Quality Lab Lead

Agropur; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 60,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life Insurance

Short and Long-term Disability

401(k) with up to 7% company match

PTO from day 1

Paid holidays and floating holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

Uniform Program + Shoe Allowance

Job summary

Agropur in Wisconsin is seeking a Quality Control Lead to oversee daily lab operations, direct lab technicians, and perform tests to ensure product quality and safety.

The role emphasizes training, root-cause analysis, CAPA, and maintaining GMP/GLP compliance while collaborating with production.

Competitive wages start at $28.90/hr with merit increases and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years lab experience in food manufacturing/quality control.
• Supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Certifications (SQF, GMP, GLP, HACCP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of daily laboratory activities and timely testing of materials and finished products.
• Perform microbiological, chemical, and physical tests and document results per SOPs.
• Train and mentor technicians on procedures and food safety protocols.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement CAPA.
• Ensure calibration and maintenance of lab equipment; maintain GMP/GLP compliance.
• Execute internal audits and ensure audit readiness of processes.
• Collaborate with production to troubleshoot issues and improve processes.
• Manage lab inventory and support regulatory audits.

Skills

Lab leadership

Quality control

Root cause analysis

CAPA

Team mentoring

Analytical testing

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate's Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Outlook

Job description

Job Type: Regular

The 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.

A role for those who know that the best results are built through teamwork.

Agropur welcomes people from all backgrounds and origins. We are proud to be an employer with a diverse communi