, this role is the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for either Electrical Testing across all integrated laboratories.

The Process Owner ensures strategic alignment, drives standardization and optimization, and governs compliance and technical implementation. While the role does not carry disciplinary authority, it requires strong collaboration with Laboratory Managers, Regional Directors, and Technical Competence Centers to ensure consistent execution and process discipline. 

All processes related to the assigned testing area within ULDC integrated labs must be formally approved by the Process Owner or their designated deputy, ensuring alignment with global standards and quality systems.

This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days per week onsite at any major UL location globally.

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers' product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers' products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.

Our global network of 80+ laboratories is constantly evolving, because the world around us is always changing. We embrace this - we invest in improving our equipment and our skills so we're one step ahead of the market. One day we could be setting up a burn test and the next, simulating a tornado. And because we're always evolving, your career will evolve alongside us, whether you're working on brand new technology or connecting with experts around the globe. Join our team, drive the growth of our organization and deliver real change - in a changing world.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical field. Master's degree preferred.

  • 5+ years of experience in electrical testing within laboratory or manufacturing environments.

  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent process improvement training. ISO or industry-specific compliance certifications are a plus.

  • Deep understanding of electrical or material testing methodologies, lab operations, and quality systems.

  • Strong communication, analytical thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to lead through influence.

  • English fluence required. Additional language skills are beneficial for regional coordination.

Required Skills

  • Leadership Through Influence: Guide global process discipline and harmonization without direct disciplinary authority; engage and align stakeholders across regions. 

  • Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of electrical testing methodologies, laboratory operations, and quality systems. 

  • Process Ownership: Proven ability to manage, approve, and optimize technical processes with cross-functional impact. 

  • Quality & Compliance: Familiarity with audit processes, SOP management, and regulatory standards (ISO, IEC, ASTM). 

  • Continuous Improvement: Hands-on experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to improve testing workflows. 

  • Project Management: Strategic planning and execution for lab expansion, consolidation, and process optimization. 

  • Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication skills; ability to collaborate with lab managers, quality teams, and technical stakeholders globally. 

  • Training & Competence Building: Experience designing and delivering technical training programs and evaluating their effectiveness. 

  • Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze technical data, assess impact, and drive process improvements. 

  • Governance & Approval Authority: Experience in approving and governing process standards within integrated lab environments. 

What we offer:

Total Rewards:  We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $116,200-160,000 and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 20% of the base salary. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (15 days), holiday including floating holidays (12 days) and sick time off (72 hours). 

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the global owner of the Electrical Testing sub-process across all integrated laboratories.

  • Act as the single point of contact (SPOC) and decision-maker for all process-related matters in the assigned area.

  • Approve all ULDC Quality System documents related to the testing area, directly or via a designated deputy.

  • Develop, harmonize, and reduce the number of SOPs related to:

    • Testing

    • Rework

    • Round robin tests

    • Qualification tests

    • Measurement uncertainty evaluations

  • Collaborate with Technical Competence Centers (e.g., GLTL, PrEs) to ensure consistency and technical accuracy

  • Implement technical decisions from Competence Centers into standardized operating procedures.

  • Monitor and communicate updates related to laboratory accreditation and scheme-specific requirements.

  • Ensure decisions from ILAC members are effectively integrated into lab operations.

  • Own and maintain Excellence Laboratory Guidelines.

  • Provide strategic input on global testing technologies and innovation.

  • Drive development and optimization of laboratory schemes and testing technologies to support Market Access Services.

  • Host monthly meetings with Lab Managers and Leaders to align process improvements, technical updates, and strategic goals.

  • Collaborate with Regional Directors and Business Partners to ensure execution and process discipline - without disciplinary authority.

  • Support strategic planning and development of new laboratories.

  • Establish governance for the Laboratory Playbook, including regular review cycles.

  • Act as a change agent for harmonized procedures, engaging stakeholders and assessing impact.

  • Promote internal and external best practices across global labs.

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