Quality Lab Manager
A leading manufacturer in the consumer goods sector is seeking an experienced Quality Lab Manager to lead microbiology and hygiene programs at a high-volume manufacturing facility. This role is ideal for a hands-on quality professional with deep industrial microbiology experience who enjoys partnering with operations, R&D, and global quality teams to drive food/consumer product safety, compliance, and continuous improvement. This role is based out of the Bowling Green, KY area.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the quality control laboratory, with a strong emphasis on microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and hygiene programs
- Own microbiological reporting, trending, data analysis, and KPIs; take proactive action on adverse trends
- Lead investigations into out-of-specification (OOS) microbiological results and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs)
- Culture and identify microorganisms using traditional and automated methods; translate findings into practical plant solutions
- Develop, maintain, and train teams on microbiology procedures, hygiene standards, and GMPs
- Partner with operations to define and improve quality procedures, control plans, and documentation systems
- Support and lead internal, customer, and third-party audits, including microbiological and hygiene audits
- Drive hygienic manufacturing practices, including equipment and facility hygienic design support for new or modified systems
- Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, engineering, and production on new product trials, innovations, and analytical method development
- Manage supplier and customer quality complaints related to microbiology and hygiene
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives tied to site and global quality objectives
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related field (Master's preferred).
- 5+ years of experience in an industrial microbiology or quality laboratory environment for a manufacturing company
- Supervisory or management experience in a QC or microbiology lab
- Strong experience with microbial labs, environmental monitoring programs, and microbiological investigations
- Working knowledge of GMPs, hygienic manufacturing principles, and risk assessments
- Experience identifying microorganisms using traditional and/or automated methods
- Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive improvement in a manufacturing setting
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