Lab Manager in Irvine, California at Eterna Management, LLC

***Eterna Management***Quality-Driven Laboratory ExcellenceLaboratory ManagerDepartment:Laboratory OperationsReports To:Director of OperationsLocation:Santa Ana, CAEmployment Type:Full-TimeIndustry:Hemp-Derived Products / ProductionSalary:$75,000-$100,000**Position Overview**3PL Hemp Derived Company is seeking a Laboratory Operations Manager to lead, organize, and elevate laboratory operations across our Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Research & Development (R&D) functions.This role is responsible for building structure, implementing systems, managing team performance, and driving continuous improvement in efficiency and accuracy. The ideal candidate brings both operational leadership and a strong technical foundation—someone who doesn't just manage processes but understands the science behind the results.The laboratory has an established team and existing processes, with significant opportunities for standardization and improvement. This is not a build-from-scratch role; it is about organizing, refining, and elevating what's already in place.This position works closely with Quality Assurance to ensure all laboratory activities align with established quality standards and COA requirements. The Laboratory Operations Manager is expected to take full ownership of lab operations, proactively identify issues, and implement solutions that improve consistency, efficiency, and performance.Key ResponsibilitiesOperations & Workflow ManagementOversee daily laboratory operations across COA and R&D functionsManage sample tracking, prioritization, and third-party laboratory coordinationEnsure all deadlines and turnaround times are consistently metPrioritize workload and allocate resources to ensure critical tasks are completed efficientlyIdentify workflow inefficiencies and implement process improvements to reduce errors and reworkMonitor and evaluate third-party laboratory performance, including turnaround time, result consistency, and reliabilityTake ownership of operational issues and resolve them independently, escalating only when necessaryProactively identify emerging issues and address them without requiring direction for day-to-day problem solvingConduct and present analyses on new R&D projects, including summarizing findings and providing clear operational insights**Technical & Analytical Oversight**Review and interpret COA results with a strong understanding of underlying test methodsProvide insight into laboratory results, including identifying potential causes of unexpected or inconsistent outcomesEvaluate whether results are impacted by formulation, raw materials, sample handling, or laboratory variabilityAnalyze relationships between raw material COAs and finished product results to identify sources of variabilityCommunicate with third-party laboratories regarding methodologies, discrepancies, and result interpretationSupport investigation of failed or out-of-spec (OOS) results and identify root causesDocument investigation findings and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrenceSystems & DocumentationDevelop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aligned with quality standardsImplement tracking systems for samples, tasks, and team performance metricsEstablish COA review checklists and documentation proceduresOrganize and maintain digital files, records, and laboratory documentationMaintain batch records, logs, and operational tracking systems with clear traceabilityEnsure all systems support efficient backtracking of samples, materials, and resultsEnsure accuracy and integrity of all laboratory data, records, and reportingTeam Leadership & ManagementDirectly manage COA Manager, R&D Manager, and laboratory techniciansConduct weekly team meetings and track action items to completionAssign responsibilities, set expectations, and enforce deadlinesTrain staff on procedures, documentation standards, and workflowsDevelop team members' understanding of laboratory processes, COA interpretation, and quality documentationBuild accountability and a culture of ownership within the laboratory teamReporting & Quality AlignmentProvide structured weekly operations reports with KPI trackingCommunicate delays, risks, and issues clearly and proactively to leadershipCollaborate with Quality Assurance on COA standards, documentation requirements, and discrepancy investigationsEnsure all workflows align with quality and regulatory documentation requirements**Qualifications Required**Demonstrated experience in laboratory operations, including workflow coordination, documentation systems, and process improvement2 years Management experienceStrong understanding of laboratory testing methods (e.g., HPLC, GC, or similar analytical techniques) and their impact on COA resultsAbility to interpret laboratory data and explain underlying causes of results—not just pass/fail outcomesProven experience managing people, setting expectations, and enforcing deadlinesStrong organizational skills, systems thinking, and attention to detailExcellent communication skills and follow-throughPreferredExperience working within quality systems or regulated environmentsExperience working with third-party testing laboratories and reviewing COAsCannabis or hemp industry experience strongly preferredBachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related scientific field (or equivalent hands-on laboratory experience)What Success Looks LikeClear SOPs and organized systems are in place and actively maintainedWorkflow efficiency has measurably improved and errors are reducedCOA results and variability are well understood and clearly communicatedConsistent weekly reporting provides full operational visibility to leadershipTraceability is strong—issues can be backtracked quickly and effectivelyTeams are meeting deadlines and operating with accountabilityLaboratory operations run in a structured, predictable, and scalable mannerFirst 90 DaysDuring the first 90 days, the Laboratory Operations Manager will be expected to:Audit and organize existing documentation and tracking systemsImplement weekly reporting cadence and structured team meetingsDevelop SOPs for key laboratory workflowsImprove sample tracking and COA review processesBegin identifying root causes of recurring issues and implement corrective actionsEstablish clear accountability standards and deadline management practicesWhy Join UsThis is an opportunity to take full ownership of laboratory operations within a growing hemp-derived products company. You will have a direct impact on product quality, operational performance, and the overall reliability of our testing and compliance processes.The role offers the chance to build and refine systems that support continued growth and scalability. It is ideal for someone who thrives on improving processes, solving problems, and understanding the “why” behind laboratory results—not just the “what.”