Lab Supervisor

Shank’s, a subsidiary of Universal Ingredients, is a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts, other extracts, natural and artificial flavors, food colors, syrups, and sauces. Shank’s quality products are widely distributed to industrial, private-label, and grocery customers worldwide. Universal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption, offering customized, value-added solutions including fruit and vegetable juices, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems. Our advanced production capabilities enable safe, shelf-stable products with no preservatives, supported by an Application Capabilities Lab for product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization.

About the role

The primary purpose of this position is to supervise the analytical and microbiological laboratories and laboratory personnel while ensuring accurate, timely testing and reporting of raw materials, work-in-process products, finished products, and environmental samples. This role oversees daily laboratory operations, supports food safety and quality programs, and serves as the technical resource for laboratory testing, method development, equipment maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Supervise analytical and microbiological laboratory technicians.
• Coordinate daily laboratory workload, testing priorities, and staffing assignments.
• Provide training, coaching, performance feedback, and development opportunities for laboratory personnel.
• Conduct performance evaluations and participate in hiring, disciplinary actions, and employee development.
• Lead daily laboratory meetings and communicate results, priorities, and issues.
• Perform and oversee analytical and microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process materials, finished goods, environmental samples, water samples, and air samples.
• Review and approve laboratory results and maintain testing records.
• Develop, verify, validate, and improve laboratory methods.
• Conduct statistical analysis, trend analysis, shelf-life studies, and stability studies.
• Investigate quality concerns, customer complaints, out-of-specification results, and foreign material findings.
• Provide technical support for Root Cause Analyses and Corrective Actions.
• Manage calibration, preventive maintenance, and repair of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain laboratory SOPs, testing methods, specifications, and documentation.
• Administer the Chemical Hygiene Plan and laboratory safety programs.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with GMPs, SQF requirements, food safety programs, and internal procedures.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits as needed.
• Assist Regulatory with technical documentation and customer requests.
• Support R&D with new product development, validation studies, and troubleshooting.
• Participate in food safety inspections and continuous improvement projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or related scientific field.
• 5–10 years of laboratory experience in food, flavor, ingredient, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or related manufacturing industries.
• Minimum 2–5 years of laboratory supervisory experience.
• Experience with chromatographic instrumentation (HPLC, GC/FID, GC/MS).
• Experience with food safety and quality systems, including SQF and GMP requirements.

Skills

• Able to perform a wide variety of laboratory tests on raw materials, finished products, or chemicals.
• Able to make observations, analyze data, and interpret results.
• Able to produce technical reports, summaries, and protocols.
• Familiar with performing all laboratory procedures and operating lab equipment.
• Able to work independently.
• Detail-oriented with strong record-keeping skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with food safety standards, specifically SQF.
• HPLC and GC work experience with pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or food products.
• Familiar with FCC, USP, and AOAC Methodology.
• English comprehension (speaking, reading, and writing) required for a safe and effective work environment.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and ID Theft protection
• 401K retirement plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally exposed to odor and fumes.
• Must have average vision and use of arms and hands to operate lab instruments.
• Able to hear and speak to communicate with co-workers and some customers.
• Exposure to food allergens such as milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans may occur.

Shank’s is committed to food safety, product quality, and continuous improvement. We conduct business with honesty, integrity, and openness, respecting human rights and promoting a balanced work-life environment. Our core values include aspiration, accountability, and adaptability.