Lab Supervisor

Committed to our Team, Craft & Community, Since 1910

Join the always-growing Team at Ellsworth Creamery as we work with our cooperative of local farmers to create award-winning cheese!

Job Title: Laboratory Supervisor     

Reports To: Quality Assurance Manager 

Status: Exempt/Salary  

Supervises: Intake Operators 

General Description:  The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day supervision and operation of the State Licensed Milk, Food and Water Laboratory. This role oversees all aspects of lab testing, including patron, product, and environmental testing. The Lab Supervisor ensures accurate and timely test results, maintains compliance with regulatory and internal standards, and upholds the integrity of all laboratory records. This position also plays a key role in maintaining laboratory certifications, coordinating lab evaluations, and ensuring adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) programs, and Halal policies. Responsible for overseeing and coordinating weekend laboratory operations, ensuring proper coverage and continuity of testing and documentation.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory standards including but not limited to: Human resources, current Good Manufacturing Practices, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Food and Drug Administration, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, Safe Quality Food, United States Department of Agriculture and Halal.
• Maintain and oversee operations of the WDATCP-licensed Milk, Food, and Water Laboratory, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements and timely renewals. Oversee analyst training and ensure compliance with 2400 forms and individual analyst licensing.
• Oversee the Intake Screening Laboratory, including certification and performance of Appendix N analysts. Supervise the Intake Department, train personnel, and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations (WDATCP, FDA, USDA, HACCP, and SQF).
• Oversee Grade A silo operations and report inventory and usage data to the Finance Department.
• Lead WDATCP Grade A Receiving Station audits and ensure timely follow-up and resolution of any corrective actions.
• Oversee, interpret, and report microbiological and analytical testing of cheese, whey, cream, milk, water, and environmental samples.
• Manage patron milk quality testing and the patron dairy water testing program; download and review daily external lab results for accuracy. Work with field representatives to address and correct issues. 
• Oversee monthly official state patron testing; manage recheck testing and ensure timely submission to the state within regulatory deadlines.
• Verify patron test results each pay period and collaborate with payroll to finalize and lock results for accurate payment.
• Oversee and manage European Union certification status, including preparation and distribution of monthly reports and certificates of conformance. 
• Place product on hold when necessary; complete required documentation and update Hold/Finished Product Quality (FPQ) tracking systems; release product in DSI and generate Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
• Oversee calibration and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Manage lab supply ordering, inventory control, and ensure a clean, sanitary, and GMP-compliant workspace.
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records and documentation.
• Assist with internal audits, third-party inspections, and regulatory agency reviews.
• All other duties as assigned. 

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, food science, or related technical field and 2-5 years of related experience; or 5-10 years of progressively responsible related experience; or a combination of education and experience. 
• Must gain full certification for the following and all appropriate State testing standards within one year:

1. Charm SL Drug Screening and confirmation 
2. Delvotest P 5 Pack screening and Confirmation
3. Petrifilm Plate Loop Count 
4. Petrifilm Aerobic Count
5. Petrifilm Coliform Count 
6. Phosphatase Test-Fluorophos
7. Total Coliform Water Analysis  
8. Certified Industry Supervisor

• Must complete HACCP, PCQI and Internal Auditor training and certification 
• Proficient computer skills and strong written/verbal communication.
• Ability to read and follow directions, interpret scales, and perform basic math.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, organization, and reliability.
• Skilled in interpreting and creating GMPs, SOPs, safety rules, schedules, and technical documentation.
• Capable of writing clear reports, procedures, and correspondence.
• Effective communicator with all levels of staff, auditors, and customers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated with a high level of integrity and accountability.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50+ lbs. repetitively.
• Stand for up to 8 hours per shift.
• Pass a drug & alcohol screen as well as a general background check.

Work Environment / Environment Condition:

• Food plant environment. Must adhere to all food and plant safety policies and regulations.
• Atmosphere may be humid, hot, and is dependent on weather. 

ABOUT ELLSWORTH CREAMERY: At Ellsworth Creamery, our team members are more than employees; you are like family and we want you to succeed. This culture has contributed to the longevity of our staff, whose careers at Ellsworth Creamery span 10, 20 and even 50 years! Our Ellsworth, Wisconsin facility specializes solely in the production of our world-famous All Natural White Cheddar Cheese Curds, both natural and flavored, our All Natural Cheddar Cheese Curd Crumbles and sweet whey powder.

Benefits Package:

• Full Time employees are eligible for benefits on the 1st of the month, following 30 days of employment.
• Medical, Health Savings Account, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital insurances available.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other free resources.
• 401k match, Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay!