Quality Control Laboratory Manager - Nutrition

Job description

The QC Laboratory Manager is responsible for the leadership, integration, and compliance of the Chemistry and Microbiology laboratories within an ISO 17025-accredited nutrition ingredient manufacturing facility. This role oversees laboratory quality systems, technical governance, data integrity, and operational execution across all laboratory activities, including chemical testing, microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and outsourced laboratory services. The position ensures timely, accurate, and compliant release of analytical results and Certificates of Analysis while maintaining audit readiness and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate is a hands-on QC laboratory leader who combines technical expertise in chemistry, microbiology, and compliant quality systems with the operational discipline to run a fast-paced, audit-ready testing environment. They are equally strong in people leadership and problem-solving—capable of driving investigations, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration while ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant product release. ### Key Responsibilities - **Laboratory Leadership & Operations** - Lead and integrate Chemistry and Microbiology laboratory operations to ensure efficient workflows, timely testing, and compliant release of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products. - Ensure operational continuity through effective staffing, scheduling, and backup testing capabilities. - **External Testing & Vendor Management** - Oversee outsourced laboratory testing activities. - Qualify, approve, and monitor external laboratories and service providers. - Maintain contingency testing strategies to support business continuity. - **Quality Systems & Compliance** - Own and maintain laboratory quality systems in compliance with ISO 17025, GLP, GMP, and applicable regulatory requirements. - Ensure audit readiness, documentation control, data integrity, and full traceability of laboratory activities. - Manage and oversee the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP). - **Investigations & Quality Events** - Lead investigations involving OOS, OOT, deviations, nonconformances, and customer complaints. - Ensure timely risk assessments, root cause analysis, CAPA implementation, and effectiveness verification. - Trend laboratory quality events and drive systemic improvements. - **Technical & Method Management** - Oversee laboratory specifications, methods, and analytical data. - Manage method development, validation, verification, and transfer activities. - Provide technical guidance on analytical and microbiological testing. - **Equipment Oversight** - Ensure proper calibration, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), maintenance, and lifecycle management of laboratory instruments and equipment. - **Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement** - Develop and monitor laboratory KPIs, including turnaround time, OOS rate, deviations, audit findings, and productivity metrics. - Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, compliance, and service levels. - Lead or participate in temporary assignments and strategic improvement projects as assigned. - **Team Leadership & Development** - Lead, coach, and develop laboratory personnel. - Establish training programs, competency assessments, performance evaluations, and succession planning. - **Cross-Functional Support** - Partner with QA, Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and Commercial teams to support production, resolve technical issues, and address customer requirements. - Support external and internal audits, regulatory inspections, and management review activities. - **Safety & Housekeeping** - Promote safe laboratory practices and regulatory compliance. - Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment. ### Required Education and Experience - **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific field required (master’s degree preferred). - **Experience:** Minimum 5 years of Quality Control laboratory experience in the food, dietary supplement, or pharmaceutical industries, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or laboratory management role. ### Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - **Technical Knowledge**: Strong knowledge of ISO 17025, OOS/OOT investigations, CAPA systems, method validation and verification, and analytical and microbiological testing systems. - **Essential Skills**: Proficient in Microsoft Office, LIMS, laboratory data systems, and statistical analysis tools. - **Leadership Competencies**: Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills. ### Environmental and/or Physical Requirements - This job requires both in-plant lab work and office work. - Frequent: Walking, office work. Seldom: standing, squatting, climbing, bending and lifting (up to 50 lbs.). ### Benefits - Medical, Dental and Vision benefits which start the 1st of the month after hire - Annual incentive bonus eligibility based on individual and company performance - Tax advantaged health savings and spending accounts - 401k eligibility with company match and annual discretionary contribution - Time off: vacation, holidays/floating holidays, personal and sick days - Company provided Life and Disability Insurance - Paid Parental Leave - Fitness Membership Reimbursement Program - Educational assistance program *The benefits set forth in this posting reflect Innophos’ current benefits for similarly situated employees, are subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the applicable program policies and may be modified or discontinued by Innophos in the future (subject to applicable law).*