Lab Lead

Job Details: Job Location: IL - Elgin, IL, Salary Range: $20.00 - $22.00Hourly, Primary Purpose: The Quality Assurance Laboratory Lead assists in ensuring food safety and quality standards are met. They are responsible for overseeing the product testing performed by the Quality Assurance Lab and the creation and distribution of Certificates of Analysis for outgoing shipments.

Responsibilities:

Quality Programs and Compliance

Ensure compliance of quality requirements in relation to certifications, customer, state and federal standards
Follow Standard Operating Procedures and Good Manufacturing & Laboratory practices, programs and policies
Responsible for the creation and distribution of Certificates of Analysis for outgoing shipments
Data entry, record review and record keeping duties as required per laboratory SOP’s
Oversee the daily testing of product to ensure parameters meet current specifications. Perform routine chemical analysis on raw material and finished product including pH, moisture, salt and fat testing per the current specification as needed.
Assist with product sampling, inspection, testing and other duties required to support the site’s hold and release program
Provide feedback to managers and production team when quality related discrepancies, violations or other issues that occur and need to be resolved
Assist in shelf life study programs by reviewing samples and providing detailed reports
Oversee the laboratory proficiency testing program to ensure understanding and compliance of laboratory and department SOP’s

Audit Support

Support Quality Management during facility visits, audits and inspections
Retrieve documentation and records, track down needed individuals and any other information or people as requested during the audit process

Training and Employee Education

Engage site employees in Good Manufacturing Practices, programs and policies to educate and improve compliance

All other duties as assigned.Qualifications: Education, Qualities and Skills Required:

At least High School graduate or food manufacturing experience preferred
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Self-motivated with ability to work independently
Effective collaboration and influence skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) preferred
Attention to detail; thorough and accurate in work

Supervisory Responsibility:

Lead quality lab team.

Work Environment:

Work environment fluctuates between laboratory setting and food production areas, and a typical office working environment which includes a workstation equipped with a computer and other office supplies necessary for daily tasks.  Typically climate-controlled to provide a comfortable working temperature year-round.  Lighting is usually a mix of natural and artificial sources to ensure sufficient lamination.  Temperatures range from 30°-100°F.  Personal Protective Equipment must be worn in required areas.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time hourly position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday. Expectations of 45 hours per week, to be worked during normal business hours.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements for an office environment typically include:

Must be able to occasionally lift 25-50lbs. 
Sitting: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or workstation.
Typing: Frequent use of hands to type on a keyboard and operate a computer mouse.
Visual Requirements: Extended periods of viewing a computer screen and reading printed or digital documents.
Mobility: Standing and walking required 50% of the work shift.
Manual Dexterity: The ability to handle office equipment, such as phones, printers, and copiers, and to file documents.
Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, clients, and vendors.
Lifting: Must be able to lift up to 25-50 lbs.
Reaching and Bending: Reaching above shoulder height, walking, bending stooping, squatting and twisting may be required.
Hearing: Adequate hearing ability to participate in meetings and teleconferences, including on the production floor. Hearing protection required in all production areas.

These requirements ensure that employees can perform their duties effectively and safely within an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Compensation and Benefits:

The budgeted salary range for this position is $20.00-$22.00.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan with 4.5% employer contribution
Paid time off and holidays
Professional development opportunities
Employee wellness programs

Salary range is based on consideration of required qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority, etc.  Schuman Cheese reserves the right to offer the selected candidate or applicant an hourly rate or salary at an appropriate level to be set and determined by Schuman Cheese that is commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications, experience, education, skill, training, certifications or seniority.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Schuman Cheese does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be held liable for recruiter fees associated with unsolicited resumes.

For remote positions only:

Candidates must reside in one of the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming or Wisconsin. This arrangement ensures that all remote work is conducted from one of these approved locations.

AI Recruiting Notice: Schuman Cheese may use AI-assisted tools to support recruiting activities, including candidate sourcing, job description development, and recruitment communications. AI is used only to assist our recruiting team. All hiring decisions are made by qualified Schuman Cheese employees following human review and evaluation.