Manager - Lab and Quality Control

About the role

The Manager – Lab and Quality Control is responsible for leading all laboratory and quality control operations, ensuring compliance with internal quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications. This role oversees sampling, testing activities, manages QC personnel, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures accurate, timely analytical results that support safe and reliable product release.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Quality Control (QC) laboratory, including chemistry and physical testing (as applicable).
• Ensure timely testing and release of raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, and stability batches.
• Implement best practices in laboratory workflows, instrumentation, and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), test methods, and specifications.
• Conduct internal audits, support external audits, and ensure closure of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Lead, mentor, and develop laboratory analysts and QC staff.
• Plan training programs to enhance technical capabilities and regulatory understanding.
• Manage work allocation, performance evaluations, and competency assessments.
• Ensure accuracy, reliability, and traceability of laboratory data.
• Manage online analysis equipment performance.
• Review and approve test results, analytical reports, and certificates of analysis (COAs).
• Maintain QC documentation, logbooks, and digital records in compliance with data-integrity standards.
• Drive quality improvement projects, root-cause analyses, and process optimization initiatives.
• Implement new analytical techniques or automation to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Monitor key quality indicators and take proactive measures to prevent deviations.

Requirements

• 5-10+ years of experience in Quality Control or laboratory functions, including at least 3 years in a supervisory/managerial role.
• 5+ years in mineral processing engineering.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in laboratory instrumentation and validation.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.
• Understanding of regulatory audits and compliance procedures.
• Ability to multitask and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Mineral Processing, Metallurgy, or related field.

Benefits

• Salary Range: $100,000 to $125,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage with an HSA option.
• Retail Plan: 401(k) with 6% company match.
• Lincoln STD, LTD, & Life Insurance: Coverage provided by Mesabi Metallics.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 0-5 Years: 120 hours per year.  5-10 Years: 160 hours per year. 10+ Years: 200 hours per year. Plus 9 paid holidays.

Pay

$100,000 to $125,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full Time