Quality Lab Lead

Agropur Cooperative; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life Insurance

Disability insurance — short-term and長

401(k) with company contributions

PTO from day 1

Paid holidays and floating holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Uniform program

Shoe allowance

Job summary

Agropur Cooperative is seeking a Quality Control Lead to oversee the daily laboratory operations, direct lab technicians, and perform critical testing to ensure safety and quality of products. The role emphasizes corrective actions, CAPA, and ongoing staff development in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

You will train staff, collaborate with production and quality teams, and participate in audits to maintain GMP/GLP compliance while driving continuous improvement in lab processes and

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily lab activities and ensure timely testing of materials, in-process and finished products.
• Perform microbiological, chemical, and physical tests and document results per SOPs.
• Train and mentor laboratory staff on procedures, calibration, and food safety.
• Conduct root cause analyses on non-conforming products and implement CAPA.
• Ensure proper calibration and maintenance of lab equipment in line with QC standards.
• Lead internal audits and ensure GLP, GMP, and related practices are followed.
• Maintain records of test results and essential documentation for operations.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to troubleshoot and improve processes.
• Manage laboratory inventory and support audits and regulatory reviews.
• Assist with new testing procedures and validation activities.
• Act as point of contact for escalated lab issues and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Laboratory testing

Problem solving

Communication

Attention to detail

MS Office

CAPA

Education

High School Diploma

Associate degree in Food Science / Chemistry / Microbiology

Tools

Lab instrumentation

Job description

PermanentThe Quality Control Lead oversees the daily operations of the laboratory, directing the work of lab technicians while also performing laboratory tests and ensuring adherence to quality and food safety standards. The Quality Control Lead plays a key role in maintaining food product safety and quality, resolving issues, and leading quality continuous improvement efforts. The role is also responsible for ensuring that the laboratory team is well-trained, motivated, and supported in achieving operational goals.## People are at the heart of our success. Our culture encourages collaboration, transparency, and accountability in order to generate value and achieve sustainable results. Being part of the team means committing to an environment where everyone’s impact truly matters.*We believe that teamwork—collaborating and sharing perspectives—is essential to achieving the best results.***An environment where collaboration is encouraged and valued:*** **Starting Wage $28.90/HR*** Two pay increases within a year, up to $1.00* **Benefits:** Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance* 401(k) with **up to 7% company contributions*** **PTO starting Day 1*** Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays* Advancement Opportunities* Tuition Reimbursement Program* Employee Discounts* Uniform Program + Shoe Allowance **Your key responsibilities:*** Oversight of daily laboratory activities, ensuring accurate and timely completion of testing on raw materials, in-process products, and finished products.* Perform microbiological, chemical, and physical tests, interpreting and documenting results according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).* Train and mentor laboratory technicians on laboratory procedures, equipment calibration, and food safety protocols.* Conduct root cause analysis on non-conforming products and implement corrective and preventive actions.* Ensure that all laboratory equipment is properly calibrated and maintained in compliance with quality control standards.* Execute internal audit reviews and maintaining compliance of laboratory processes, ensuring compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).* Maintain accurate records of testing results and review other essential documentation as required for operations.* Collaborate with production and quality teams to troubleshoot issues, optimize processes, and ensure product consistency.* Manage lab inventory, ensuring the availability of necessary supplies and materials.* Participate in regulatory and third-party audits, ensuring the laboratory is audit-ready at all times.* Assist with the development and implementation of new testing procedures and validation processes.* Act as the point of contact for resolving escalated issues within the laboratory.* Support quality continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance laboratory efficiency and product quality.* Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices.* Safety Protocol* Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.* Correct or report any observed safety hazards.* Support safety policies and programs. *This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.*## **The individual who will own this role:*** High School Diploma or equivalent required.* Associate's Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field preferred.* Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.* Minimum three (3) years of laboratory experience, preferably in food manufacturing or quality control required.* Supervisory or leadership experience preferred.* Additional certifications related to laboratory procedures or food safety (e.g., SQF, GMP, GLP, HACCP) preferred.* Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a team.* Proficiency in laboratory testing procedures, including microbiological and chemical analysis.* Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement CAPA.* Excellent communication and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities.* Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and testing.* Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with supervisors/managers, colleagues and individuals inside and outside the organization.* Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) plus knowledge of metric and standard systems of measurement)* Intermediate computer skills with Microsoft Excel, Power Point, Word, Outlook and field-specific software.* Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships.