Laboratory Supervisor - Sartori Company : Job Details

SUMMARY The Lab Supervisor provides daily leadership and support to the laboratory team, fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment. As the primary point of contact for lab operations, the Lab Supervisor is responsible for setting clear expectations, promoting accountability, and ensuring alignment with departmental goals and quality standards. This role plays a key part in guiding the team to meet testing objectives through effective communication, technical oversight, and a commitment to continuous improvement. In addition to leadership responsibilities, the Lab Supervisor also performs routine laboratory testing on finished food products, raw materials, and environmental samples, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory and internal standards. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Fosters a collaborative and high-performing team culture by cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and accountable work environment. Models Sartori's Values in Action and promotes continuous improvement across all lab activities.
• Provides day-to-day leadership, coaching, and support to laboratory team members. Sets clear expectations, assigns and adjusts daily tasks, and ensures efficient workflow to meet departmental goals.
• Leads the onboarding and training of new team members, ensuring alignment with current procedures, policies, and quality standards. Provides ongoing coaching as processes evolve.
• Conducts regular performance check-ins, monitors individual and team performance, and collaborates with the Laboratory Programs Manager to develop and track performance goals that support departmental objectives.
• Maintains effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, addressing questions, concerns, and quality issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Oversees lab scheduling, including managing time-off requests, call-ins, and off-shift work, to ensure adequate coverage and operational efficiency.
• Manages laboratory testing operations, ensuring the safe and accurate analysis of finished products, raw materials, and environmental samples, in compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Supports and leads internal and external audits, including regulatory, customer, and third-party inspections. Prepares documentation, participates in facility inspections, and ensures lab readiness at all times.
• Monitors inventory of laboratory supplies and equipment; places orders as needed and ensures calibration and maintenance of all testing instruments.
• Analyzes test results, identifies deviations from specifications, and provides recommendations to relevant departments to support decision-making and product quality.
• Prepares and submits performance data and laboratory reports to the Laboratory Programs Manager, supporting operational transparency and strategic planning.
• Drives a culture of safety and sanitation, ensuring compliance with all company policies including HACCP, GLP, GSFI, and GMP standards. Immediately reports food safety or quality concerns to authorized personnel.
• Leads and contributes to lab-related projects and technical support activities, managing time and resources effectively to support continuous improvement and innovation.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and regulations; leads implementation of procedural updates as needed.
• Serves as a backup to the Laboratory Manager, ensuring food safety responsibilities are upheld in their absence.

DIRECT REPORTS This position is responsible for leading a small team of Laboratory Technicians. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or equivalent, is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of related quality experience in a food facility is required.
• Experience in a dairy facility is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of previous laboratory experience is required.
• Experience in leadership of laboratory professionals or work history showing leadership development progression is preferred.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Alignment with Company Values: Consistently demonstrates Sartori's core values of family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility in all interactions and decisions.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to change, remaining flexible and resilient in dynamic laboratories and production environments.
• Analytical Thinking: Applies strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret test data, identify trends, and resolve quality or performance issues efficiently.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains a high level of accuracy and precision when performing lab tests, recording results, and monitoring quality control procedures.
• Change Leadership: Embraces and leads change by effectively guiding team members through updates to policies, procedures, and testing methodologies.
• Effective Communication: Communicates clearly and respectfully across all levels of the organization. Provides accurate, concise, and timely information in both written and verbal formats.
• Leadership & Team Development: Demonstrates strong leadership skills by motivating and coaching team members to develop their technical expertise and adopt best practices.
• Regulatory & Technical Knowledge: Understands and applies Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) as well as relevant regulatory standards such as ISO, AOAC, and SMEDP for microbiological and chemical testing of food products.
• Quality & Safety Compliance: Maintains a strong working knowledge of governmental regulations related to laboratory safety, quality assurance, and food safety protocols.
• Mathematical Competence: Utilizes intermediate math skills to accurately complete calculations involving measurements, unit conversions, and quantitative test data.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and laboratory information systems. Experience with ERP systems such as JD Edwards is preferred.
• Time Management & Prioritization: Efficiently organizes workload to meet multiple deadlines and adjusts priorities as needed to support team and business objectives.
• Self-Motivation: Operates independently with a strong sense of initiative and accountability, consistently following through on responsibilities without constant supervision.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Builds strong working relationships across departments and actively supports team members in achieving shared laboratory and organizational goals.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Obtain WDATCP Milk and Cream Testers license within 12 months of hire.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WORK LOCATION: This is an onsite position located at our Joes Lab facility located in Plymouth, WI. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS This position may require travel between different facilities in Plymouth, WI. A valid driver's license and auto insurance in required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to reach with hands or arms, taste, or smell. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member may be exposed to hazardous substances as outlined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member may be required to work with computers and laboratory instrumentation (i.e., Foss Food Scan, pH meters, balances, etc.) PPE'S REQUIRED Personal protective equipment that is required when working with hazardous materials or loud equipment includes: safety goggles, rubber or latex gloves, lab coat and hearing protection. Other recommended PPE includes: face shield, chemical resistant apron, and steel toe shoes. See Chemical Hygiene Plan for details. Plant 12 Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.