LABORATORY MANAGER

Columbus, Indiana, United States

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

About the Opportunity

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.

Team & Scope

• 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

Key Responsibilities

• 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 escalate 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 teams on corrective actions, employee training, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide after-hours support by phone or email when laboratory or quality issues require attention at the 24/7 facility

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will bring:

• PCQI certification is required
• Background in chemistry and/or microbiology is required
• Experience in food manufacturing is required; dairy experience is a plus
• 3–5 years of supervisory or leadership experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience working in a dairy/milk laboratory
• Previous laboratory management experience
• Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Knowledge of dairy testing equipment
• Experience managing and developing employees
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills at an intermediate to advanced level
• Strong understanding of microbiology; microbiological testing experience preferred
• Sensory experience, preferably with dairy products
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and laboratory equipment software
• Ability to work independently without close supervision
• Familiarity with PMO, FDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements
• FDA Appendix N Antibiotic training/licensing preferred
• Good Laboratory Practices, including aseptic sampling techniques, training preferred

The Right Fit

This opportunity is ideal for a laboratory leader who combines strong technical knowledge in chemistry and/or microbiology with proven people leadership and food manufacturing experience.

You should be comfortable leading a team of approximately 18–20 laboratory professionals, maintaining laboratory and quality standards, reviewing testing results, identifying root causes and trends, and partnering closely with Production and Quality in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

The strongest fit will be someone who can lead a laboratory organization with accountability, maintain strong documentation and compliance practices, and support food safety, quality, and continuous improvement across the operation.