Laboratory Director

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all laboratory operations, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, quality integrity, safety performance, and financial effectiveness across the designated location. Drive organizational performance through leadership of people, processes, and systems while aligning laboratory capabilities with business objectives and customer expectations.

• Lead and direct all laboratory operations to deliver high-quality, timely, and cost-effective services aligned with organizational goals and customer requirements.
• Establish and execute operational strategies to optimize productivity, efficiency, and service delivery while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Monitor laboratory performance through key metrics, proactively identifying opportunities for operational enhancements and cost optimization.
• Ensure alignment of laboratory capabilities with evolving business needs and industry trends.
• Provide executive oversight of the Company Quality Program, ensuring full implementation, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable analytical standards and procedures (ASTM, UOP, IP, and others), regulatory requirements, and internal policies.
• Maintain audit readiness and oversee corrective and preventive actions to address any compliance gaps.
• Promote a culture of quality ownership and accountability throughout the organization.
• Champion and enforce the Company Safety Program, ensuring a safe work environment and full compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Oversee implementation of safety training programs, including hazardous materials handling, Right-to-Know, and environmental compliance.
• Drive proactive risk assessments and mitigation strategies to reduce incidents and promote a strong safety culture.
• Lead, develop, and mentor laboratory leadership and staff to build a high-performing organization.
• Establish performance expectations, conduct leadership-level performance evaluations, and drive accountability across all levels.
• Oversee workforce planning, succession planning, and talent development initiatives.
• Foster employee engagement, professional growth, and a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
• Provide oversight of laboratory instrumentation, calibration programs, and maintenance strategies to ensure accuracy and reliability of results.
• Ensure all personnel are appropriately trained, qualified, and certified to perform testing and calibration activities.
• Direct the implementation of best practices in laboratory operations, testing methodologies, and equipment utilization.
• Serve as a technical authority and escalation point for complex analytical or operational challenges.
• Oversee laboratory financial performance, including budgeting, cost control, and profitability.
• Evaluate capital investments, including equipment procurement and technology upgrades, to support operational requirements and business growth.
• Drive efficiency initiatives to maximize return on assets and improve overall cost structure.
• Ensure delivery of accurate, timely, and reliable test results that meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as a key representative of laboratory operations in business discussions, audits, and client engagements.

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related scientific discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive laboratory experience, including senior leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-functional teams and complex laboratory operations.
• Strong knowledge of industry standards (ASTM, UOP, IP) and regulatory requirements.

• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Supervise and direct other employees in the laboratory so that the efficiency of the laboratory operations and equipment remains high
• Maintain applicable laboratory safety programs and good housekeeping practices in the laboratory 
• Understand and satisfy all Company Quality Program requirements
• Ensure that laboratory testing is performed and reported promptly and accurately in accordance with applicable standards
• Show the potential to develop leadership skills with employees.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

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

The Company requires laboratory technicians to meet the following physical qualifications

• Laboratory management and testing staff are required to meet the following physical qualifications:
• Pass the drug and alcohol test specified by for safety-sensitive employees.
• Be able to work in the presence of odors typical of petroleum or petrochemicals without allergic reactions or nausea. When such odors are within OSHA-designated permissible exposure limits (PELs).
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk or hear; and test or smell.  The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Employee must regularly lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals.  The Company provides product information, training, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment to protect employees from exposure to potentially harmful levels of those materials.  Employees are required to read product information, use available engineering controls, follow guidelines presented during training, and be able to wear and use appropriate protective equipment, including respiratory protective equipment, as may be required by the work environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Smoking and consuming food or drinks are not permitted in laboratories.

Core Laboratories, including all of its affiliated and related entities, is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. Employment decisions are made regardless of characteristics including, but not limited to, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, religion, genetic information, protected veteran or uniformed service member status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable law.