Sample Receiving Lab Supervisor

Job Title: Sample Receiving Lab Supervisor

Job Description

The Sample Receiving Lab Supervisor leads a small, dynamic team responsible for sample receiving, inventory control, courier logistics, and laboratory support. This role serves as the central communication hub between project managers, laboratory staff, sample receiving, and courier teams to ensure accurate sample processing, efficient workflows, and timely turnaround of testing services. The supervisor oversees daily operations, maintains sample integrity and chain of custody, and drives continuous improvements in processes and organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of approximately five field couriers and two to three sample receiving personnel, providing daily direction, support, and workload management.
• Serve as the central point of communication between project managers, laboratory staff, sample receiving, and courier teams to ensure smooth, coordinated operations.
• Oversee the receipt, inspection, and processing of incoming samples, ensuring all documentation is complete and information is accurately entered into the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Evaluate sample submissions to confirm sufficient volume and proper labeling based on requested testing requirements, and escalate discrepancies to internal stakeholders as needed.
• Maintain accountability for sample tracking and chain of custody throughout the laboratory process, ensuring traceability and compliance with established procedures.
• Ensure samples are properly identified, organized, and distributed to appropriate laboratory departments in a timely manner to support turnaround expectations.
• Manage inventory levels for bottles, sampling containers, coolers, and other operational supplies, ensuring materials are available to support client requests.
• Coordinate daily courier routes and schedules to support efficient sample pickup and delivery.
• Monitor courier route performance and adjust routes and schedules as needed to meet operational demands.
• Communicate delivery delays, route changes, or logistical issues with internal teams to minimize operational impact.
• Track vehicle maintenance needs and assist in resolving driver-related issues to support safe and reliable transportation.
• Manage daily transportation schedules and delivery workflows, adjusting priorities and resources to meet changing business needs.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges related to sample receiving, logistics, and inventory, and communicate updates to internal stakeholders.
• Oversee fleet-related needs and coordinate with external vendors as applicable.
• Maintain accurate records and operational documentation related to sample receipt, inventory, and logistics activities.
• Ensure incoming materials are properly inspected, documented, and processed according to established procedures.
• Verify supporting paperwork and maintain accurate tracking records for samples and materials.
• Enter and maintain information within internal database systems, including LIMS and related tools.
• Monitor turnaround requirements and ensure established procedures are followed to meet service commitments.
• Oversee inventory and supply management activities, including ordering and restocking as needed.
• Coordinate external testing and third-party laboratory submissions, ensuring proper packaging, documentation, and tracking.
• Prepare and maintain required documentation for internal and external testing workflows.
• Partner with project teams and technical staff to ensure efficient workflow execution and alignment with client needs.
• Assist with process improvements and department organization to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service quality.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and time-management skills to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Support a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement within the sample receiving and courier teams.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• 1–2 years of supervisory or people leadership experience required.
• Experience in sample receiving, logistics, or laboratory support operations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with internal teams.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while demonstrating initiative and self-motivation.
• Adaptability and ability to manage changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer skills, including data entry and use of internal database systems.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime as needed to support operational demands.
• Ability to lift and carry packages weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and support a small team in daily operations.
• Experience coordinating schedules, routes, or logistics in an operational environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in a laboratory, environmental, or related field preferred.
• Previous supervisory or team-lead experience is a plus beyond the minimum requirement.
• Environmental laboratory experience is preferred.
• Background or interest in environmental science is beneficial.
• Familiarity with Element LIMS or similar laboratory information management systems is a plus.
• Experience with Encore or related systems is advantageous.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot operational challenges.
• Comfort working with cross-functional teams, including project managers, laboratory staff, and field personnel.
• Interest in professional growth, with the ability to move into different departments or expand responsibilities over time.

Work Environment

This role operates within a regional environmental testing laboratory that has a long-standing reputation for technical excellence, reliability, and strong client relationships. The team environment is small and collaborative, with leadership actively engaged on site and supportive of career growth within the department and across other areas of the organization. The site operates between approximately 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.; the supervisor works Monday through Friday in an eight-hour shift within these hours, with flexibility on start time, and is required to work from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Fridays to support the busiest day of the week. The position may require overtime to meet operational demands. The work involves both office and laboratory-adjacent settings, as well as coordination with field couriers and transportation activities. The role requires the ability to lift and carry packages up to 50 pounds, handle coolers and sampling containers, and manage physical inventory. The environment emphasizes accuracy, safety, and adherence to established procedures while supporting a fast-paced, service-oriented operation that relies on effective communication and teamwork.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fairfield, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $36.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Fairfield,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.