Lab Manager

Responsibilities

• Provide direction, leadership, and development for direct reports, including training, coaching, performance management, and handling employee relations issues.
• Oversee all plant laboratory operations, including equipment, testing, and compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and protocols.
• Manage lab Key Performance Indicator (KPI) files, performance tracking, internal audits, and reporting (daily, monthly, quarterly, annual).
• Handle equipment qualification, calibration, maintenance, repairs, and purchasing of lab supplies.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, training programs, and documentation for lab staff.
• Lead investigations of abnormal or out-of-spec results and collaborate on troubleshooting with the central lab.
• Manage lab budget, capital expenditures, and vendor relationships to ensure service quality.
• Ensure proper execution of shelf-life programs and support food safety audits.
• Define sampling plans for raw materials, packaging, and finished products; validate processes and provide QC data.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory standards and ensure all quality instruments are calibrated and functioning.

Requirements

• An associate’s degree is required. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Majors in Business, Food Science, Engineering or related fields are preferred.
• 3+ years of experience leading, mentoring, and/or delegating work to others in a manufacturing facility is required.
• 5+ years of experience in a lab setting is required, dairy industry preferred.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory testing principles, GMPs, and quality control regulation.

Qualifications

From your STORY to ours Qualified Applicants Will Contribute The Following

• An associate’s degree is required. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Majors in Business, Food Science, Engineering or related fields are preferred.
• 3+ years of experience leading, mentoring, and/or delegating work to others in a manufacturing facility is required.
• 5+ years of experience in a lab setting is required, dairy industry preferred.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory testing principles, GMPs, and quality control regulation.