What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Manager position at Innovative Labs?
About Innovative Labs
We are a leading maker of liquid dietary supplements, known for our innovation, strong R&D, and focus on quality. With our in-house team, we create custom liquid products for top wellness, nutraceutical, and food brands.
At Innovative Labs, we believe in teamwork and creativity. For over 15 years, we’ve helped brands bring new ideas to life with high-quality liquids, gels, purees, pastes, oils, and emulsions. Our modern facilities and dedicated team work together to make products that matter.
Here, you’ll grow, learn, and be part of a team that’s always improving and moving forward.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Your Work Matters: Support the Brands People Use Every Day
- Collaborate & Create: Join a team that values fresh ideas, open communication, and teamwork
- Grow Your Career: We encourage curiosity, learning, and stepping up to new challenges
- Supportive Culture: Thrive in a workplace that values your contributions and well-being
About the Job
The Laboratory Manager leads and oversees daily laboratory operations, performing and supervising a range of analytical and microbiological testing, including microbial enumeration, HPLC, ICP-MS, FTIR, pH, Brix, viscosity, water activity, specific gravity, and equipment calibration. This role serves as a technical expert in both microbial and chemical testing methodologies and is responsible for maintaining accurate laboratory procedures, ensuring timely testing, and monitoring testing performance. The Laboratory Manager also supports continuous improvement initiatives, promotes a safe work environment, and fosters high team productivity and quality standards.
What You’ll Do
- Review, implement, and perform laboratory testing, which includes microbial, heavy metals, ICP, GC, potency and assay, brix pH, viscosity, identity, density, etc. for raw materials, in process materials and finished products
- Manage LIM System data, worksheets, and sample management/reporting
- Responsible for all required laboratory procedures and documentation
- Responsible for laboratory equipment and all other laboratory calibrations
- Manage lab employee functions and performance
- Perform analytical method verification and implementation
- Perform and approves contract laboratory audits
- Ensure sample receiving procedures and chain of custody
- Ensure laboratory personnel are adequately trained
- Ensure communications procedures are followed for in process and completed testing
- Track communication timeliness (including turn-around times for testing results)
- Perform OOS investigations. Ensure record-keeping practices are compliant with regulations
- Ensure compliance with customer-specific directions &/or requirements for testing
- Assist in managing finished product & raw material retain program
- Supervise hazardous lab material disposal
- Arrange purchase of consumable lab materials
- Other related duties as assigned
Experience & Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Science
- 5 years related laboratory experience
What Makes You a Great Fit
- Strong working knowledge of cGMPs, GLPs, and FDA regulations
- Proficient in analytical and microbial testing methods
- Advanced computer skills and familiarity with laboratory software
- Committed to maintaining a safe work environment
- Experience in planning, including preparing monthly action plans and staffing needs
- Ability to set, monitor, and achieve performance goals
- Proven track record of cost reduction, productivity improvement, and fostering a positive team environment
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; effective team builder.
Physical Demands
Involves sedentary work: Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
Involves a variety of physical activities including: Movement, manual dexterity, communication, listening, repetitive motions
Work Environment
The performance of this position may occasionally require exposure to the manufacturing areas were under certain areas require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection. For the most part ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment. Chemical exposure is part of the job.