Quality Lab Leader: Elevate Standards & Continuous Improvement

3M; Cordova (AK); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

3M is seeking a Quality Lab Supervisor to lead the quality control and wastewater labs onsite in Cordova, IL. The role involves supervising lab teams, coordinating testing with production, and driving continuous improvement and safety initiatives.

The position requires a strong background in manufacturing quality, with a focus on lean principles, training, and regulatory awareness (FDA QSR/ISO). Travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited university AND seven (7) years of combined experience in manufacturing, quality, research & development and/or laboratory in a private, public, government or military environment.
• OR High School Diploma/GED from an accredited institution AND a minimum of eleven (11) years of experience in manufacturing, quality, research & development and/or laboratory.
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in sciences and/or engineering from an accredited university (additional qualification).
• FDA QSR and ISO quality management system experience (advantage).
• Experience supervising individual contributors and leading teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations in quality control and wastewater (WWT) laboratories.
• Provide direct oversight and leadership for lab team members.
• Coordinate testing priorities with production to meet shipment needs.
• Support onboarding and ongoing training of quality technicians.
• Drive safety, environmental compliance and audit readiness in the lab.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities and optimize resource use.
• Lead continuous improvement projects and kaizen events in the lab.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Continuous Improvement

Kaizen

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

3M is seeking a Quality Lab Supervisor to lead the quality control and wastewater labs onsite in Cordova, IL. The role involves supervising lab teams, coordinating testing with production, and driving continuous improvement and safety initiatives.

The position requires a strong background in manufacturing quality, with a focus on lean principles, training, and regulatory awareness (FDA QSR/ISO). Travel up to 10% may be required.