Quality Lab Supervisor- Contract Tolling

Description

The Quality Lab Supervisor leads all Quality Control Laboratory activities that support tolling operations and onsite production. This role ensures timely testing, accurate documentation, and strong coordination with manufacturing teams to release batches, support   customer requirements, and maintain compliance across multiple shifts.

Leadership & Team Management

- Supervise Quality Lab Technicians across all shifts supporting tolling and internal production.

- Assign daily testing priorities based on manufacturing schedule, shipping deadlines, and customer expectations.

- Manage staffing, schedules, overtime planning, and timekeeping.

- Train, mentor, and coach lab staff on testing methods, documentation, and safety practices.

- Ensure consistent adherence to standardized work instructions and quality standards.

Tolling-Focused Quality Control

- Ensure all in-process, finished goods, and recertification testing is completed on schedule to support toll-manufactured materials.

- Validate test results, maintain traceability, and escalate nonconformances promptly.

- Generate and release Certificates of Analysis (COAs) per customer requirements.

- Ensure proper label control, green-tagging, and approval processes to prevent release of unapproved materials.

- Coordinate with tolling customers (through Contract Tolling team) on testing specifications and special requirements.

 Operational Support

- Communicate testing status to Production, Production Control, and Shipping to support on-time releases and order fulfillment.

- Provide testing insights to planners to align lab throughput with tolling forecast and batch sequencing.

- Support investigations, troubleshooting, and corrective actions for toll batches and customer complaints.

- Maintain KANBAN inventory system and ensure consumables and reagents are stocked.

- Ensure lab equipment is calibrated, functioning, and used properly.

Safety & Compliance

- Enforce compliance with safety, environmental, and quality procedures specific to chemical and   toll manufacturing.

- Maintain accurate training records for all lab personnel.

- Promote safe behaviors and adherence to PPE requirements.

Requirements

Technical Competencies

- Understanding of toll manufacturing workflows, batch documentation, and traceability.

- Proficiency with chemical testing methods, instrumentation, and lab troubleshooting.

- Ability to interpret product specifications, COA requirements, and customer expectations.

- Familiarity with LIMS or QC databases.

- Knowledge of contamination control and cleaning verification requirements.

Leadership Competencies

- Ability to develop technicians, delegate work, and motivate a multi-shift team.

- Strong decision-making skills for identifying and escalating testing issues.

- Clear and concise communication across production and quality teams.

- Accountability for documentation, traceability, and compliance.

- Continuous improvement mindset to enhance lab processes.

Behavioral Competencies

- High attention to detail

- Strong problem-solving skills

- Calm under production pressure

- Organized and reliable

- Customer-focused mentality

Education & Experience Requirements

- Associate degree in Chemistry or related field preferred.

- 2–3 years of laboratory experience, ideally in tolling, batch manufacturing, or chemical processing.

- Previous supervisory or lead experience preferred.

- Strong computer skills and ability to learn digital lab systems.

- Ability to stand for extended periods.

- Lift up to 50 lbs and push/pull carts up to 1,200 lbs.

- Exposure to chemicals, fumes, moving equipment, vibration, and noise.

- Required PPE: safety glasses and steel-toed footwear.

Safety Responsibilities

Must comply with all Federal, State, and Local, safety and environmental regulations, along with the Company’s   quality, safety, and environmental policies.

The   above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. Such information is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skill required to perform this job.

Sunstar Engineering is an EEO employer.