Quality Control Manager

About the role

Lief Labs is seeking an experienced and driven Quality Control Manager to lead our QC laboratory operations in Valencia, CA. This is an exciting opportunity for a scientific leader who thrives in a regulated manufacturing environment, enjoys building high-performing teams, and is passionate about delivering accurate, reliable, and compliant laboratory results that support product quality and customer confidence.

In this role, you will oversee analytical and microbiological testing, laboratory systems, method execution, investigations, data review, equipment readiness, and external laboratory partnerships. You will work cross-functionally with Quality Assurance, Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Product Development, Procurement, customers, suppliers, and third-party laboratories while helping maintain a culture of scientific integrity, accountability, continuous improvement, and inspection readiness.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily QC and laboratory operations, including sample management, testing schedules, workflow prioritization, staffing, training, and team development.
• Ensure testing and data review for raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, stability samples, and environmental samples are accurate, traceable, timely, and compliant.
• Maintain laboratory compliance with applicable cGMP requirements, 21 CFR Part 111, USP expectations, approved procedures, customer requirements, and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
• Oversee laboratory investigations, out-of-specification results, deviations, method concerns, CAPA support, trend review, and technical problem solving.
• Champion continuous improvement in laboratory turnaround time, documentation quality, method performance, equipment readiness, and overall team effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• 8+ years of progressive laboratory experience in dietary supplements, food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or another regulated manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of laboratory supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP requirements, laboratory investigations, data integrity, controlled documentation, and quality systems.
• Experience with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory systems, method validation or verification, third-party laboratory oversight, or audit support is a plus.

Skills

• Laboratory leadership, team development, coaching, and performance management
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, 21 CFR Part 111, ISO/IEC 17025, USP requirements, and Good Documentation Practices
• Analytical and microbiological testing oversight, method verification, validation, transfer, and troubleshooting
• Data review, data integrity, ALCOA+ principles, laboratory investigations, OOS/OOT evaluation, deviations, CAPA, and root cause analysis
• Laboratory equipment management, calibration, maintenance, qualification, and readiness
• Cross-functional communication, audit readiness, risk-based decision making, prioritization, and continuous improvement

Benefits

As our Quality Control Manager, you will play a key leadership role in protecting product quality, strengthening laboratory systems, and supporting the success of a fast-paced manufacturing operation.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $130,000 USD. Starting pay depends on job-related factors including market demands, experience, training, skills, and education.

Schedule

This role is performed in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing environment with controlled facilities, documented processes, and strict quality and regulatory standards. Employees are expected to follow GMP procedures, maintain a clean and organized workspace, and support quality assurance practices. Some travel may be required, including local supplier, customer, warehouse, or business-related travel and occasional out-of-area travel as business needs require.