General Manager

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise – So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.Our BrandsCertified Group is comprised of a set of specialized brands that collectively deliver laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services across highly regulated industries:Certified Laboratories – Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries.Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) – A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry.Labstat – A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology.EAS Consulting Group – A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors.FSNS Certification & Audit – Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.Position SummaryCertified Group is seeking a General Manager to lead its Personal Care & Cosmetics laboratory operations in Burbank, CA. This executive-level role carries full responsibility for site operations, financial performance, technical execution, and regulatory compliance.The General Manager will drive business performance within a GMP-regulated environment, lead a high-performing technical and operational team, and ensure exceptional client service. This role holds full P&L ownership and is accountable for operational excellence, quality systems, employee engagement, and long-term strategic growth.The ideal candidate brings strong business acumen and proven site leadership, combined with deep technical expertise in analytical chemistry—particularly near-expert knowledge of chromatographic operations. This individual must confidently guide technical decision-making, assess analytical challenges, and communicate risks, root causes, and solutions effectively.ResponsibilitiesStrategic & Site LeadershipLead overall site strategy, performance, and growth initiativesDevelop and execute annual operating and business plansDrive continuous improvement across operations, quality, and technical capabilitiesServe as the senior escalation point for operational, technical, quality, and client issuesAlign site strategy with long-term growth across personal care, cosmetics, OTC, and regulated testingIntegrate commercial priorities with operational execution and sound scientific judgmentFinancial & Business PerformanceOwn full site P&L, including revenue growth, margins, and EBITDALead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processesMonitor KPIs such as utilization, turnaround time, productivity, and capacityPartner with commercial teams on client retention, pricing, and growth opportunitiesSupport capital investments in instrumentation, automation, and infrastructureEvaluate financial performance in the context of laboratory operations and technical complexityQuality & Regulatory OversightEnsure compliance with GMP and applicable regulatory standardsMaintain inspection readiness and lead audits (regulatory and client)Champion data integrity, documentation, and quality system effectivenessEnsure methods are scientifically sound and properly validated/verifiedOversee investigations (OOS/OOT, deviations, CAPA) and technical issue resolutionLead in complex technical scenarios involving chromatography, method performance, and data qualityFoster a culture of compliance, accountability, and scientific rigorOperational ManagementOversee laboratory functions including Chemistry, Microbiology, Stability, and Sample ManagementAlign staffing and resources to meet operational and business needsOptimize workflows to improve efficiency, turnaround time, and qualityEnsure proper equipment, methods, training, and controls are in placeDrive improvements in instrument utilization, sample flow, and cross-functional coordinationSupport expansion of technical capabilities (e.g., LC, GC, wet chemistry)Maintain strong technical oversight of chromatography-driven operationsLeadership & Talent DevelopmentLead and develop a cross-functional leadership teamBuild a high-performance, accountable, and engaged cultureDrive succession planning and talent development initiativesPromote safety, collaboration, and continuous learningMentor teams in technical problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision-makingEnsure strong competency in analytical chemistry, chromatography, and GMP practicesEstablish high standards for analytical rigor and data-driven decisionsQualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related scientific field (required)Advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D.) and/or MBA (preferred)Experience10+ years of leadership experience in a GMP-regulated laboratory environmentExperience as a General Manager, Site Leader, Laboratory Director, or similar roleDemonstrated P&L ownership and financial management expertiseProven experience with regulatory inspections and client auditsBackground in personal care, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, biotech, OTC, or contract lab services (preferred)Strong experience leading analytical chemistry operations, including chromatography and wet chemistryDeep technical expertise in chromatographic systems (HPLC, UPLC, GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-MS/MS)Proven ability to troubleshoot, interpret data, and lead root cause investigationsStrong foundation in classical/wet chemistry techniquesCore CompetenciesExecutive leadership and strategic thinkingFinancial and operational acumenDeep knowledge of GMP quality systemsAdvanced expertise in analytical chemistry and chromatographyStrong technical judgment and problem-solving abilityAbility to communicate complex technical concepts clearlyClient-focused mindsetChange leadership and organizational developmentExecutive presence and strong communication skillsThe compensation details provided below reflect the expected pay range for this role, based on the selected compensation structure and applicable guidelines. Actual pay within this range may vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location. Additional components of total rewards—such as bonuses, benefits, or incentives—may also apply where applicable.Salary Range for Pay Transparency: $180,000 USD - $215,000 USDBy applying, you acknowledge that Certified Group will process your personal information for recruitment and hiring purposes in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Policy. California residents may review additional information about how we collect and use personal information, including retention and rights, in our California Notice at Collection. To view our Privacy Policy, click the link here: Certified Group Privacy PolicyWe are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make employment decisions without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.