Quality Lab Supervisor at CREATIVE WERKS LLC

Description

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Quality Lab Supervisor to oversee daily laboratory operations in our food manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for supervision of Quality Lab Techs, ensuring accurate execution of analytical tests—including fat, salt (AgNO3 titration), and moisture analyses—and upholding the integrity of lab procedures, documentation, and quality systems. The Lab Supervisor serves as a key liaison between the Laboratory, Production, and Quality Management, driving continuous improvement and compliance with food safety and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities of the Position:

- Lead daily laboratory operations and serve as the primary point of contact for analytical support within the facility

- Monitor, mentor, and train laboratory technicians on testing procedures, safety practices, and documentation protocols

- Supervise and evaluate the performance of the laboratory technicians who work on off-shifts

- Perform the duties of the laboratory technician during 1st shift hours

- Perform and review routine and advanced compositional testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished products:

• Fat content (e.g., Soxhlet extraction, Mojonnier method)
• Salt content via silver nitrate (AgNO3) titration
• Moisture analysis using oven-drying and rapid moisture analyzers

- Accurately document and review analytical results, validate, verify, and approve analytical data; investigate deviations and initiate corrective actions

- Oversee instrument calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting per SOPs and manufacturer recommendations to ensure optimal lab performance

- Manage laboratory cleaning schedules and contribute to housekeeping of the lab, apparatus, and reusable supplies

- Coordinate lab activities with production schedules and ensure timely release of test results

- Maintain and improve lab SOPs and quality documentation in accordance with internal policies and regulatory standards (HACCP, GMP, SQF/BRC, etc.)

- Support and lead internal audits, participate in external inspections, and prepare documentation as required

- Support root cause investigations for non-conforming results or customer complaints

- Monitor inventory of reagents, standards, and supplies; place orders and manage vendor relationships as needed

- Housekeeping of the laboratory, apparatus, and reusable supplies

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance lab accuracy, efficiency, and compliance

- Assist with proficiency testing, method validations, and inter-lab comparisons as needed

- Perform other duties as assigned by Management

Requirements

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

- High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills

- Excellent written and verbal communication

- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and lab data management systems

- Ability to manage time efficiently and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

- Team-oriented mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and food safety

- Fosters a self-starter approach, collaboration, curiosity, problem-solving, solutioning new challenges and working in a multi-functional team environment

Education and Experience:

- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field

- 3-5 years of relevant laboratory experience in food manufacturing, including at least 1 year in a supervisory or lead role

- Proficiency in gravimetric, volumetric, and titrimetric techniques

- Strong working knowledge of laboratory safety, food quality systems, and GFSI certification standards

- Experience with AgNO3 titration for salt analysis, rapid moisture analyzers, and fat extraction methods

- Familiarity with ISO 17025 principles, method validation, and inter-laboratory comparisons

- Experience managing laboratory inventory and coordinating external lab services

Food Safety Responsibilities:

- Attend all food safety training sessions (GMP, SQF, HACCP, Allergen, Food Facility Security, Preventing Foodborne Illness)

- Participate in company GMP walks

- Enforce company rules regarding food safety and monitoring

Working Conditions:

- Primarily lab-based work within a food production environment

- Exposure to food allergens, temperature variations, and occasionally wet/slippery conditions

- PPE required as per company policy

- Office setting and warehouse environment with temperature range of 55 – 80 degrees

Physical Requirements:

- Operate standard lab and office equipment

- Reach with hands and arms

- Lift up to 25 pounds