Foremost Farms USA is one of the largest, leading dairy cooperatives in the United States and major dairy food and ingredients manufacturing business. We represent hundreds of Midwest dairy farmer members located in seven Midwest states, and we produce about 500 million pounds of cheese and 50 million pounds of butter in plants across our network every year. "We Bring Dairy to Life" in seven manufacturing plants across Wisconsin and Michigan and in our headquarters in Middleton (Madison), Wisconsin; and we’re looking for employees who are innovative and aim for excellence in our wide variety of production, field and business roles. Join us!
Position Overview:
The Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor oversees the day-to-day laboratory operations, including ensuring the accurate and timely testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished products to meet customer and company quality standards. The Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor ensures compliance with good laboratory practices (GLPs), safety and regulatory requirements while lab activities are performed.
Key Accountabilities:
Organizes and directs the laboratory's workflow ensuring the completion of all records, accuracy in tests, and training in new testing equipment and laboratory methods.
Oversees test result collection, analysis and reporting of data to appropriate stakeholders.
Ensures that all testing is performed in a timely manner and with accuracy to support the product's release.
Purchase, organize, and maintain laboratory supplies as needed.
Maintain documented lab methods for all testing methods used internally and ensures alignment with corporate lab methods.
Coordinates any necessary outside lab testing, reviews internal and third-party lab testing results, analyzes and trends lab data.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, compliance, and service levels.
Promote safe laboratory practices and regulatory compliance.
Oversee and coordinate activities of the environmental monitoring programs.
Acts as a technical resource to address and resolve inquiries and issues regarding production or quality and assists with root cause analysis.
Oversee daily laboratory operations and ensures technical competence, valid results, and full compliance with the lab management system.
Manages the laboratory equipment calibration program, ensuring all instruments are calibrated at required intervals, traceable to national or international standards, and documented with calibration certificates and records.
Provides supervision under the direction of the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager to laboratory technicians.
Ensure operational continuity through effective staffing, scheduling, and backup testing capabilities.
Lead, coach, and develop laboratory personnel
Establish training programs, competency assessment, performance evaluations and succession planning
Provides performance feedback to lab technicians regularly including annual performance evaluations and encourages the growth and development of staff via individual development plans.
Collaborates with Quality Control Supervisor to ensure adherence to Environmental Monitoring Program, including but not limited to performing sponging and ATP swabbing as well as leading the investigation and root cause analysis exercises for out of spec results.
Participates in regulatory, customer, and laboratory audits as needed.
Serve as primary back-up support to the Quality Control Supervisor.
Evaluates processes and methods and recommends measures to improve quality, equipment performance, utilization of people, and quality of product.
Ensures timely and accurate monitoring and/or verifying of control points and that required documentation is completed. This includes Critical Control Points (CCPs), Preventive Controls (PCs), Critical Quality Points (CQPs), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Food Safety Plans.
Performs pre-shipment reviews and release of finished product.
Provides support to sanitation and/or production staff to ensure adherence to the master sanitation program(s) (MSS).
Performs final review of FSMA and regulatory documents as the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI).
Performs internal food safety and quality audits in accordance with the SQF program to ensure compliance with company standards.
Minimum Qualifications:
2-5 years' experience in laboratory in a food manufacturing environment with a strong understanding of GLPs and laboratory safety practices.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately and efficiently.
Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to successfully interact and communicate with internal cross-functional teams, and all organizational levels.
Preferred Qualifications:
Associate degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science or related field of study, or equivalent experience.
Experience with both microbiological and analytical test methods.
General knowledge of GMPs and quality systems associated with food manufacturing, dairy preferred.
Demonstrates good judgement in decision-making.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Job Setting: Plant Laboratory
Benefits:
At Foremost Farms, we believe that you and your family matter most. That’s why we’re proud to offer one of the most comprehensive and competitive benefits packages in the area — designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.
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Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Flexible coverage with options to meet the needs of you and your family
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401(k) Retirement Plan – 100% company match on up to 8% of your contributions
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Generous Paid Time Off – Start with 200 hours of PTO (pro-rated for first year)
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10 Paid Holidays – Enjoy time to rest and recharge
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Paid Parental Leave – 6 weeks fully paid
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Health Savings Account (HSA) – when you elect the high-deductible health plan
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Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – Save for medical and dependent care expenses
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Life and Disability Insurance – Financial protection for you and your loved ones
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Daily Pay Option – Access your earnings when you need them
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support for life’s challenges
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Referral Program – Earn rewards for bringing great people to our team
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Career Growth Opportunities – Advance your skills and your career with us
Don’t meet every single requirement? At Foremost Farms we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
