Sample Receiving Lead in Reading, Pennsylvania at SOUTHERN PETROLEUM LABS

At SPL, the work you do matters. Our teams provide trusted energy and environmental testing and measurement solutions that protect communities, support critical infrastructure, and safeguard the environment. With a nationwide footprint and opportunities to grow across multiple locations and disciplines, SPL is a place where you can build a meaningful career and make a real-world impact.

We're looking for an experienced, hands-on Sample Receiving Lead to lead daily sample receiving and log-in operations at our environmental laboratory in Reading, PA.

In this role, you'll lead the accurate, timely, and compliant receipt, log-in, documentation, tracking, distribution, storage, and disposal of environmental samples. You'll supervise sample management personnel, maintain chain-of-custody, quality, and accreditation requirements, and coordinate across laboratory departments to keep samples moving efficiently. The ideal candidate brings strong people-management skills, close attention to detail, and a record of improving workflow, accuracy, and service in a high-volume operation.

What You'll Do

• Lead day-to-day sample receiving and log-in operations establish clear expectations, assign work, and ensure reliable coverage
• Oversee the receipt, condition verification, log-in, labeling, documentation, routing, storage, retrieval, and disposal of incoming samples
• Ensure strict adherence to chain-of-custody procedures, laboratory quality systems, client requirements, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards
• Review sample-intake records and LIMS entries for completeness and accuracy, and resolve discrepancies, hold-status issues, and sample-priority concerns
• Monitor sample volume, departmental capacity, turnaround-time performance, and key performance indicators; adjust staffing and workflows as needed
• Manage employee scheduling, timekeeping, work assignments, and resource allocation to maintain adequate coverage and balanced workloads
• Coach and develop employees, provide timely performance feedback, conduct formal evaluations, and address performance or accountability concerns
• Lead training, cross-training, and competency development to strengthen team capability and operational consistency
• Partner with various internal teams, leadership, and departments to coordinate sample handoffs, remove bottlenecks, and resolve non-conformances
• Use operational data and root-cause analysis to improve accuracy, efficiency, customer service, and throughput, and provide hands-on intake or log-in support when needed
• Perform additional duties and support cross-functional initiatives as assigned

What We're Looking For

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a science-related field preferred
• 1+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience, preferably in a laboratory, technical, sample management, high-volume, or regulated operational environment
• Working knowledge of chain-of-custody procedures, sample receiving and log-in workflows, and laboratory quality, regulatory, or accreditation requirements preferred
• Prior experience with LIMS or ERP systems is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and general computer applications

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support

Work Schedule & Travel

• Full-time, onsite position
• Monday–Friday, 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
• Ability to work outside regular hours, including evenings and weekends, as business needs require
• On-call availability may be required
• Occasional travel for training, meetings, or operational support

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At SPL, we believe that a diverse team is a strong team. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. We make all employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or for sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please let us know.

Visa Sponsorship

At this time, SPL is not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position. We sincerely appreciate your interest and understanding, and we encourage you to explore other opportunities with us that may be a fit in the future.