Laboratory Operations Manager Jobs in Detroit, MI

Our wastewater treatment plant, the largest single-site treatment facility in North America, is used as a benchmark for other plants across the Midwest. We are looking for a Management Professional responsible for planning, leading, organizing, controlling and executing various projects and tasks for the Wastewater Operations team. This position will be responsible for developing and maintaining standard methodologies and procedures to ensure accurate and timely deliverables. The Management Professional may work independently or with a team to achieve operational efficiencies.

You will coordinate day-to-day activities within the analytical laboratory, operations laboratory and other operations. As the Management Professional for this group, you will be responsible for staff management, QA/QC oversight and compliance with all analytical requirements associated with general requirements of the Clean Water Act.

• You will establish and maintain relationships with internal/external clients, vendors and all other stakeholders. Analyze variances and initiate corrective actions needed to ensure timely completion of assigned projects.
• Develop and maintain processes and procedures consistent with best practices, federal, state and local laws. Identify and implement process improvements, staff training needs, and new technology.
• Achieve operational efficiencies by forecasting requirements, contributing information and presenting recommendations.
• Prepare and generate documentation to support audit requirements. Support the Director of Wastewater Operations with administrative duties, team coordination, and communications. Provide analyses, performance indicators, and reports for the management team, board, committees, and others.
• Stay current with industry trends by participating in educational opportunities and professional/community organizations.
• Follow security and safety policies and procedures in carrying out work duties.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations
• Business technology, data management systems and applications
• Auditing practices and principles
• Project management
• Analysis and reporting techniques

Skill to:

• Acquire knowledge of the organization's general budget principles, operations and procedures
• Drive change and initiate process improvements
• Prepare and maintain data and reports
• Pay close attention to detail
• Make effective decisions
• Promote and foster team work environment
• Establish and meet Key Performance Indicators (KPI's)
• Develop and execute long-term plans
• Estimate, anticipate and identify risks and obstacles
• Participate in identifying organizational strategic goals as well as business planning and evaluation
• Participate in the implementation of new initiatives
• Negotiate and develop solid internal and external relationships
• Exercise superior computer, analytical, problem solving and conflict resolution skills
• Use advanced technology

Ability to:

• Organize work to meet tight deadlines
• Prepare budgets and monitor expenditures
• Motivate, train, lead, and develop staff for improved performance and efficiency
• Maintain effective working relationships with others
• Effectively utilize appropriate security and safety equipment and procedures
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
• Problem solve effectively
• Communicate frequently with team members and other units across the organization about process, equipment or potential problems
• Develop proficiency in unit specific operations and software
• Direct team activities or to work as a team member

• Bachelor's degree in a related operational area
• Three (3) or more years of experience in a specialty designation area preferably in municipal or public utility setting
• Valid Michigan Driver's License

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This position may require sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time, light to moderate lifting, reaching, pulling, and carrying. Manual dexterity and audiovisual/linguistic acuity is required.

Environmental Working Requirements:

Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to computer screens, working in team offices and closely with all staffing levels.