What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Laboratory Manager position at KOR NUTRA?
Job Title: Quality Laboratory Manager – Nutraceutical Gummy Manufacturing
Location: Kor’Nutra Plant, Hurricane, UT
Reports To: Director of Quality
Department: Quality
Job Type: Full-Time
ABOUT KOR NUTRA--- Company Description
Kor Nutra is a fast-growing nutraceutical gummy manufacturer that values our employees, customers, and consumers. We thrive on growth and advancment for both our staff and our place in the industry!
Join us!
Job Overview:
The Quality Laboratory Manager is responsible for overseeing all laboratory activities to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of nutraceutical gummy products. This includes managing laboratory staff, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring compliance with internal quality standards and external regulatory requirements such as cGMP and FDA. The Laboratory Manager will be accountable for establishing and enforcing testing protocols, performing routine analysis, and managing product testing throughout the production cycle. This role requires strong leadership, a deep understanding of laboratory processes, and the ability to drive continuous improvements in product quality and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
Laboratory Operations & Management:
- Oversee all laboratory testing activities for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure compliance with company quality standards and regulatory requirements.
- Manage and lead the laboratory team, ensuring the laboratory is properly staffed, equipped, and operating efficiently.
- Establish, implement, and review laboratory testing protocols, ensuring that all tests are conducted per standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring calibration, proper maintenance, and troubleshooting as necessary.
- Ensure all laboratory records, including test results, calibration logs, and other documentation, are accurate, complete, and compliant with regulatory standards.
Regulatory Compliance & Documentation:
- Ensure laboratory activities comply with all applicable regulatory requirements, including FDA, cGMP, and other quality control standards.
- Review and approve laboratory test results and ensure timely release of product batches in accordance with production schedules.
- Monitor laboratory activities to ensure all required documentation, such as batch records, test results, and certificates of analysis, are accurately completed and filed.
- Maintain compliance with safety and environmental regulations in the laboratory.
- Maintain scale calibrations throughout manufacturing and dosing to align with needs for laboratory calibration schedules.
- Oversee calibrations of all other equipment throughout manufacturing to assure logs and staff training are kept current.
Product Testing & Quality Control:
- Supervise and conduct routine testing of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods to verify that they meet internal specifications and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee the analysis of product samples, including physical, chemical, microbiological, and stability testing, to ensure product quality and integrity.
- Implement and monitor critical quality control metrics to ensure consistency in product quality.
- Work with production teams to investigate product quality issues, root cause analysis, and corrective actions when deviations from quality standards occur.
Team Leadership & Development:
- Lead, train, and mentor laboratory staff, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their roles effectively.
- Develop and deliver training programs on laboratory procedures, testing methods, and regulatory compliance to ensure continuous improvement and staff development.
- Foster a positive team environment that promotes high performance, collaboration, and a commitment to quality.
Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization:
- Identify opportunities to improve laboratory processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs without compromising quality.
- Lead initiatives to optimize laboratory workflows, minimize turnaround time for testing, and improve overall laboratory performance.
- Collaborate with the Director of Quality and other departments to implement continuous improvement initiatives related to laboratory operations.
Supplier & Vendor Management:
- Work with suppliers to ensure the proper selection, qualification, and performance of laboratory equipment and testing reagents.
- Coordinate with external laboratories when additional testing or specialized services are needed, ensuring that third-party testing meets company standards and regulatory requirements.
Safety & Health Compliance:
- Ensure that all laboratory activities adhere to the company’s safety protocols and regulatory safety requirements.
- Promote a culture of safety and ensure laboratory staff follow safety practices to minimize hazards.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or a related field. A Master’s degree or higher in a scientific discipline is preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in laboratory management or quality control, preferably in the nutraceutical, food, or dietary supplement industry.
- Demonstrated experience in cGMP, FDA regulations, and other quality control standards.
- Proven track record in managing laboratory staff and operations, ensuring efficient and compliant testing processes.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of laboratory testing techniques and instrumentation, including microbiological, chemical, and physical testing methods.
- Expertise in maintaining laboratory equipment, including calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
- Strong understanding of quality assurance principles and regulatory compliance (cGMP, FDA).
- Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
- Ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives and optimize laboratory performance.
- Proficiency in laboratory software, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.).
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs.
- Comfortable working in a laboratory environment with fluctuating temperatures and handling chemicals and laboratory reagents.
- Ability to handle repetitive tasks with attention to detail and accuracy.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in nutraceutical or dietary supplement manufacturing, especially gummies.
- Certification in laboratory management or quality systems (e.g., ISO, Six Sigma) is a plus.
- Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and other automated lab management tools.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive Salary & Benefits (PTO, etc.)
- Opportunities for Growth & Career Advancement
- Supportive Team Culture & Leadership Development
- Work in a Fast-Paced, Growing Company
How to Apply: Submit your resume via really
We look forward to having you on our team!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Salary-----DOE---Competitive Salary
Expected hours: 40 per week or more as needed.
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- 7 PAID HOLIDAYS
- Performance Bonuses potential
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Ability to Commute:
- Hurricane, UT 84737 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Hurricane, UT 84737: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person