Quality Lab Supervisor

Job Title: Quality Lab Supervisor

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Quality Lab Supervisor to oversee daily laboratory operations in our food manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for supervising Quality Lab Technicians, ensuring accurate execution of analytical tests-including fat, salt (AgNO3 titration), and moisture analyses-and upholding the integrity of lab procedures, documentation, and quality systems. The Lab Supervisor serves as a key liaison between the Laboratory, Production, and Quality Management, driving continuous improvement and compliance with food safety and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily laboratory operations and serve as the primary point of contact for analytical support within the facility.

• Monitor, mentor, and train laboratory technicians on testing procedures, safety practices, and documentation protocols.

• Supervise and evaluate the performance of the laboratory technicians who work on off-shifts.

• Perform the duties of the laboratory technician during 1st shift hours.

• Perform and review routine and advanced compositional testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished products, including fat content, salt content via silver nitrate (AgNO3) titration, and moisture analysis using oven-drying and rapid moisture analyzers.

• Accurately document and review analytical results, validate, verify, and approve analytical data; investigate deviations and initiate corrective actions.

• Oversee instrument calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting per SOPs and manufacturer recommendations to ensure optimal lab performance.

• Manage laboratory cleaning schedules and contribute to housekeeping of the lab, apparatus, and reusable supplies.

• Coordinate lab activities with production schedules and ensure timely release of test results.

• Maintain and improve lab SOPs and quality documentation in accordance with internal policies and regulatory standards (HACCP, GMP, SQF/BRC, etc.).

• Support and lead internal audits, participate in external inspections, and prepare documentation as needed.

• Conduct root cause investigations for non-conforming results or customer complaints.

• Monitor inventory of reagents, standards, and supplies; place orders and manage vendor relationships as needed.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance lab accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

• Assist with proficiency testing, method validations, and inter-lab comparisons as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field.

• 3-5 years of relevant laboratory experience in food manufacturing, including at least 1 year in a supervisory or lead role.

• Proficiency in gravimetric, volumetric, and titrimetric techniques.

• Strong working knowledge of laboratory safety, food quality systems, and GFSI certification standards.

• Experience with AgNO3 titration for salt analysis, rapid moisture analyzers, and fat extraction methods.

• Familiarity with ISO principles, method validation, and inter-laboratory comparisons.

• Experience managing laboratory inventory and coordinating external lab services.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Itasca, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $42.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Itasca,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.