About this opportunity
Indiana Ag Connection lists this Quality Laboratory Manager opportunity in columbus, Indiana. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
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 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 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.
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Worksite address
columbus, IN, 47201, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.