QC Laboratory Supervisor in Brenham, Texas at QuestSpecialty

Position Overview

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The QC Laboratory Supervisor leads daily laboratory operations, coordinates testing and sample receipt, generates Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and manages the Corrective Preventive Action Report (CPAR) process. This hands-on position performs the responsibilities of QC Laboratory Technicians and Senior QC Laboratory Technicians while supervising personnel, laboratory records, and investigations. The supervisor coordinates cross-functional corrective actions and supports reliable product-quality and batch-release decisions

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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Supervise, train, and develop laboratory technicians; manage staffing, testing priorities, workloads, method qualification, and employee performance.

Perform routine and advanced analytical and physical testing, sample preparation, data review, instrument troubleshooting, and investigation work.

Document receipt of samples in QC logs, including the date received, sample source, product and lot identification, requested testing, and sample status.

Coordinate laboratory testing of raw materials, production batches, in-process samples, finished products, retains, and returns; assign testing, set priorities, and track completion against approved methods and specifications.

Generate and issue Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from test results submitted by laboratory technicians after reviewing accuracy, completeness, and conformance to approved specifications.

Review supplier COAs, test results, calculations, and batch records; resolve discrepancies and approve routine laboratory or batch release within assigned authority.

Manage and coordinate CPARs from initiation through investigation, corrective action, effectiveness verification, and closure, including case registration, priorities, assignments, and due dates.

Lead CPAR reviews and coordinate action owners across departments; monitor progress, follow up on overdue commitments, and confirm corrective actions are implemented and effective.

Lead complaint, out-of-specification (OOS), out-of-trend (OOT), and product-failure investigations using retain testing, customer samples, manufacturing records, material traceability, and analytical evidence.

Maintain laboratory capability, instrument readiness, and the assigned QC calibration and verification program, including standards, reagents, equipment service, and technical troubleshooting.

Coordinate outside-laboratory and applicable water testing, including sample submissions, requested analyses, due dates, and result follow-up; maintain retain samples and traceable QC records.

Partner with Operations, R&D, Purchasing, Customer Service, and the Quality Systems Coordinator on supplier investigations, return evaluations, product disposition, and CPAR documentation.

Monitor laboratory performance, CPAR aging, recurring issues, and corrective-action effectiveness; report results and unresolved risks to the Director of Quality.

Conduct laboratory audits and support procedure updates, training, method improvements, and quality-system initiatives while maintaining safe laboratory practices.

Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

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High school diploma or equivalent.

Minimum 7 years of progressive quality laboratory experience in a manufacturing environment, including analytical testing, investigations, and troubleshooting.

Demonstrated experience leading laboratory personnel, managing workloads, training technicians, and reviewing technical data.

Hands-on experience with multiple analytical platforms, such as GC, FTIR, Karl Fischer, pH, wet chemistry, viscosity, or density/specific gravity.

Experience managing CPARs or comparable corrective-action cases, conducting OOS/OOT and root-cause investigations, and coordinating cross-functional follow-through.

Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office; strong technical documentation, organization, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

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College coursework or an associate or bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical technology, or a related scientific field.

Experience in aerosol, chemical, consumer-product, or regulated manufacturing.

Experience with method verification or validation, instrument qualification, chromatography data systems, or laboratory information management systems; formal quality or laboratory training.

Physical Requirement

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This position works at laboratory benches and computer workstations and moves through production and storage areas. Duties involve standing, sitting, walking, and precise handling of samples, glassware, and instruments. Required chemical and pressurized-product safety procedures and protective equipment must be followed, with assistance used for heavier items.