Lab Supervisor

The Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for overseeing day-to-day lab operations, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards, and managing team performance. This role plays a key part in identifying and addressing nonconformances, mentoring and training staff, driving process improvements, and fostering a professional and efficient work environment.

This position is part of Marzetti, a leading manufacturer of salad dressings, dips, frozen baked goods, and specialty food products for retail and foodservice customers across North America. As part of The Marzetti Company of brands, we are committed to safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement in everything we do. The Microbiology Lab Supervisor will contribute to our mission of delivering great-tasting, high-quality foods while upholding our core values of integrity, respect, accountability, and collaboration.

• Lead the Microbiology Lab team by modeling company values and promoting a culture aligned with corporate standards and vision
• Ensure lab operations meet quality and efficiency standards through Good Laboratory Practices.
• Oversee the cleaning, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory equipment to ensure reliability and accuracy
• Maintain accurate, organized records of daily work and quality control results.
• Stay current with scientific developments through journals and workshops.
• Manage lab scheduling and ensure adequate staffing and performance.
• Fosters a collaborative and professional team environment that promotes high morale, employee engagement, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance all regulatory, company, and accreditation requirements.
• Demonstrate ethical decision-making and uphold company standards in all business practices
• Troubleshoot equipment and procedural issues; perform minor repairs as needed.
• Investigate non-conformances, implement corrective actions, and verify resolution.
• Review, revise, and ensure adherence to Food Safety, Quality, and Lab procedures.
• Evaluate test data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with SOPs and validated methods
• Conduct basic statistical analyses to monitor and assess data quality
• Collaborates closely with the Senior Manager, Food Safety & Microbiology to support departmental goals and ensure continuity of operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field
• Minimum of 3–5 years of supervisory experience in a laboratory or related setting
• Demonstrated ability to organize and lead laboratory personnel in alignment with corporate goals, while designing and scheduling workflows that maximize productivity, ensure client satisfaction, and maintain operational efficiency
• Strong leadership, initiative, and team-building skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Experience leading spoilage investigations and root cause analysis
• Familiarity with microbial study design and execution, including NACMCF Pack/Challenge Study Protocols and spoilage microorganism challenge studies
• Proficiency in laboratory procedures, data analysis, mathematics, computer applications, and technical/business writing
• Hands-on experience with PCR, ELISA, and cultural confirmation of common foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Listeria spp., and E. coli O157:H7
• Strong scientific, computer, and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new techniques, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintain accurate, detailed records
• Committed to following instructions, upholding company policies, and contributing to a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement

• Builds Effective Teams
• Plans & Aligns
• Cultivates Innovation
• Optimizes Work Processes
• Drives Results
• Communicates Effectively