Quality Lab Supervisor

Actalent•Itasca, IL

36d•$28 - $42•Onsite

About The Position

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 supervising Quality Lab Technicians, ensuring accurate execution of analytical tests-including fat, salt (AgNOâ 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

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 AgNOâ titration for salt analysis, rapid moisture analyzers, and fat extraction methods.
Familiarity with ISO 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, including fat content, salt content via silver nitrate (AgNOâ) titration, and 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 needed.
Conduct 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.
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.