Quality Lab Supervisor

The Quality Lab Lead is responsible for overseeing daily laboratory operations within a food manufacturing environment. This role provides hands‑on analytical support while leading and supervising laboratory technicians, including off‑shift personnel. The position ensures accurate execution of compositional testing, maintains laboratory systems and documentation, and serves as a key liaison between the laboratory, production, and quality teams to support food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Lead daily laboratory operations and serve as the primary point of contact for analytical testing support
• Supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate laboratory technicians, including off‑shift staff
• Perform laboratory technician duties during first‑shift operations as needed
• Execute and review routine and advanced compositional testing of raw materials, in‑process, and finished products, including:
• Moisture analysis using oven‑drying methods and rapid moisture analyzers
• Review, validate, verify, and approve analytical results; investigate deviations and initiate corrective actions
• Oversee calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments in accordance with SOPs and manufacturer guidelines
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, housekeeping standards, and reusable equipment readiness
• Coordinate laboratory activities with production schedules to ensure timely testing and product release
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve laboratory SOPs and quality documentation in alignment with GMP, HACCP, SQF/BRC, and other applicable standards
• Support internal audits and external inspections; prepare documentation and participate as required
• Assist with root cause analysis related to non‑conforming results, process deviations, or customer complaints
• Manage laboratory inventory, including reagents, standards, and consumables; coordinate purchasing and vendor interactions
• Support proficiency testing, method validations, and inter‑laboratory comparisons
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on laboratory accuracy, efficiency, and compliance
• Perform additional duties as assigned

• Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical and problem‑solving capabilities
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and laboratory data management systems
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a fast‑paced environment
• Team‑oriented mindset with a strong commitment to food safety and continuous improvement
• Self‑starter with a collaborative approach and curiosity for process optimization

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field OR 3–5 years of relevant laboratory experience in food manufacturing, including at least one year in a lead or supervisory role
• Proficiency in gravimetric, volumetric, and titrimetric analytical techniques
• Hands‑on experience with AgNO₃ titration, rapid moisture analyzers, and fat extraction methods
• Strong working knowledge of laboratory safety practices, food quality systems, and GFSI certification standards
• Familiarity with ISO 17025 principles, method validation, and inter‑laboratory studies
• Experience managing laboratory inventory and coordinating with external laboratories preferred

• Participate in required food safety and quality training programs, including GMP, HACCP, SQF, allergen control, and food defense
• Participate in GMP audits and facility walkthroughs
• Enforce food safety policies and monitoring requirements

• Primarily laboratory‑based work within a food production environment
• Exposure to food allergens, temperature variations, and occasional wet or slippery conditions
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) required

Ability to operate standard laboratory and office equipment