QC Laboratory Manager

Our client, a leading full-service personal care and cosmetic contract manufacturer, is looking for a skilled QC Laboratory Manager to join their team in Fullerton, CA.

Job type: Full-time

Location: Orange County, CA

Salary: $110K - $130K DOE

Job Summary

The Quality Control Lab Manager leads Microbiology and Analytical laboratory operations to ensure raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, and stability/compatibility samples meet established specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. This role provides technical and people leadership, oversees laboratory performance and resources, leads quality investigations, and drives continuous improvement.

The position works closely with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Product Compliance, Warehouse, and other cross-functional teams to support compliance, product quality, new product development, technology transfers, and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily Analytical and Microbiology Quality Control laboratory operations.
• Provide leadership, coaching, training, and technical direction to Quality Control team members.
• Oversee raw material, in-process, finished goods, stability, and compatibility testing.
• Maintain product specifications, SOPs, master documents, and laboratory documentation.
• Ensure compliance with cGMPs, company policies, safety requirements, SOPs, and applicable regulations.
• Lead investigations related to OOS results, non-conformances, customer complaints, and CAPAs.
• Monitor quality metrics, KPIs, and trends to support strategic decisions and identify improvement opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize laboratory processes, efficiency, and resource utilization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve quality issues and support business initiatives.
• Support new product development, technology transfers, and manufacturing scale-up from a Quality Control perspective.
• Ensure batch records and laboratory documentation are reviewed and completed accurately.
• Manage laboratory equipment, supplies, maintenance, and related expenditures.
• Develop team capabilities through hiring, training, coaching, and performance management.
• Support capital projects and initiatives that improve laboratory and manufacturing capabilities.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific field.
• 5+ years of experience in a regulated manufacturing environment or 2+ years of supervisory experience in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing and developing Analytical and Microbiology laboratory teams.
• Strong knowledge of GMP requirements and regulatory guidance related to Quality Control and product release.
• Experience with personal care, cosmetics, OTC, pharmaceutical, or similar regulated products preferred.
• Knowledge of FDA 21 CFR Parts 210/211 and/or ISO 22716 preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems; RedZone experience is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, develop, and motivate teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong cross-functional communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to analyze quality data, metrics, and trends and translate findings into actionable improvements.
• Fluency in English required; technical Spanish is a strong plus.
• Must be able to work onsite/in person.

This job description lists all desired skills, but not all are required. We strongly encourage candidates who meet some of the qualifications to apply. We look forward to having a conversation and learning more about you!