Quality Control Laboratory Manager - Nutrition

The QC Laboratory Manager is responsible for the leadership, integration, and compliance of the Chemistry and Microbiology laboratories within an ISO 17025-accredited nutrition ingredient manufacturing facility.This role oversees laboratory quality systems, technical governance, data integrity, and operational execution across all laboratory activities, including chemical testing, microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and outsourced laboratory services. The position ensures timely, accurate, and compliant release of analytical results and Certificates of Analysis while maintaining audit readiness and regulatory compliance.The ideal candidate is a hands-on QC laboratory leader who combines technical expertise in chemistry, microbiology, and compliant quality systems with the operational discipline to run a fast-paced, audit-ready testing environment. They are equally strong in people leadership and problem-solving—capable of driving investigations, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration while ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant product release.Key Responsibilities Laboratory Leadership & OperationsLead and integrate Chemistry and Microbiology laboratory operations to ensure efficient workflows, timely testing, and compliant release of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished productsEnsure operational continuity through effective staffing, scheduling, and backup testing capabilitiesExternal Testing & Vendor ManagementOversee outsourced laboratory testing activitiesQualify, approve, and monitor external laboratories and service providersMaintain contingency testing strategies to support business continuityQuality Systems & ComplianceOwn and maintain laboratory quality systems in compliance with ISO 17025, GLP, GMP, and applicable regulatory requirementsEnsure audit readiness, documentation control, data integrity, and full traceability of laboratory activitiesManage and oversee the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP)Investigations & Quality EventsLead investigations involving OOS, OOT, deviations, nonconformances, and customer complaintsEnsure timely risk assessments, root cause analysis, CAPA implementation, and effectiveness verificationTrend laboratory quality events and drive systemic improvementsTechnical & Method ManagementOversee laboratory specifications, methods, and analytical dataManage method development, validation, verification, and transfer activitiesProvide technical guidance on analytical and microbiological testingEquipment OversightEnsure proper calibration, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), maintenance, and lifecycle management of laboratory instruments and equipmentPerformance Monitoring & Continuous ImprovementDevelop and monitor laboratory KPIs, including turnaround time, OOS rate, deviations, audit findings, and productivity metricsLead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, compliance, and service levelsLead or participate in temporary assignments and strategic improvement projects as assignedTeam Leadership & DevelopmentLead, coach, and develop laboratory personnelEstablish training programs, competency assessments, performance evaluations, and succession planningCross-Functional SupportPartner with QA, Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and Commercial teams to support production, resolve technical issues, and address customer requirementsSupport external and internal audits, regulatory inspections, and management review activitiesSafety & HousekeepingPromote safe laboratory practices and regulatory complianceMaintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environmentRequired Education And ExperienceEducation: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific field required (master’s degree preferred). Experience: Minimum 5 years of Quality Control laboratory experience in the food, dietary supplement, or pharmaceutical industries, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or laboratory management roleRequired Knowledge, Skills And AbilitiesTechnical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of ISO 17025, OOS/OOT investigations, CAPA systems, method validation and verification, and analytical and microbiological testing systemsEssential Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office, LIMS, laboratory data systems, and statistical analysis toolsLeadership Competencies: Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skillsEnvironmental And/or Physical RequirementsThis job requires both in-plant lab work and office workFrequent: Walking, office workSeldom: standing, squatting, climbing, bending and lifting (up to 50 lbs.).BenefitsMedical, Dental and Vision benefits which start the 1st of the month after hireAnnual incentive bonus eligibility based on individual and company performanceTax advantaged health savings and spending accounts401k eligibility with company match and annual discretionary contributionTime off: vacation, holidays/floating holidays, personal and sick daysCompany provided Life and Disability InsurancePaid Parental LeaveFitness Membership Reimbursement ProgramEducational assistance programThe benefits set forth in this posting reflect Innophos’ current benefits for similarly situated employees, are subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the applicable program policies and may be modified or discontinued by Innophos in the future (subject to applicable law).About InnophosInnophos is a leading international producer of specialty ingredient solutions that deliver far-reaching, versatile benefits for the food, health, nutrition and industrial markets. We leverage our expertise in the science and technology of blending and formulating phosphate, mineral and botanical based ingredients for our customers.Our people are the heart of our organization and the foundation of our success. We are driven by our core values of safety, diversity, integrity and collaboration.Headquartered in Cranbury, New Jersey, Innophos has manufacturing operations across the United States, in Canada, Mexico and China and sells into over 70 countries.Innophos is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Innophos is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates in our recruiting process, as required by applicable federal, state and local laws.We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications against job descriptions, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses (including recording, transcribing, and summarizing our interviews). These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.