Quality Laboratory Manager

Compensation: $80,000–$90,000 base salary plus a 10% bonus

We are seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to lead Quality Assurance laboratory operations at a 24/7 food manufacturing facility in Columbus, Indiana.

This is a leadership role for someone with a strong background in chemistry and/or microbiology who understands the demands of food manufacturing and quality laboratory operations. You will lead laboratory personnel, oversee testing and environmental monitoring, maintain strong documentation and quality systems, and work closely with Production, Quality, and other plant teams to support food safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

The Laboratory Manager will be responsible for maintaining high laboratory standards, reviewing and verifying test results, identifying trends and deviations, coordinating corrective actions, and ensuring laboratory and plant personnel follow applicable Good Manufacturing Practices and quality requirements.

• Direct Reports: Approximately 18–20 people
  , including technicians, microbiologists, and lab leads
• Facility: 24/7 food manufacturing operation
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 5:00 AM–3:00 PM
• After-Hours Support: Availability to answer calls or emails after hours as needed to support the 24/7 operation
• Function: Quality Assurance Laboratory

• Lead Quality Assurance activities within the laboratory and plant monitoring activities conducted by laboratory technicians
• Lead, coach, develop, and hold laboratory technicians, microbiologists, and lab leads accountable for performance and quality standards
• Review QA testing records and verify results, identify trends, and elevate deviations or out-of-specification results appropriately
• Plan and manage environmental monitoring programs, including air quality, water quality, environmental pathogen, and allergen testing
• Manage and schedule routine calibration and preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment and infrastructure
• Develop and maintain laboratory supply and inventory programs and support purchasing activities
• Oversee testing and trend reporting for raw materials, work-in-process, and finished products, including microbiological testing and SPC
• Report routine finished-product microbiological and shelf-life testing results and maintain accurate reports and records
• Organize shelf-life, secondary shelf-life, and finished-product testing and maintain related documentation
• Coordinate product holds, rework, and dispositions
• Coordinate sensory evaluation training and scheduling as part of shelf-life reviews
• Conduct laboratory lead and supervisor training and support employee development
• Generate trend reports for air, water, environmental, and pathogen monitoring and follow up on deviations with appropriate escalation
• Conduct annual allergen sanitation validation testing and prepare required reports
• Maintain proper documentation and records associated with laboratory operations
• Coordinate with third-party laboratories for required sampling and testing and maintain applicable accreditation documentation
• Support implementation and maintenance of SQF system requirements and create and update laboratory SOPs
• Conduct document reviews and employee training related to laboratory and quality processes
• Perform root cause analysis related to raw material, finished product, and equipment specification deviations
• Monitor laboratory labor and supply costs through reporting and KPI trends
• Communicate with customers as needed, review customer complaints, and complete Certificates of Analysis
• Work with applicable state and regulatory agencies regarding audits, sample testing, and split samples
• Partner with Production and Quality…