New

Laboratory Director - Research Services

Merieux NutriSciences
vision insurance, paid time off, 401(k)
United States, Illinois, Crete
3600 Eagle Nest Drive (Show on map)
Nov 13, 2025
Laboratory Director - Research Services Crete Science Center Regular MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES As a trusted partner, our Public Health mission is to make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable. Throughout our global network in 27 countries, we offer to our customers a wide range of testing and innovative solutions dedicated to preventing health risks related to food, environment and consumer goods. External growth has been a key pillar of our history with more than 40 acquisitions completed in the last 10 years. If you want to contribute to an inspiring long-term purpose, to be part of a fast growing company on a high-value market with significant build-up opportunities, and to grow in an entrepreneurial and warm environment, join us! YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE We are looking for a Laboratory Director - Research Services in 3600 Eagle Nest Dr, Crete, IL 60417 USA. Your mission will be to: Purpose (Objective): The incumbent oversees and directs all activities of Merieux NutriSciences' Crete, Food science Center business unit operations to ensure technical competency, profitability, sales growth, and high levels of client satisfaction by providing timely, scientific accuracy, and reliable services. Main activities: Direct and monitor Crete Food Science center operations in support of corporate objectives in areas such as: client satisfaction, scientific integrity, quality improvement, business growth, profitability, employee competence and satisfaction, risk reduction, etc. Develop corrective action plans to improve performance or address deficiencies. Develop and maintain a working climate that fosters corporate culture goals. Promote Merieux NutriSciences' image and culture in all interactions with employees, clients, professional organizations, vendors, industry personnel, and the public at large. Plan, develop, and participate in client service and business development activities (sales & marketing) to improve customer satisfaction and grow the business. Provide technical, managerial, and administrative guidance and expertise to assigned personnel. Responsibilities include providing direction, evaluating results, monitoring wages, evaluating performance, hiring and developing employees. Develop and maintain personal expertise in business and technical areas such as emerging technologies, scientific and industry trends, and regulatory requirements of importance to the company. Create and maintain professional standing and image of the company through participation in industry professional associations. This position has the responsibility and authority to initiate action to prevent or minimize departures from the quality system or operating procedures. This authority includes addressing resource needs to properly address issues such as client turn-around time requirements, overtime limits, employee turnover, work stoppage and assure the appropriate type and amount of materials are ready and available for use. Support corporate quality and continuous improvement process. Perform other related duties as needed. Communication: Frequent contact is maintained with clients to develop and expand the business, explain services and deliverables, and business unit processes. Frequent contact with corporate management is necessary to discuss operational performance, customer situations, personnel issues, and operational planning. Frequent contact with all business unit personnel and regular contact with management personnel from other divisions is required to standardize services, exchange client and competition information, and discuss results. Occasional contact with industry personnel, professional organizations, and government officials is necessary to represent Merieux NutriSciences and keep abreast of industry trends and issues. YOUR PROFILE Profile: This position requires advanced knowledge of food microbiology, food chemistry or food science possibly obtained from an advanced degree in a technical field identified above or from substantial experience within the food industry, to provide technical and industry guidance to clients and assigned personnel. 10 years of relevant work experience including management experience. Knowledge of food chemistry and food science. A thorough knowledge of laboratory operations, scientific project design, Standard Operating Procedures, and the food or laboratory services industry is required to ensure business unit operations consistently meets or exceed objectives. Grocery retail food quality/food safety experience a plus. General knowledge of laboratory and business information management systems and other company information systems is needed to review and understand operational results. Well-developed customer relation skills are needed to provide consulting services to the client and lead business development efforts. Strong management skills, obtained from previous management experience, are necessary to ensure that operations are effective and efficient. Operational planning and budgeting skills are essential to plan, implement, and improve the business. Strong business and analytical skills are needed to proactively address business concerns and identify opportunities as they arise. Well-developed interpersonal skills are required to build and maintain relationships across division and corporate functions. Well-developed oral and written communication skills are essential for effective customer and employee interactions. This position requires individual analysis of each problem to determine the optimal solution. Problems may result from operations or scientific projects not meeting client requirements, designing new scientific projects, evolving strategic initiatives, inadequate facilities and equipment, or emerging competitive influences within the industry. The incumbent uses previous experience, generally accepted scientific practices, corporate mission and philosophy, strategic/operational plans and objectives, and peers as resources to provide necessary information to solve a problem. Client problems are often unique and require the incumbent to select among several different alternatives to meet or exceed requirements and address concerns. The incumbent ensures that operations are positively impacting customer satisfaction and profitability. Required skills: This position requires decisions to be made regarding the effectiveness of operations in meeting corporate goals and customer requirements. Information is available from financial statements, laboratory precedents, scientific journals and studies, Standard Operating Procedures, federal and state regulations, written company procedures, strategic and operational plans, and customer and employee satisfaction surveys. Food industry and competitive influences dictate some actions. Decisions can affect the performance of the business unit or a particular client depending on the situation. Most revisions of decisions are difficult to make within the complex operations of the business unit. Simple revisions can be corrected orally or in written instructions to the affected party. The incumbent receives general guidance from the Division Vice President of Research Services regarding corporate strategy and performance, which includes goals, objectives, and initiatives. The incumbent works towards strategic and operational initiatives established by corporate management. The incumbent determines intermediate sequences and operational plans. Review of performance occurs on a periodic basis to ensure that business unit operations are performing as expected. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring satisfactory performance of business unit operations on corporate objectives, key measures, and budgets. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining a work climate that promotes corporate culture goals. Management: The incumbent provides guidance to all business unit personnel including scientific, Operations, client service, and administrative staff. The incumbent is responsible for generating support across functions and coordinating operations to achieve identified strategic goals and initiatives. Management responsibilities include ensuring appropriate practices associated with hiring, terminating, training, promoting, disciplinary actions, assignment of work and evaluating work for accuracy and completeness. Work Environment: The incumbent works in an administrative office with proper lighting and temperature control. Occasional exposure to laboratory fumes, chemicals, and materials will occur. Occasional overnight travel is required to attend professional meetings, and visit other Merieux NutriSciences' locations. Compensation Range: $115,000 - $135,000 USD Potential bonus: Up to 15% based on performance. Full Time Eligible Benefits Overview: - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. - Generous paid time off (PTO) package to support work-life balance following state and local ordinances. - Optional 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions. The information above provides a general overview and may vary based on specific job responsibilities, location, or other factors. Details will be clarified during the hiring process. WHY JOIN US? Because you would contribute to an inspiring Public Health purpose, supported by long-term and visionary shareholders. Because you would have an impact on our strategic pillars that build on 50 years of experience and expertise. Because you would be part of a community of an enthusiastic and skilled group of people who love co-building together and serving a purpose bigger than them. Because you would be welcome as you are, in a diverse and open-minded environment that is rich in our singularities and differences. Because you would grow in an international group of more than 8200 fantastic team members, with plenty of opportunities to learn and share. Ready for the journey? To apply please click on 'Apply now' button