Quality Lab Lead

Title
:
Lab Quality Lead

Location
:
Elk Grove Village, IL

Hire Type
:
Direct Hire

Shift
: 1st shift, with flexibility as needed

Compensation
: $70,

Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options
: 8% bonus potential

Benefits
:
Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k

Must have Skill Set
: previous quality leadership experience in a manufacturing lab setting

We are seeking a hands-on and detail-oriented Quality Lab Lead to manage daily laboratory operations within a food manufacturing environment. This role oversees off-shift Quality Lab Technicians, ensures accurate execution of analytical testing—including fat, salt (AgNO₃ titration), and moisture analysis—and maintains the integrity of laboratory procedures, documentation, and quality systems. The Quality Lab Lead partners closely with Production and Quality teams to support compliance, continuous improvement, and food safety standards.

• Oversee daily laboratory operations and act as the primary point of contact for analytical testing support
• Train, mentor, and support laboratory technicians on testing methods, safety protocols, and documentation requirements
• Supervise and evaluate off-shift laboratory staff and provide performance feedback
• Perform laboratory technician duties during first-shift operations as needed
• Conduct and review compositional testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products, including:
  • Fat analysis (e.g., Soxhlet extraction, Mojonnier method)
  • Salt analysis using silver nitrate (AgNO₃) titration
  • Moisture analysis using oven-drying methods and rapid moisture analyzers
• Review, verify, and approve analytical results; investigate out-of-spec results and initiate corrective actions
• Ensure laboratory instruments are properly calibrated, maintained, and troubleshot according to SOPs and manufacturer guidelines
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and oversee housekeeping of equipment, tools, and reusable supplies
• Coordinate laboratory activities with production schedules to ensure timely testing and product release
• Develop, update, and maintain laboratory SOPs and quality documentation in alignment with regulatory and internal standards (HACCP, GMP, SQF/BRC, etc.)
• Support internal audits and external inspections; prepare required documentation and responses
• Assist with root cause analysis related to nonconforming results or customer complaints
• Manage laboratory inventory, including reagents, standards, and consumables; coordinate purchasing and vendor interactions
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency, accuracy, and compliance
• Support method validation, proficiency testing, and inter-laboratory comparisons as required
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3-5 years of laboratory experience in a food manufacturing environment, including at least 1 year in a lead or supervisory role
• Demonstrated proficiency with gravimetric, volumetric, and titrimetric analytical techniques
• Hands-on experience performing fat analysis (Soxhlet, Mojonnier), salt analysis using AgNO₃ titration, and moisture analysis methods
• Working knowledge of food safety and quality systems, including HACCP, GMP, SQF/BRC, and GFSI standards
• Familiarity with ISO 17025 principles, method validation, proficiency testing, and inter-laboratory comparisons
• Experience calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and laboratory information or data management systems
• Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to lead, train, and mentor laboratory staff across multiple shifts
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Production, and Operations teams
• Strong time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.