Lead Laboratory Supervisor, Food Testing

Element Materials Technology; Northcrest (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Element Materials Technology in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is seeking a Department Supervisor for its Food Testing Laboratory. You will supervise technicians, coordinate daily testing, ensure timely data delivery, and maintain safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires a degree in a related field and supervisory experience; you will partner with managers and customers to translate lab results into actionable insights, while scheduling coverage and upholding QA commitments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food safety, microbiology, biochemistry, or related field with at least one year of supervisory experience is required; a minimum of 3 years’ supervisory experience may substitute for a degree.
• Experience in food microbiology in a commercial lab testing food for target pathogens using molecular and cultural techniques is preferred.
• Familiarity with FDA BAM, USDA MLG, and AOAC methods is recommended.
• Working knowledge of laboratory quality and safety.
• Experience with LIMS data entry and data review.
• Ability to lift <50 lbs. and stand for long periods; capable of working at bench level when needed.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary subject matter expert for microbiological and chemical food testing.
• Assist under Operations Manager in efficient operation and growth of the lab.
• Provide direct supervision of laboratory technical staff.
• Plan weekend and holiday rotations to ensure 365-day lab coverage.
• Provide professional and timely customer service to internal and external customers.
• Provide status updates and quote assistance as needed.
• Participate in supervisory responsibilities including hiring decisions and performance management.
• Translate customer needs into finished testing or reports.
• Adhere to Element safety guidelines and maintain inventory control.
• The role is a working supervisor that may bench‑level when required.

Skills

Bachelor's degree in related field

Supervisory experience

Food testing / QA experience

FDA BAM / USDA MLG / AOAC familiarity

Lab quality and safety

LIMS data entry

Computer & math skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in related field

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Element Materials Technology in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is seeking a Department Supervisor for its Food Testing Laboratory. You will supervise technicians, coordinate daily testing, ensure timely data delivery, and maintain safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires a degree in a related field and supervisory experience; you will partner with managers and customers to translate lab results into actionable insights, while scheduling coverage and upholding QA commitments.