AFL - Analytical Food Laboratories, INC. · 1 day ago
Director of Operations
Grand Prairie,TX,US
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$120K/yr - $130K/yr
5+ years expAnalytical Food Laboratories is seeking a strategic, people-focused, and operationally driven Director of Operations to lead and elevate their laboratory operations. In this key executive leadership role, you will oversee daily activities of all laboratory areas, ensuring compliance with regulations and driving process efficiency and continuous improvement across the organization.
BiotechnologyPharmaceutical
No H1B
Responsibilities
Provide executive oversight of all laboratory operations, ensuring efficient workflow execution, operational integrity, and strict adherence to AFL policies, procedures, and all regulatory/accreditation requirements (ISO/IEC 17025, A2LA, USDA, FDA, etc.)
Monitor and strengthen operational performance across all laboratory areas through structured process improvement, resource planning, workflow standardization, and effective allocation of personnel and equipment
Ensure laboratories consistently meet turnaround time (TAT) expectations, quality standards, and operational continuity, including equipment functionality, maintenance, calibration, and documentation of all service activities
Identify operational issues or gaps, escalate as appropriate, and present recommended solutions to leadership
Conduct regular operational meetings to communicate organizational goals, updates, and performance expectations clearly and consistently
Ensure all laboratory operations are executed safely and in full compliance with all regulatory bodies, accreditation standards, and the AFL Quality Management System (QMS)
Oversee completion and documentation of all required quality activities, including training, internal/external audits, proficiency testing, corrective actions, and method qualifications
Review and evaluate nonconforming results; lead or support corrective action investigations and verify the effectiveness of implemented solutions
Review and approve laboratory procedures, operational processes, and documentation to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance across all test areas
Develop, guide, and support the laboratory leadership team through coaching, structured feedback, performance assessments, succession planning, and ongoing professional development
Oversee staffing planning and personnel management, including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, competency verification, and continuous training for laboratory personnel
Promote a collaborative, accountable, results-driven culture that supports communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement across all departments
Review operational outputs, data, and reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with internal standards and customer expectations
Provide operational summaries, performance metrics, and progress updates on strategic initiatives to the executive leadership team
Collaborate with internal departments to support process development, audits, technology enhancements, corrective actions, and organizational planning
Ensure customer satisfaction by maintaining accurate, timely laboratory results and effective coordination across teams to address operational or quality concerns promptly
Evaluate processes impacting customer outcomes and recommend improvements to enhance reliability, service quality, and turnaround time
Qualification
Required
Authorized to work in the United States indefinitely, without restriction or sponsorship
Bachelor's degree in a scientific, technical, or related field required
Minimum of 5 years of operational management experience within laboratory or regulated scientific environments
Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple laboratory functions, including personnel management, workflow execution, and regulatory compliance
Thorough knowledge of accreditation and regulatory standards, including ISO/IEC 17025, GMP, USDA accreditation, and applicable federal, state, or industry regulations
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop department leadership teams
Experience in staff performance management, succession planning, training programs, and competency documentation
Demonstrated ability to promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Expertise in process improvement, workflow optimization, and operational problem-solving in complex laboratory environments
Ability to manage resources, equipment, and technology to maintain consistent laboratory performance
Strong decision-making and organizational skills; ability to coordinate cross-departmental activities
Demonstrated commitment to meeting turnaround times, quality standards, and customer expectations through operational excellence and reliable service delivery
Preferred
Advanced degree in a relevant discipline preferred
FDA-regulated experience preferred
Benefits
Comprehensive and low-cost benefit plans
Medical
HSA
Dental
Vision
Disability
Life insurance
Employee Assistance Program
PTO
Matching 401k
Company
AFL - Analytical Food Laboratories, INC.
AFL provides analytical data for the consumer goods industry — from concept to consumption —working with national, regional, and local clients in the food, pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, beverage, water, personal care, and food service segments.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
S. Colleen Villanueva
Chief Executive Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase