Senior Laboratory Manager

About This Role

Miral Experiences is a region’s leader in the management and operation of world-class, award-winning immersive attractions and experiences across Abu Dhabi. Our diverse portfolio includes some of the most iconic entertainment and leisure destinations, including Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, and TeamLab. Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, as well as cultural treasures like Qasr Al Watan. We specialize in crafting unique experiences that cater to all tastes and ages, delivering a seamless blend of thrills, joy, and discovery. Our attractions are designed to ignite the imagination and create unforgettable memories for visitors from around the world. Whether you're seeking excitement, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, we offer something for everyone.

Job Summary Lead the future of animal health at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi by managing a high-impact diagnostic laboratory that safeguards the welfare of diverse marine and terrestrial species. You’ll oversee daily operations, ensuring rapid, accurate testing across hematology, microbiology, and molecular biology while leading a team of eight technologists through training, performance management, and workflow optimization. With a blend of technical expertise and operational leadership, you’ll uphold rigorous quality standards, collaborate with veterinary pathologists and rescue teams, and drive continuous improvement in lab processes and safety protocols. The ideal candidate brings 5–10 years of lab experience, including hands-on supervision, a degree in veterinary or medical sciences, and fluency in English to bridge communication gaps. Expect a role where your decisions directly protect animal lives, advance conservation efforts, and set the benchmark for diagnostic excellence in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day laboratory operations with active on-floor and bench-level presence
• Oversee workflows, sample prioritization, testing schedules, and result release across all disciplines
• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and consistency of diagnostic testing and reporting (including hematology, biochemistry, microbiology, mycology, parasitology, cytology, histology, molecular biology, and water quality)
• Act as the primary escalation point for operational, technical, and workflow issues
• Ensure laboratory procedures are implemented in practice in line with approved SOPs and clinical expectations
• Line-manages the Laboratory Technologists, including rostering, workload distribution, supervision, and performance oversight
• Ensure staff competency, training, and adherence to defined scopes of practice
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and corrective guidance as required
• Support staff development and succession planning in collaboration with the Director/Pathology and QHSE roles
• Establish, embed, and maintain practical laboratory workflows and operational processes
• Work closely with QHSE to ensure effective implementation of SOPs, risk assessments, and training frameworks
• Identify operational gaps, inefficiencies, and risks, and implement corrective actions within remit
• Support audit readiness through consistent operational compliance with agreed systems and standards
• Maintain oversight of laboratory equipment functionality, calibration, and availability
• Manage consumables and reagent requirements to ensure continuity of operations
• Lead routine procurement activities, including PRs, BPAs, and liaison with Procurement and Finance
• Ensure appropriate storage, handling, and use of laboratory materials in line with safety and quality requirements
• Promote a strong culture of safety, professionalism, and accountability
• Ensure immediate operational corrective action where safety or quality risks are identified
• Work collaboratively with QHSE on incidents, training implementation, and corrective actions, while retaining accountability for outcomes
• Collaborate with Pathology, Animal Health, Rescue, and Research teams to support effective sample handling and communication
• Contribute to research, diagnostic development, data management, and training initiatives
• Ensure laboratory operations uphold the highest standards of scientific integrity, efficiency, and animal welfare

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary, Biological, or Medical Laboratory Sciences (or equivalent).
• Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary, Biological, or Medical Laboratory Sciences (or equivalent)
• Advanced qualification or coursework in laboratory management, quality systems, or diagnostics
• 5–10 years’ experience in diagnostic or medical laboratories
• Minimum 4 years in hands-on supervisory or leadership roles
• Guiding The Miral Way While Managing Others