Food Manufacturing Quality Lab Supervisor

CREATIVE WERKS LLC•Elk Grove Village, IL

66d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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

Responsibilities

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