Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor

About the role

The Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor oversees day-to-day laboratory operations, ensuring accurate and timely testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished products to meet customer and company quality standards. This role ensures compliance with good laboratory practices (GLPs), safety, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Organize and direct the laboratory's workflow, ensuring completion of records, accuracy in tests, and training on new equipment and methods.
• Oversee test result collection, analysis, and reporting to stakeholders.
• Ensure timely and accurate testing to support product release.
• Purchase, organize, and maintain laboratory supplies.
• Maintain documented lab methods aligned with corporate standards.
• Coordinate outside lab testing, review results, and analyze trends.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives for efficiency, compliance, and service levels.
• Promote safe laboratory practices and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee environmental monitoring programs.
• Act as a technical resource for production or quality issues and assist with root cause analysis.
• Manage laboratory equipment calibration, ensuring traceability to national/international standards.
• Supervise laboratory technicians under the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager.
• Ensure operational continuity through staffing, scheduling, and backup testing.
• Lead, coach, and develop laboratory personnel, including training, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with the Quality Control Supervisor on the Environmental Monitoring Program, including investigations for out-of-spec results.
• Participate in regulatory, customer, and laboratory audits.
• Serve as primary backup to the Quality Control Supervisor.
• Evaluate processes and recommend improvements for quality, equipment performance, and efficiency.
• Monitor and verify control points (CCPs, PCs, CQPs, HACCP) and ensure documentation compliance.
• Perform pre-shipment reviews and release of finished products.
• Support sanitation and production staff in adhering to master sanitation programs (MSS).
• Review FSMA and regulatory documents as the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI).
• Perform internal food safety and quality audits in accordance with the SQF program.

Requirements

• 2-5 years' experience in a laboratory within a food manufacturing environment, with a strong understanding of GLPs and laboratory safety.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately and efficiently.
• Leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interact and communicate with cross-functional teams and all organizational levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with microbiological and analytical test methods.
• General knowledge of GMPs and quality systems in food manufacturing (dairy preferred).
• Demonstrated good judgment in decision-making.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with flexible coverage options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with 100% company match on up to 8% of contributions.
• Generous paid time off (200 hours PTO, pro-rated for first year).
• 10 paid holidays.
• 6 weeks fully paid parental leave.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) for high-deductible health plan enrollees.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Daily Pay Option for accessing earnings as needed.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
• Referral program with rewards for bringing in new talent.
• Career growth opportunities.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Work Setting

Plant laboratory.