Lab Manager

Universal Corporation•Lancaster Township, PA

About The Position

Universal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption. With thousands of products and global sourcing capabilities, we provide customized, value-added solutions – including fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems – for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide. Our advanced production capabilities, including aseptic beverage processing and flexible packaging solutions, enable safe, ashelf-stable products with no preservatives. At the heart of our innovation is our Application Capabilities Lab, where food science experts collaborate with customers to develop market-ready solutions through product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization support. Driven by innovation, sustainability, and partnership, Universal Ingredients helps customers stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while delivering consistent quality, functionality, and performance across global markets. Shank’s, a subsidiary of Universal Ingredients, is a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts, other extracts, natural and artificial flavors, food colors, syrups, and sauces. Shank’s quality products are widely distributed to industrial, private-label, and grocery customers worldwide. Available Immediately Upon Hire: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, ID Theft, 401K, and PTO. Disclaimer: Shank’s Extracts manufactures various products that identify as major food allergens (milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans) as well as several other food ingredients. We cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to skin and/or odor contact with these various ingredients. Your health and safety are our number one priority, and we will do our best to accommodate within reason. ---------------------------------------- ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Primary purpose of this position is to manage the analytical and microbiological laboratories and lab personnel. The supervisor shares the workload and will perform the more technical and complex tasks relative to the assigned area of responsibility.

Requirements

Able to perform a wide variety of laboratory tests on raw materials, finished products, or chemicals.
Able to make observations, analyze data, and interpret results.
Able to produce technical reports, summaries, and protocols.
Familiar with performing all laboratory procedures.
Knowledge of lab equipment operating.
Able to work alone and in a team lab environment.
Lead daily management report out meetings for the lab team.
Ability to flex/offset shift coverage infrequently as needed to cover lab technicians PTO.
Able to switch and pivot tasks/prioritizations as production needs dictate.
Detail-oriented and able to maintain records of tests.
Has some supervisory experience and is able to assign and direct the activities of other people.
Good verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with others.
Familiar with food safety and specifically SQF.
HPLC and GC work experience with pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or food products.
Familiar with FCC, USP, and AOAC Methodology
English comprehension including speaking, reading, and writing is required for our business's necessity to ensure a safe and effective work environment.
A four-year college degree, majoring in Science, and minimum seven years’ general lab experience.

Nice To Haves

Prior lab supervisory or managerial lab experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Organizes and directs the daily activities of the laboratories by planning, prioritizing, assigning, supervising, reviewing, and participating in the work of staff responsible for performing quality assurance and Critical Control Point testing.
Responsible for supervising laboratory personnel, conducting and overseeing quality assurance and quality control, and collecting, analyzing, and interpreting lab results.
Research and purchases equipment, supplies, and resources needed for day-to-day operations in addition to annual budgeting.
Implement and maintain the Chemical Hygiene Plan for the lab chemicals.
Proactively manage raw materials, WIP, and finished goods shelf-life extensions.
Recommend and assist in the implementation of department goals and objectives.
Will be involved in personnel actions as needed such as but not limited to performance reviews, discussion of performance concerns, training, hiring/interviewing, promotions, progressive discipline, termination decisions, ensuring annual lab validation/verification, etc.
Performs quantitative and qualitative sample analysis using pH meters, Water Activity meters, Viscometer, Flash Point detector, Moisture Analyzers, GC/MS, GC/FID, HPLC, and NIR to support lab techs with daily operations as needed.
Over sees analytical and microbiological laboratory technicians work and has overall familiarity with AOAC/BAM methods for the standard raw material, product, water, air, and environmental monitoring microbiological tests.
Conducts statistical analysis of data related to quality assurance and food safety programs, including trending and stability programs, and completes other analytical testing as required to support the business.
Maintains record of testing methods, studies, and standard operating procedures.
Develop and validate methods.
Maintains and calibrates lab instruments including maintenance contracts coordination with equipment manufacturers for PM contracts, repairs, etc. for repair work that cannot be done internally.
Participates in Food Safety Team inspections ~ bi-monthly- quarterly.
Assists with audit requests for customers and third-party audits related to lab functions.
Conduct investigative/identification testing for possible foreign material and quality defects investigations.
Conducts stability studies as needed for new items with unique formulations or matrices.
Assists R&D with projects as needed.
Drive Continuous improvement activities for the laboratory functions and complaint investigations.
Performs other duties as assigned by management.