Santa Cruz Nutritionals

We believe being healthy should not require tradeoffs. SCN BestCo is a leading innovator, developer and manufacturer of Vitamin, Mineral & Supplement (VMS), Over-the-Counter (OTC) and prebiotics/probiotics in enjoyable forms such as gummies, lozenges and chews. With over 50 years of excellence, our team leads the way in changing how consumers make healthier choices. With unique food science expertise and proprietary processes, we’ve pioneered many firsts. The fire in our belly to create new to the world products has guided and continues to be core to our mission of making health and wellness more enjoyable. Come join us and become a part of our winning formula!

The Quality Control (QC) Laboratory Manager dynamically leads staff and function related to all aspects of laboratory management internally and externally, including raw material, in-progress material, and finished product testing. This position manages skilled laboratory personnel, aligns testing priorities with production goals, drives analytical excellence, collaborates with the other Company sites, ensures compliance to regulatory and company policies and procedures, and implements continuous improvement initiatives.

Estimated starting annual base salary is $126,550.56 - $189,825.85 per year less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi-weekly basis. Please note that the actual compensation offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined by the Company, which may include, but is not limited to, location, experience, qualifications, education, skillset, and market conditions. The target base compensation for this role is in the low to middle of the range, with the top of the range reserved for only exceptional circumstances. In addition, this role is eligible for a discretionary, variable annual incentive, paid based on Company performance factors. SCN BestCo offers a competitive benefits package to eligible full-time employees, which currently includes medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with employer matching contributions, life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more, as well as paid sick leave in accordance with applicable law. Each benefit is subject to eligibility requirements as specified in plan documents, and the Company reserves the right to modify the benefits it offers from time to time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage all laboratory operations by proactively prioritizing and assigning laboratory work.
• Plan, promote, and organize training activities related to quality and reliability to improve laboratory and manufacturing.
• Review and approve documentation related to the technical transfer of new line introductions, customer specification, requirements, memos, and all other laboratory and operations related documents.
• Oversee raw material, in-process material, and final product testing through data results reporting and review.
• Manage laboratory budget and resources effectively.
• Review and approve sample testing activities including leading Laboratory Out of Specification (OOS) investigations and driving OOS reductions.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives for laboratory efficiencies, compliance, and effectiveness.
• Manage vendor relationships for laboratory supplies and services in collaboration with Supplier Quality and Operational Logistics teams.
• Author, review, revise, and maintain laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WI).
• Analyze, track, and report laboratory data and documents and identify opportunities to improve accuracy and precision of testing protocols to support and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Maintain laboratory equipment performance by establishing quality standards; developing operations, quality, and troubleshooting procedures; annual qualification and instrument performance; arranging equipment replacement, service, and repair.
• Participate in internal audits of QC labs and external customer, certification, and regulatory inspections/audits including timely responses, action plans, and resolution to prevent recurrence.

People Leader Responsibilities

This position carries out People Leader responsibilities in accordance with the Company’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include:

• Recommend personnel actions (pay adjustments, promotions, transfers, terminations).
• Conduct performance reviews and manage individual performance.
• Communicate personnel actions following Human Resources (HR) and Department Head approval.
• Ensure safety and quality standards are enforced and met.
• Partner with HR to interview/screen potential new hires.
• Organize training and development opportunities for direct reports.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, chemistry, biology, or related field.
• 8 years’ professional laboratory experience including quality control.
• 5 years’ experience in leadership, supervision and/or management.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs):

• Advanced knowledge of laboratory practices, procedures, and systems.
• Strong understanding of laboratory analytical techniques (HPLC, UPLC, GC, UV-Vis, ICP-MS, others).
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, analytical, planning, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to analyze, troubleshoot, investigate, and document laboratory OOS results and provide resolution.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with internal staff and management. Ability to respond professionally and scientifically to cross-functional partners, customers, regulatory agencies, certifying bodies or members of the business community. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Must be able to demonstrate practical problem solving and trouble shooting skills. Must be able to demonstrate practical problem solving and trouble shooting skills. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph. D. in related field.
• Prior experience with implementation and maintenance of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Manufacturing, Consumer Packaged Goods, ISO, and/or GMP experience in dietary supplement or food manufacturing.
• Knowledge of USP methods and requirements.
• Experience with lean laboratory practices.
• Six Sigma certification.
• Professional certification (CQE, CQA, or similar).

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities