Quality Control Manager

Quality Control Manager
Operations | Onsite

About Our Client
Our client is a science-driven organization operating in the specialty chemicals space, focused on developing and manufacturing high-performance products used across a range of commercial applications. Quality, innovation, and continuous improvement are central to how they operate, and they take a collaborative, cross-functional approach across R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams.

About the Role
The Quality Control Manager plays a critical leadership role within Operations, overseeing the day-to-day technical and people management of the Quality Control Laboratory. This individual partners closely with R&D, Analytical, Supply Chain, Sales, and Marketing to strengthen quality systems, standardize QC processes, and ensure product integrity across raw materials, in-process testing, and finished goods.
This role blends hands-on technical expertise with people leadership and systems thinking. The ideal candidate is comfortable rolling up their sleeves in the lab while also driving process improvements, compliance, and long-term quality strategy in a GMP environment.

What You’ll Be Responsible For
QC Lab Leadership & Team Development

• Lead the daily operations of the Quality Control Laboratory, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant execution.
• Coach, mentor, and develop QC team members; build a strong, engaged, and high-performing lab team.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and ongoing skills development.
• Act as a management representative and collaborate with cross-functional leaders as needed.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve quality systems, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, GMP, and other applicable quality and laboratory standards.
• Lead internal audits, support external audits, and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Own laboratory documentation, test methods, and procedures — creating, updating, and enforcing compliance.

Testing, Investigation & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products using appropriate statistical methods, sampling plans, and release criteria.
• Lead investigations into deviations, out-of-spec results, and nonconformances; identify root causes and implement preventive solutions.
• Ensure timely and accurate Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for customers.
• Drive method development, validation, and improvement to support evolving product and process needs.

Cross-Functional & External Collaboration

• Serve as the primary QC point of contact for Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Sales, Marketing, and external customers.
• Partner with manufacturing and contract manufacturing partners to ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Manage relationships with external laboratories and vendors to stay current on analytical technologies and best practices.
• Develop and deliver clear, data-driven quality reports to internal stakeholders.

Lab Operations & Safety

• Own lab safety, health, and environmental standards.
• Ensure laboratory equipment and workspaces are properly maintained and fit for purpose.
• Support capacity planning, resource utilization, and equipment strategy for the QC lab.

What We’re Looking For
Experience & Education

• Advanced degree in Chemical Science or a related field.
• 7+ years of laboratory experience, including 3+ years in a people-leadership or supervisory role.
• 5+ years of quality control and analytical chemistry experience within a GMP manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in method development and validation.
• Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, and FTIR.
• Experience working with external testing labs and contract manufacturing partners strongly preferred.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent DMAIC/process excellence experience.

Skills & Capabilities

• Deep understanding of ISO 9001 and quality system design.
• Strong analytical, statistical, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Clear, confident written and verbal communicator.
• Ability to balance technical depth with operational and people leadership.
• Experience with LIMS, Dynamics, SAP, or similar systems is a plus.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Role is based in a combination of office and laboratory/manufacturing environments.
• Requires extended periods of computer work, along with time in lab and plant settings.
• Must be able to lift up to 55 pounds and perform occasional squatting or kneeling.