Food Safety & Quality Laboratory Manager

Job Title: Food Safety & Quality Laboratory Manager

Department: Quality

Reports to: Director of Quality

Position Summary

At Ingomar Packaging we promote a Quality First mindset in everything we do. The FSQ (Food Safety & Quality) Laboratory Manager oversees all analytical and microbiological testing activities ensuring the safety quality and regulatory compliance of our tomato products. This role oversees daily lab operations personnel and testing programs to maintain Ingomars high standards in food safety sanitation and product reliability.

This position collaborates closely with Quality Assurance Production Sanitation Engineering and external auditors to support continuous improvement and uphold Ingomars commitment to producing safe high-quality food.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise mentor and develop laboratory personnel including microbiology techs analysts and seasonal lab staff.
• Manage scheduling training and performance feedback for 24/7 laboratory support.
• Maintain a culture of safety accountability and Quality First decisionmaking.
• Ensure all lab staff maintain up-to-date training on testing methods aseptic technique GMPs and documentation.

2. Laboratory Operations Management

• Oversee daily microbiological analytical environmental and in-process testing.
• Ensure adherence to control plans sampling programs testing protocols and release requirements.
• Manage finished product raw material semi-finished and packaging testing to support product disposition decisions.
• Maintain laboratory workflow organization cleanliness and contaminationcontrol practices.
• Ensure all laboratory equipment is calibrated maintained and functioning according to specifications.
• Support new product trials process validations and commercialization activities.

3. Food Safety Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Lead the labs compliance with GMPs HACCP FDA and GFSI/SQF standards.
• Oversee Pathogen Environmental Monitoring (PEM) sampling response and communication.
• Support internal and external audits regulatory inspections and customer visits.
• Manage deviations out-of-specification (OOS) results root cause investigations and CAPAs.
• Ensure proper documentation data integrity and recordkeeping for all testing.
• Maintain and revise SOPs laboratory methods and work instructions.
• Ensure compliance not only with GFSI/SQF and HACCP programs but also with Kagome Groups global food safety standards and relevant regional regulations (Japan US EU Asia)

4. Data Management & Reporting

• Review verify and approve all lab results.
• Analyze and trend data; generate daily weekly and monthly reporting.
• Communicate critical information to QA Production Sanitation and leadership.
• Identify opportunities for digitization automation and improved data accuracy.

5. Continuous Improvement & CrossFunctional Support

• Drive continuous improvement in laboratory processes systems and methods.
• Participate in site initiatives such as Lean Safety and Quality improvement projects.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders including suppliers validation teams and contract labs.
• Support crisis management teams in cases involving food safety or contamination events.
• Lead cross-functional and cross-regional collaboration with Kagome Group plants and QA teams to ensure alignment of testing methodologies specifications and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree in microbiology Chemistry Biology Food Science or related scientific field.
• 37 years of experience in laboratory testing in food manufacturing.
• 4 years of leadership experience in a quality or laboratory environment preferred.
• Experience with GFSI/SQF HACCP or audit programs strongly preferred.
• Ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation including weekends as needed.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of microbiological and analytical testing methods.
• Knowledge of food safety standards GMPs HACCP and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent communication organization and technical writing skills.
• Ability to analyze complex information and make sound quality decisions.
• Proficient in laboratory and manufacturing systems Microsoft Office.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and adapt to changing demands.
• Detail-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.

Physical & Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a laboratory and food manufacturing environment.
• Frequent standing walking bending; occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to wet/humid conditions chemicals equipment noise and moving machinery.
• Requires use of PPE and adherence to food safety and laboratory safety protocols.

Overall Expectations

The FSQ Laboratory Manager ensures that every test record and decision supports Ingomars commitment to delivering the safest and highestquality tomato products. This role must maintain uncompromising standards lead by example and support a culture where quality is first.

This job description may be updated as operational or regulatory needs evolvewithout changing Ingomars unwavering dedication to quality safety and integrity.

What we offer:

• Paid Holidays
• Health vision dental FSA and life insurance benefit plans
• 401k
• Paid Vacation and Sick time

Job Type: Full-time -Exempt

Salary: $105K - $115K/per year (Depends on Experience)