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Food Lab Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Certified Group Careers

Lab Director

Carrollton, TX

$102K - $133K/yr

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North ... Job Summary The Lab Director leads a high-complexity, high-volume microbiological and chemical ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Food Lab Technician

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Follow SOPs, GMPs, manuals, specifications, and other laboratory procedures as directed. * Prepare ... Properly use and maintain lab equipment/supplies according to specifications. * Perform basic food ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Food Lab Technician

Lakeland, FL

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Follow SOPs, GMPs, manuals, specifications, and other laboratory procedures as directed. * Prepare ... Properly use and maintain lab equipment/supplies according to specifications. * Perform basic food ...

Kelly Services

Food Lab Kitchen Assistant

Motley, MN

$20 - $24/hr

We are hiring a Food Lab Kitchen Assistant to support their product development team in Motley, MN ... Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human ...

Kelly Services

Food Lab Kitchen Assistant

Motley, MN

$20 - $24/hr

We are hiring a Food Lab Kitchen Assistant to support their product development team in Motley, MN ... Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human ...

Merieux NutriSciences

Laboratory Director

Columbus, OH

$102K - $133K/yr

Reporting to the Division Vice President, the Lab Director is responsible for taking ownership and ... food science and related technologies through available library resources and peer expertise ...

Merieux NutriSciences

Laboratory Director

Columbus, OH

$102K - $133K/yr

Reporting to the Division Vice President, the Lab Director is responsible for taking ownership and ... food science and related technologies through available library resources and peer expertise ...

Merieux NutriSciences

Laboratory Director

Columbus, OH · On-site

$102K - $133K/yr

... make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable. Throughout our global network in 27 ... Reporting to the Division Vice President, the Lab Director is responsible for taking ownership and ...

Tri-C

Program Director, Nursing

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Works collaboratively with the lab director and clinical coordinators in oversight of clinical adjunct faculty * Prepares and presents the Nursing program review to College administration according ...

HP Hood

FSQ Supervisor (Nights)

Batavia, NY · On-site

... and directing quality assurance program designed to ensure quality production of products ... Minimum of 2-5 years quality assurance background in a dairy/food lab or equivalent Skills and ...

HP Hood

FSQ Supervisor (Nights)

Batavia, NY

... and directing quality assurance program designed to ensure quality production of products ... Minimum of 2-5 years quality assurance background in a dairy/food lab or equivalent Skills and ...

HP Hood

FSQ Supervisor (Nights)

Batavia, NY · On-site

... and directing quality assurance program designed to ensure quality production of products ... Minimum of 2-5 years quality assurance background in a dairy/food lab or equivalent Skills and ...

HP Hood

FSQ Supervisor (Nights)

Batavia, NY

... and directing quality assurance program designed to ensure quality production of products ... Minimum of 2-5 years quality assurance background in a dairy/food lab or equivalent Skills and ...

HP Hood

FSQ Supervisor (Nights)

Batavia, NY

... and directing quality assurance program designed to ensure quality production of products ... Minimum of 2-5 years quality assurance background in a dairy/food lab or equivalent Skills and ...

HP Hood

FSQ Supervisor (Nights)

Batavia, NY · On-site

... and directing quality assurance program designed to ensure quality production of products ... Minimum of 2-5 years quality assurance background in a dairy/food lab or equivalent Skills and ...

HP Hood

FSQ Supervisor (Nights)

Batavia, NY

... and directing quality assurance program designed to ensure quality production of products ... Minimum of 2-5 years quality assurance background in a dairy/food lab or equivalent Skills and ...

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Food Lab Director information

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$45K

$126.1K

$186K

How much do food lab director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for food lab director in the United States is $126,086.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Food Lab Director do?

A Food Lab Director oversees the operations of a food testing or research laboratory, managing teams of scientists and technicians to ensure food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. They are responsible for designing and implementing testing protocols, analyzing results, maintaining lab equipment, and staying updated on industry regulations. Additionally, they often collaborate with other departments or external agencies to drive innovation and ensure that all laboratory activities meet both scientific and legal standards.

What are some typical challenges Food Lab Directors face when overseeing product development teams?

Food Lab Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing innovation with strict food safety standards and regulatory compliance. Managing cross-functional teams—including food scientists, technicians, and quality assurance personnel—requires strong communication to ensure all project milestones are met. Additionally, they must prioritize projects according to market trends and client needs while efficiently allocating limited resources. Navigating these competing demands is essential for successful product development and a collaborative work environment.

