Lab Coordinator

Job Description
Posted Monday, August 17, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Department:
Research  & Development

Reports to:

Food Technologist Supervisor

Location :  Onsite in Hamilton (R&D Centre)

The payrange for the role is $52,300 to $87,100 plus bonus, comprehensive benefits, retirement savings plan, paid vacation, and other perks and opportunities.

Purpose:

The Lab Coordinator reporting to Food Technologist Supervisor is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations of the R&D Analytical Laboratory and Pilot Plant to ensure efficient execution of product development, testing, and innovation activities. This role supports laboratory readiness, equipment maintenance, inventory management, sample coordination, documentation, and compliance while facilitating smooth execution of R&D projects and trials to full scale production.

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory Operations

Schedule daily laboratory and pilot plant activities to support R&D project timelines and priorities.

Maintain laboratory readiness, organization, GMP compliance, and safe working practices.

Coordinate sample receiving, preparation, testing, storage, retention, and disposal activities.

Support pilot plant and plant trial preparation and execution activities as required.

Equipment & Facility Coordination

Coordinate preventive maintenance, calibration, servicing, and repairs for laboratory and pilot plant equipment.

Maintain equipment inventories, service records, and calibration schedules.

Support installation, commissioning, and decommissioning of new laboratory and pilot plant equipment.

Liaise with facilities teams, and internal stakeholders to resolve equipment and facility issues in a timely manner.

Inventory & Procurement

Manage inventory of ingredients, chemicals, laboratory supplies, and office supplies

Coordinate purchasing activities and maintain appropriate stock levels to support project needs.

Monitor ingredient shelf life and coordinate inventory rotation and disposal.

Documentation & Compliance

Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, regulatory, and internal requirements.

Project & Technical Support

Coordinate student schedules, resources usage, and support R&D projects.

Ensure analytical testing, data collection, and reporting is complete and accurate

Support sensory evaluations, shelf-life studies, and external laboratory submissions.

Up to 20% travel to plants or picking up supplies

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum College diploma in Food Science/Food Technology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology

Valid G2 or G license with access to a car daily

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Work primarily on days, but must be able to work flexible hours based upon business needs

Understand federal and provincial Government Regulations

Knowledge of ingredients functionality and processes typically used in dairy

Gay Lea Foods is a Canadian, dairy farmer-owned co-operative with a clear purpose: to enrich life with dairy. Founded in 1958, the co-operative produces high-quality dairy products while creating lasting value for farming families, meaningful opportunities for employees, and positive impact in communities across Canada. As a co-operative, Gay Lea Foods believes that when the business succeeds, its members, people, and communities should succeed along with it.

To learn more, visit  .

Gay Lea Foods is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.

Reasonable accommodation is available upon request throughout our recruitment and selection process.

Gay Lea Foods may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support aspects of the recruitment process, including screening and assessment.

We are currently accepting applications for this open position.

Thank you for your interest in Gay Lea Foods.

Wishing you all the best with your career search!

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