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Director Lab Operations Jobs in Lawrenceburg, IN

Manager, Lab

Hebron, KY · On-site

$75K - $118K/yr

Typically, multi-functional and is involved in managing managers/supervisors as well as direct ... Monitor and improve on industry trends related to lab operations. * Uphold safety standards as ...

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Director Lab Operations information

See Lawrenceburg, IN salary details

$31K

$98.1K

$163.6K

How much do director lab operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for director lab operations in Lawrenceburg, IN is $98,129.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,800.00 and $123,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

Manager, Lab

ZEISS

Hebron, KY • On-site

$75K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage and oversee all functions within the assigned lab, including engineering and maintenance.

  • Monitor and improve lab operations by tracking KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost, and drive process improvements.

  • Plan, direct, and manage daily activities, staffing, and spending to ensure operational efficiency and achievement of organizational goals.


ZEISS rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

273rd of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

How many companies can say they've been in business for over 177 years?

Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team!

What's the role?

The Lab Manager will be accountable for service, quality, cost management, and leadership of all functions within assigned cut, edge and fit (CEF) lab. They receive assignments in the form of objectives with goals and the process by which to meet goals. Typically, multi-functional and is involved in managing managers/supervisors as well as direct hiring, termination, job duties and discipline of exempt and non-exempt employees according to policies and management guidelines. Administers company policies that directly affect subordinate employees. Supervises all functions including Engineering, Maintenance, etc., and collaborates closely with other Carl Zeiss Vision labs for optimum service.

Sound Interesting? Here's what you'll do:
  • Increase the profitability of the laboratory through KPI's including safety, quality, delivery, and cost initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain a strong leadership team.
  • Strengthen and maintain the company's image and reputation - drive company initiatives.
  • Monitor and improve on industry trends related to lab operations.
  • Uphold safety standards as defined by the company, local, state and federal guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.
  • Lead and support efforts related to the onsite safety committee.
  • Utilize a variety of tools to track, solve and maintain positive KPI's (key performance indicators).
  • Conduct activities designed to grow the core knowledge of associates working toward defect reduction.
  • Embrace outside assistance from subject matter experts as needed.
  • Drive and sustain process improvements.
  • Build a culture that recognizes that customers have alternative choices to our products and services.
  • Work directly with customers, sales, marketing and other departments to ensure our goals align.
  • Plan, direct and manage daily activities related to WIP (work in process) including appropriate staffing levels.
  • Monitor spending at the lab level and drive cost saving measures.
  • Focus operating efforts against measurable performance requirements and financial targets.
  • Monitor capacity requirements to achieve organizational goals.
  • Drive special projects for the lab and company.

Do you qualify?

  • Follows safety standards and reports any safety concerns to leadership.
  • 7-10 years' overall experience in ophthalmic, medical device, wholesale product, manufacturing or related field required
  • Previous management experience
  • Track record exceeding customer expectations
  • Knowledge of routing/tracking work within a network
  • Managerial courage to accept constructive feedback and react appropriately
  • Effective communication skills both verbal and written
  • Ability to develop line leaders to meet daily tasks through exceptional leadership and fostering a positive learning environment
  • Strong working application of Microsoft Office
  • Proven track record of rational / analytical approach to complex problems
  • Ability to interpret and share data at various levels within the organization
  • Provide accountability to achieving goals
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Ability to focus for long periods of time, visual acuity (natural or corrected) to 20/20
  • Have attention to detail and symmetry
  • Ability to communicate with other associates in a clear, concise manner
  • Professional demeanor

The annual pay range for this position is $75,000 - $118,000.

The pay offered for this role may be influenced by factors such as job location, scope of role, qualifications, education, experience, & complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent.

This position is also eligible for a performance bonus or sales commissions.

ZEISS also offers robust benefits, including medical plans, retirement savings plan and paid time off.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Christina Choing

Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an Applicants race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).


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