Quality Control Manager

Lief Labs; California (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lief Labs in Valencia, CA seeks an experienced Quality Control Manager to lead the QC laboratory operations in a regulated manufacturing environment. You will oversee analytical and microbiological testing, investigations, data review, and external partnerships to ensure accurate, reliable results that support product quality.

You will build and mentor a high-performing team, maintain inspection readiness, and drive continuous improvement across testing, documentation, and equipment readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, food science or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive laboratory experience in regulated manufacturing environments such as dietary supplements, food, pharma, nutraceuticals.
• 3+ years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, data integrity, controlled documentation, and quality systems.
• Experience with ISO/IEC 17025 systems, method validation or verification, or third-party oversight is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily QC and laboratory operations, including sample management, testing schedules, staffing, and team development.
• Ensure testing and data review for raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, and environmental samples are accurate, timely, and compliant.
• Maintain laboratory compliance with cGMP, 21 CFR Part 111, USP, and ISO/IEC 17025 standards; oversee investigations and CAPA.
• Oversee laboratory investigations, deviations, method concerns, trend review, and problem solving.
• Drive continuous improvement in turnaround time, documentation quality, method performance, and equipment readiness.

Skills

Laboratory leadership

cGMP knowledge

Quality systems

Data integrity

Audit readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related

Job description

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Lief Labs is seeking an experienced and driven Quality Control Manager to lead our QC laboratory operations in Valencia, CA. This is an exciting opportunity for a scientific leader who thrives in a regulated manufacturing environment, enjoys building high-performing teams, and is passionate about delivering accurate, reliable, and compliant laboratory results that support product quality and customer confidence.

In this role, you will oversee analytical and microbiological testing, laboratory systems, method execution, investigations, data review, equipment readiness, and external laboratory partnerships. You will work cross-functionally with Quality Assurance, Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Product Development, Procurement, customers, suppliers, and third-party laboratories while helping maintain a culture of scientific integrity, accountability, continuous improvement, and inspection readiness.

What You’ll Do

• Lead daily QC and laboratory operations, including sample management, testing schedules, workflow prioritization, staffing, training, and team development.
• Ensure testing and data review for raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, stability samples, and environmental samples are accurate, traceable, timely, and compliant.
• Maintain laboratory compliance with applicable cGMP requirements, 21 CFR Part 111, USP expectations, approved procedures, customer requirements, and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
• Oversee laboratory investigations, out-of-specification results, deviations, method concerns, CAPA support, trend review, and technical problem solving.
• Champion continuous improvement in laboratory turnaround time, documentation quality, method performance, equipment readiness, and overall team effectiveness.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• 8+ years of progressive laboratory experience in dietary supplements, food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or another regulated manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of laboratory supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP requirements, laboratory investigations, data integrity, controlled documentation, and quality systems.
• Experience with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory systems, method validation or verification, third-party laboratory oversight, or audit support is a plus.

Key Skills Required

• Laboratory leadership, team development, coaching, and performance management
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, 21 CFR Part 111, ISO/IEC 17025, USP requirements, and Good Documentation Practices
• Analytical and microbiological testing oversight, method verification, validation, transfer, and troubleshooting
• Data review, data integrity, ALCOA+ principles, laboratory investigations, OOS/OOT evaluation, deviations, CAPA, and root cause analysis
• Laboratory equipment management, calibration, maintenance, qualification, and readiness
• Cross-functional communication, audit readiness, risk-based decision making, prioritization, and continuous improvement

Why Join Us?

As our Quality Control Manager, you will play a key leadership role in protecting product quality, strengthening laboratory systems, and supporting the success of a fast-paced manufacturing operation. If you are a hands-on leader who combines technical expertise with sound judgment, clear communication, and a commitment to compliance, we invite you to bring your experience to our team.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $130,000 USD. Starting pay depends on job-related factors including market demands, experience, training, skills, and education.

This role is performed in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing environment with controlled facilities, documented processes, and strict quality and regulatory standards. Employees are expected to follow GMP procedures, maintain a clean and organized workspace, and support quality assurance practices. Some travel may be required, including local supplier, customer, warehouse, or business-related travel and occasional out-of-area travel as business needs require.

Lief is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, or sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Suppose you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran. In that case, you have the right to request accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center due to your disability. To request an accommodation, contact the Lief Human Resources department.

Lief will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Lief uses E-Verify to confirm work eligibility in the United States. E-Verify compares the information on your Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to official government records.