Laboratory Supervisor

Position Summary

The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Menomonee Falls, WI laboratory, ensuring accurate and timely testing, maintaining compliance with regulatory and quality standards, and leading laboratory personnel. This role provides technical guidance, manages workflows, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures a safe and efficient laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations

• Supervise daily laboratory activities to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of testing and analyses.
• Monitor laboratory performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure proper operation, maintenance, calibration, and validation of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain adequate laboratory inventory, supplies, and reagents.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Supervise, coach, and mentor laboratory technicians, analysts, and support staff.
• Conduct employee training, performance evaluations, and competency assessments.
• Develop staffing schedules to meet operational requirements.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Quality and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Review laboratory data, test results, and documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with internal and external audits and inspections.
• Investigate non-conformances, deviations, and out-of-specification results.
• Support implementation and maintenance of quality management systems.

Safety Management

• Promote and enforce laboratory safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of laboratory chemicals, biological materials, and hazardous waste.
• Conduct safety inspections and participate in incident investigations.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA and other applicable safety regulations.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory processes, efficiency, and productivity.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Evaluate and deploy new testing methods to meet business needs.
• Participate in equipment selection, process improvement projects, and technology upgrades.
• Analyze trends and recommend operational improvements.

Reporting and Communication

• Prepare reports on laboratory performance, quality metrics, and operational activities.
• Communicate testing priorities, issues, and results to management and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with production, quality, materials management, commercial, customer service and other departments as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Medical Laboratory Science, Environmental Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• 3-5+ years of laboratory experience.
• 1-3 years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory testing methodologies and quality systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Ability to make sound decisions and resolve technical issues.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Manual dexterity required for laboratory procedures and equipment operation.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment with exposure to chemicals, biological materials, and laboratory equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma, ASQ, or related quality certifications.
• Experience with ISO, FDA, WQA, Kosher and BRC standards.
• Experience managing laboratory budgets and capital equipment projects.
• Advanced degree in a scientific field.

Reporting Relationship

Reports To: Regional Quality Control Manager

Brenntag TA Team