QC Laboratory Manager

UPL•Kingstree, SC

About The Position

The QC Laboratory Manager oversees the day-to-day operations and technical activities of a quality control laboratory supporting a pesticide production plant. The role is responsible for laboratory staff, equipment, testing of production samples, and systems for recording, monitoring, and maintaining quality results in accordance with company procedures. The manager reviews laboratory data, supports investigations of manufacturing deviations, and works with Manufacturing and Quality Assurance on documentation and corrective actions. The position also develops and reviews technical reports, standard operating procedures, laboratory protocols, and trend analyses; troubleshoots equipment, software, and data issues; and supports laboratory housekeeping, inventory, and equipment maintenance. The manager contributes to training, team development, problem-solving, communication across relevant groups, and completion of project milestones and deadlines. Supervisory responsibility is indicated. The job summary also mentions accounting responsibilities, including General Ledger, audit support, and fixed asset and lease accounting, but these do not align with the QC laboratory role described in the remaining posting.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline.
At least 2 years of work experience in a Quality Control laboratory.
At least 2 years of experience in qualification, technology and method transfer, and validation or verification of analytical methods.
At least 2 years of experience with analytical techniques and instruments including GC, HPLC, KF, FTIR, pH and density meters, viscometer, particle size analyzer, analytical balance, moisture analyzer, and stability testing.
At least 2 years of experience making lab batches and interpreting their data.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
Strong verbal and written communication, multitasking, and organizational skills.
Ability to understand regulatory requirements and technical documentation.
Independent decision-making ability.
Ability to coach others.
Ability to remain stationary for extended periods and to stand and walk for prolonged periods during laboratory and production-support activities.
Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, reach, and position oneself to inspect equipment, retrieve samples, and access laboratory materials.
Ability to lift and carry laboratory supplies, samples, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to operate laboratory instruments, computers, and standard office equipment.
Ability to visually inspect samples, analytical results, labels, and documentation, including distinguishing colors when testing procedures require it.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and work in laboratory and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to chemicals, dust, noise, and varying temperatures, following established safety procedures.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a relevant science discipline such as chemistry or biochemistry.
Agrochemical laboratory experience, including pesticides, fungicides, or insecticides.
Experience managing a production QC laboratory.
Knowledge of EPA regulations regarding the manufacturing of pesticide products.

Responsibilities

Perform daily QC laboratory activities to support the pesticide production plant.
Create systems and procedures for recording, monitoring, and maintaining quality results in accordance with company procedures.
Direct day-to-day laboratory operations, including staff, equipment maintenance, and testing of production samples.
Review and compile laboratory test data and perform appropriate analyses.
Provide technical expertise for manufacturing deviations, including failure investigations, deviation documentation, investigational reports, change control, and CAPAs, in collaboration with Manufacturing and Quality Assurance.
Write, review, and approve technical reports, standard operating procedures, laboratory protocols, and trend analyses.
Identify and resolve gaps and provide technical support when troubleshooting equipment, software, and data problems.
Facilitate laboratory housekeeping, inventory, and equipment maintenance.
Contribute to team building, training, and problem-solving initiatives.
Develop analysts to improve individual and overall performance.
Communicate with relevant groups, including Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and Process Development.
Complete project milestones, organize work to meet project deadlines, and communicate progress on scheduled projects.
Meet applicable performance indicators for batch release rate, product recall rate, product cross-contamination, lab safety, and job-related certification.