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Lab Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Lab Manager Reports to: Director of Quality Services Department: Quality Location: Holland, MI There has never been a more exciting time to join Request Foods. We've been selling products to many of ...

Hospital Lab Manager Hospital Lab Manager - Farmington Hills, MI, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their ...

Lab Manager

Holland, MI · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Request Foods is seeking a Lab Manager . In this role your primary mission is to protect the health and well-being of consumers by ensuring the highest standards of hygiene, sanitation, and food ...

Extraction Lab Technician

Cassopolis, MI · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Work closely with the Extraction Lab Manager to set and meet production goals and safety standards * Follow Good Laboratory Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices * Perform routine cleaning and ...

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Lab Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$28.3K

$80.2K

$129.9K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab manager in Michigan is $80,152.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lab manager do?

A Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a laboratory. Their duties typically include supervising staff, ensuring safety protocols are followed, managing inventory and ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Lab Managers also coordinate experiments and research activities, and may handle budgeting and administrative tasks. Their role is crucial in ensuring the lab runs efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Manager, you need expertise in laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and scientific analysis, typically supported by a degree in a relevant science field and prior lab experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory software, and regulatory compliance certifications such as OSHA or CLIA is often required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills help manage teams, coordinate projects, and ensure accurate reporting. These abilities are vital for maintaining efficient lab operations, regulatory compliance, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by lab managers when overseeing a diverse research team?

Lab Managers often encounter challenges related to coordinating schedules, managing conflicting priorities among researchers, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on support requires strong organizational skills and adaptability, especially when unexpected issues arise, such as equipment malfunctions or supply shortages. Effective communication is key to fostering collaboration and maintaining a productive work environment, as Lab Managers frequently serve as the bridge between researchers, technicians, and external vendors.

What is the difference between Lab Manager vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab ManagerLaboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant science, often with management experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, and ensures compliancePerforms routine tests, prepares samples, and maintains lab equipment
ResponsibilitiesSupervises staff, manages budgets, and coordinates projectsConducts experiments, records data, and maintains lab safety

The main difference between a Lab Manager and a Laboratory Technician lies in their responsibilities and level of oversight. Lab Managers focus on managing lab operations, staff, and compliance, while Laboratory Technicians handle hands-on testing and sample preparation. Both roles require relevant scientific credentials, but Lab Managers typically have more experience and managerial skills.

How much does a lab manager make?

The average salary for a lab manager in California ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the industry sector. Salaries may also vary based on the size of the laboratory and specific responsibilities, such as overseeing staff, managing budgets, or ensuring compliance with safety standards.

What qualifications do you need to be a lab manager?

A lab manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering, along with experience in laboratory operations. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are essential, and certifications like OSHA safety training or specific technical certifications can be advantageous.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Lab Manager jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Lab Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 18% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,152 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Request Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 440 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Position: Lab Manager
Reports to: Director of Quality Services
Department: Quality
Location: Holland, MI

There has never been a more exciting time to join Request Foods. We’ve been selling products to many of the world’s leading food companies, retailers and restaurants for over 35 years. A privately owned and financially sound company, we do our best to run our business based on Christian values. Whether it’s cooking up great tasting food, assisting in customer support, providing quality and production leadership, or supporting administrative or technical activities, a career at Request Foods is a great opportunity. At Request, we’ve achieved success by treating our employees with integrity, trust and respect. If you’re passionate about food, and the people who help produce it, then Request Foods might just be for you.

Request Foods is seeking a Lab Manager. In this role your primary mission is to protect the health and well-being of consumers by ensuring the highest standards of hygiene, sanitation, and food safety are consistently maintained within the manufacturing facility. This vital role combines technical expertise, leadership, and a proactive approach to risk management, requiring a passionate commitment to both science and the practice of food safety.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Leading a team of Lab Technicians to ensure testing is completed in a manner and frequency that will drive accurate and timely results
  • The implementation and management of the Request Foods microbiology lab environment ensuring good lab techniques are being employed by Microbiologists
  • Review and approve lab results prior to release of finished goods
  • Investigate out of specification results and collaborate with cross functional teams on corrective and preventative actions
  • Manage a risk based environmental monitoring program
  • Developing and managing the execution of the validation of sanitation
  • Managing third party microbiological testing programs
  • Trending and reporting of micro results to drive business decisions and continuous improvement across the company
  • Providing subject matter expert guidance and support to the supplier management programs
  • Lead initiatives to improve laboratory efficiency, accuracy, and cost effectiveness while maintaining the integrity of the programs
  • Sourcing and maintaining lab equipment at all facilities
  • Ensuring all documentation meets regulatory, certification requirements, and customer requirements
  • Collaborating with the Quality Services, Manufacturing, Maintenance and Sanitation Teams, along with regulatory agencies, to achieve compliance and mitigate risk.
  • Assist in certification, customer and regulatory audits

Key Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Biochemistry or Microbiology required.
  • 10+ years in food manufacturing with the majority of the years in the lab but may be supplemented with experience in quality assurance
  • Demonstrated success leading a team
  • Knowledge of current USDA/FDA regulations
  • Experience with external audits
  • Experience with LIMS systems or other data analysis programs
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills
  • Possessing a high level of personal initiative and motivation

Benefits and Perks:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401k
  • Paid Paternity Leave
  • Wellbeing programs

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