Job Description

Position Summary

This role oversees daily lab operations, testing methods, equipment, and staff to ensure accurate results that meet customer, regulatory, and internal standards.

What You’ll Do

Lead Laboratory Testing & Quality Compliance

• Oversee microbiological, chemical, and sensory testing of environmental, in‑process, and finished product samples.
• Ensure all lab work follows the company’s Quality Management System and food safety standards.
• Participate in routine food safety and quality checks within the production facility.

Maintain Lab Accreditation & Standards

• Develop, follow, and maintain procedures that support ISO 17025, Grade A lab certification, and A2LA accreditation.
• Review testing results to ensure accuracy and compliance with specifications.

Manage Laboratory Equipment & Systems

• Ensure lab equipment is operating properly, calibrated, and maintained.
• Troubleshoot testing issues and recommend new equipment or technology when needed.
• Coordinate equipment repairs, service, and replacement.

Lead, Train & Support the Lab Team

• Train lab staff on testing procedures, equipment use, and best practices.
• Review employee work for accuracy and compliance.
• Provide input on hiring and performance management of laboratory staff.
• Help staff manage workloads to ensure efficient use of time and resources.

Reporting & Data Management

• Prepare detailed laboratory reports and quality data summaries.
• Perform basic math, statistical calculations, and quality control analysis.
• Use the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to record and share results accurately and on time with key stakeholders.

Inventory & Continuous Improvement

• Manage laboratory supplies to prevent shortages or expired materials.
• Improve lab procedures to increase efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.
• Participate in ongoing professional and technical training.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication skills
• Technical laboratory knowledge
• Organizational and time‑management skills
• Data and trend analysis
• Computer proficiency
• Leadership and supervisory ability

Supervisory Responsibility

This position supervises laboratory employees and provides input on hiring, training, and performance management.

Work Environment

• About 50% office, 40% laboratory, and 10% production floor work.
• Occasionally exposed to chemicals, fumes, moving equipment, and noise in the production environment.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily sedentary work with regular standing, walking, and sitting.
• Frequently lift up to 10 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs.
• Regularly required to talk, listen, and move throughout the facility.

Schedule & Availability

• Full‑time position, typically 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Rotating schedule that includes every other weekend.
• Part of an on‑call and weekend coverage rotation.

Travel

• Less than 10% travel required.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in microbiology, chemistry, or a related laboratory field
• Minimum 3 years of experience working in an accredited laboratory
• Basic computer skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, chemistry, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in an accredited laboratory
• Previous supervisory experience
• Bilingual in English/Spanish