Quality Control Manager

Quality Control Manager

Operations | Onsite

About Our Client

Our client is a science-driven organization operating in the specialty chemicals space, focused on developing and manufacturing high-performance products used across a range of commercial applications. Quality, innovation, and continuous improvement are central to how they operate, and they take a collaborative, cross-functional approach across R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams.

About the Role

The Quality Control Manager plays a critical leadership role within Operations, overseeing the day-to-day technical and people management of the Quality Control Laboratory. This individual partners closely with R&D, Analytical, Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing to strengthen quality systems, standardize QC processes, and ensure product integrity across raw materials, in-process testing, and finished goods.

This role blends hands‑on technical expertise with people leadership and systems thinking. The ideal candidate is comfortable rolling up their sleeves in the lab while also driving process improvements, compliance, and long-term quality strategy in a GMP environment.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• QC Lab Leadership & Team Development Lead the daily operations of the Quality Control Laboratory, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant execution.
• Coach, mentor, and develop QC team members; build a strong, engaged, and high‑performing lab team.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and ongoing skills development.
• Act as a management representative and collaborate with cross‑functional leaders as needed.
• Quality Systems & Compliance Develop, implement, and continuously improve quality systems, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, GMP, and other applicable quality and laboratory standards.
• Lead internal audits, support external audits, and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Own laboratory documentation, test methods, and procedures — creating, updating, and enforcing compliance.
• Testing, Investigation & Continuous Improvement Oversee testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products using appropriate statistical methods, sampling plans, and release criteria.
• Lead investigations into deviations, out‑of‑spec results, and nonconformances; identify root causes and implement preventive solutions.
• Ensure timely and accurate Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for customers.
• Drive method development, validation, and improvement to support evolving product and process needs.
• Cross‑Functional & External Collaboration Serve as the primary QC point of contact for Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Sales, Marketing, and external customers.
• Partner with manufacturing and contract manufacturing partners to ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Manage relationships with external laboratories and vendors to stay current on analytical technologies and best practices.
• Develop and deliver clear, data‑driven quality reports to internal stakeholders.
• Lab Operations & Safety Own lab safety, health, and environmental standards.
• Ensure laboratory equipment and work spaces are properly maintained and fit for purpose.
• Support capacity planning, resource utilization, and equipment strategy for the QC lab.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience & Education Advanced degree in Chemical Science or a related field.
• 7+ years of laboratory experience, including 3+ years in a people‑leadership or supervisory role.
• 5+ years of quality control and analytical chemistry experience within a GMP manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in method development and validation.
• Hands‑on experience with analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, and FTIR.
• Experience working with external testing labs and contract manufacturing partners strongly preferred.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent DMAIC/process excellence experience.
• Skills & Capabilities Deep understanding of ISO 9001 and quality system design.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Clear, confident written and verbal communicator.
• Ability to balance technical depth with operational and people leadership.
• Experience with LIMS, Dynamics, SAP, or similar systems is a plus.
• Work Environment & Physical Requirements Role is based in a combination of office and laboratory/manufacturing environments.
• Requires extended periods of computer work, along with time in lab and plant settings.
• Must be able to lift up to 55 pounds and perform occasional squatting or kneeling.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Quality Assurance

Chemical Manufacturing

Base pay range

$/yr - $/yr

Additional compensation types

Annual Bonus