QC Laboratory Manager – Microbiology & Analytics Leader

WaveCrest Staffing Group; Fullerton (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

WaveCrest Staffing Group is assisting a leading personal care and cosmetic contract manufacturer in Fullerton, CA, by sourcing a skilled QC Laboratory Manager to lead Microbiology and Analytical operations.

The role drives quality by overseeing testing, investigations, and continuous improvement while partnering with QA, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to ensure regulatory compliance and product quality across materials, in-process, and finished goods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific field.
• 5+ years of experience in a regulated manufacturing environment, or 2+ years in a supervisory role.
• Experience leading Analytical and Microbiology laboratory teams.
• Strong knowledge of GMP requirements and regulatory guidance related to Quality Control and release.
• Experience with personal care, cosmetics, OTC, pharmaceutical, or similar regulated products preferred.
• Knowledge of FDA 21 CFR Parts 210/211 and/or ISO 22716 preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems; RedZone experience is a plus.
• Fluency in English; technical Spanish is a strong plus.
• Must be able to work onsite/in person.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily Analytical and Microbiology Quality Control laboratory operations.
• Provide leadership, coaching, training, and technical direction to Quality Control team members.
• Oversee raw material, in-process, finished goods, stability, and compatibility testing.
• Maintain product specifications, SOPs, master documents, and laboratory documentation.
• Ensure compliance with cGMPs, company policies, safety requirements, SOPs, and applicable regulations.
• Lead investigations related to OOS results, non-conformances, customer complaints, and CAPAs.
• Monitor quality metrics, KPIs, and trends to support strategic decisions and identify improvement opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize laboratory processes, efficiency, and resource utilization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve quality issues and support business initiatives.
• Support new product development, technology transfers, and manufacturing scale-up from a Quality Control perspective.
• Ensure batch records and laboratory documentation are reviewed and completed accurately.
• Manage laboratory equipment, supplies, maintenance, and related expenditures.
• Develop team capabilities through hiring, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Support capital projects and initiatives that improve laboratory and manufacturing capabilities.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Quality control

GMP knowledge

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

English fluency

On-site work

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

RedZone

Job description

WaveCrest Staffing Group is assisting a leading personal care and cosmetic contract manufacturer in Fullerton, CA, by sourcing a skilled QC Laboratory Manager to lead Microbiology and Analytical operations.

The role drives quality by overseeing testing, investigations, and continuous improvement while partnering with QA, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to ensure regulatory compliance and product quality across materials, in-process, and finished goods.