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

To thrive as a Food Lab Director, you need a strong background in food science, laboratory management, quality assurance, and typically a related advanced degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), food safety standards (such as HACCP and ISO 17025), and relevant certifications are essential. Leadership, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills help you manage teams and collaborate with regulatory bodies and stakeholders. These skills are crucial to ensure accurate testing, regulatory compliance, and the overall safety and quality of food products.

What is the difference between Food Lab Director vs Food Scientist?

AspectFood Lab DirectorFood Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Food Science, Management experienceBachelor's or Master's in Food Science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees food testing labs, manages teamsConducts research, experiments, and product development
Employer & IndustryFood manufacturing, quality assurance labsResearch institutions, food companies, R&D

The Food Lab Director typically manages food testing operations and teams, focusing on quality assurance and compliance. In contrast, a Food Scientist conducts research and develops new food products or improves existing ones. While both roles require food science credentials, the Director's role emphasizes leadership and management within a lab setting, whereas the Scientist's role centers on experimentation and innovation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Lab jobs? The most popular types of Food Lab jobs are:
Infographic showing various Food Lab Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,086 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

Lab Director

Certified Group Careers

Carrollton, TX

$102K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise – So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

Our Brands

Certified Group is comprised of a set of specialized brands that collectively deliver laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services across highly regulated industries:

  • Certified Laboratories – Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries.
  • Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) – A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry.
  • Labstat – A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology.
  • EAS Consulting Group – A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors.
  • FSNS Certification & Audit – Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.

Job Summary

The Lab Director leads a high-complexity, high-volume microbiological and chemical testing laboratory. This role is responsible for all day-to-day operations including team leadership, quality and safety, financial management, and customer engagement. Acting with a strong general manager mindset, the Lab Director owns the site's performance, including profit and loss (P&L) responsibility, resource planning, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Core Operations

  • Lead the lab to deliver high-quality, efficient testing aligned with company goals.
  • Conduct daily huddles with operations and supervisors to set priorities and allocate resources.
  • Maintain up-to-date technical competence and stay informed on industry developments.

Quality & Safety

  • Ensure ISO 17025 compliance and audit readiness.
  • Champion a culture of quality and safety; maintain sanitary and organized lab conditions.
  • Monitor lab equipment functionality and coordinate timely maintenance or replacement.

Customer Engagement

  • Serve as the lab's primary point of contact for clients.
  • Deliver exceptional service with timely and accurate responses to inquiries and concerns.
  • Support client retention and growth by exceeding expectations and turnaround time goals.

People Leadership

  • Lead a large, multi-shift team (40–100+ employees).
  • Forecast staffing needs and align schedules with testing volume.
  • Recruit, train, coach, and retain high-performing employees.
  • Develop supervisors into effective people leaders and ensure accountability at all levels.
  • Promote cross-training and career growth aligned with internal career ladders.

Profitability

  • Own and manage the site's financial performance.
  • Optimize operational costs related to labor, inventory, couriers, and vendors.
  • Drive productivity and cost-efficiency while maintaining service excellence.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

  • Champion problem-solving and new ideas for improving service, quality, and efficiency.
  • Serve as a key contributor to Certified Group enterprise-wide projects and pilots.
  • Maintain a visible presence in the lab to provide real-time coaching and support.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields.
    • MBA preferred
  • Hands-on experience utilizing analytical methods and instrumentation (LC-MS, HPLC, ICP-MS, etc.)
  • 7+ years of leadership experience in operations, preferably in a laboratory or manufacturing setting.
  • Experience managing and coaching front-line supervisors
  • Experience with commercial laboratory testing (dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC products preferred)
  • Proven success in P&L management and operational excellence.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills, including experience leading through others.
  • Ability to interpret complex regulatory requirements and drive compliance.
  • Proficient in problem-solving and process improvement methodologies.

By applying, you acknowledge that Certified Group will process your personal information for recruitment and hiring purposes in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Policy. California residents may review additional information about how we collect and use personal information, including retention and rights, in our California Notice at Collection. To view our Privacy Policy, click the link here: Certified Group Privacy Policy

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make employment decisions without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.