Lab Lead - Quality and Food Safety

About the role

Coordinate daily lab activities and work tasks of lab technicians to support the team in executing laboratory and quality assurance activities. Provide training and guidance to new employees, demonstrating full proficiency in testing products, setting samples, and following quality assurance programs. Perform laboratory tests according to prescribed standards on in-process and finished food products and ingredients in a food production laboratory, ensuring high accuracy and timely results. Maintain the highest food safety and quality standards for products.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily lab activities, assign work tasks, monitor progress, and evaluate technicians’ performance and testing efficiency.
• Serve as an escalation point for questions or issues and provide input into performance development and management activities.
• Provide laboratory training and act as a go-to resource; familiarize new technicians with laboratory methods and good laboratory practices.
• Model and promote a food safety and quality culture within the team.
• Ensure the efficiency and correct conditions for all tests and analyses in the lab.
• Perform laboratory testing and quality control activities to support team execution of quality assurance programs.
• Conduct quality checks, calibrations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs of laboratory equipment.
• Notify supervisor of any out-of-range values or deviations from accepted norms; monitor quality problems or trends.
• Maintain documentation of non-compliance and review findings to establish corrective action plans.
• Assist production in root-cause analysis for out-of-spec process results.
• Ensure lab records are accurate, clear, timely, and completed according to standard operating procedures.
• Actively contribute to the improvement of laboratory systems; participate in or lead task meetings and suggest efficiency changes.
• Ensure master sanitation is completed and signed off in a timely manner.
• Assist with laboratory special projects and new testing implementation.
• Monitor GMP compliance and assist the supervisor in creating and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs, SSOPs).
• Assist during inspections and organize findings for presentation to the management team.
• Maintain safe working conditions and comply with all state and federal health and safety regulations.
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; post-secondary education in food science, biological science, or related fields preferred.
• 4 to 6 years of experience in food manufacturing, laboratory, food testing, quality assurance, or related work.
• Demonstrated leadership attributes or team lead experience.
• Certification and/or license (e.g., Better Processing Certificate, state certification for antibiotic testing) may be required during employment.

Skills

• Mastery of applicable laboratory equipment and processes.
• Strong understanding of how laboratory analysis relates to manufacturing processes.
• Ability to articulate the impact of laboratory work on the company as a whole.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
• Ability to follow laboratory procedures and state/federal regulations for product testing.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; ability to foster collaboration and share information promptly.
• Adaptability to change, effective multitasking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and take initiative.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Clear and effective communication, both verbal and written.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Pay

$33.00 - $35.00 per hour