Quality Control Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor oversees QC laboratory operations, including raw material, in-process, bulk, stability, and finished product testing, ensuring compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and quality systems. This role leads the QC team, ensures accurate and timely testing, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and maintain a culture of quality and compliance.

• Lead and supervise the QC Chemists, ensuring optimal performance, productivity, and adherence to quality standards and laboratory procedures.
• Oversee all QC laboratory activities, including raw material, in-process, bulk, finished product, and stability testing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with approved methods and established protocols.
• Develop, implement, and maintain QC policies, procedures, specifications, test methods, and work instructions in compliance with cGMP, FDA, ISO, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve laboratory test results, Certificates of Analysis (CoAs), specifications, and other quality documentation to support the timely disposition and release of materials and products.
• Lead laboratory investigations for out-of-specification (OOS), ensuring root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, R&D, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to address quality issues and drive continuous process improvements.
• Oversee method validations, stability program, and laboratory equipment calibration/maintenance programs to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results.
• Ensure all QC staff are adequately trained on laboratory procedures, safety requirements, and Good Documentation Practices.
• Monitor laboratory performance through key performance indicators (KPI), identify opportunities for improvement, and implement initiatives to enhance efficiency, productivity, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Support laboratory resources, including staffing, scheduling, workload prioritization, laboratory supplies, equipment, and budget planning to support business objectives.
• Maintain compliance with current cGMP, FDA, ISO, USP, and other applicable regulatory and industry standards, implementing changes as necessary to ensure continued compliance.
• Prepare, analyze, and present laboratory performance reports, quality metrics, trends, and improvement initiatives to senior leadership.
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits by providing QC data, records, and responses to audit observations.
• Promote a culture of quality, safety, continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence throughout the QC Laboratory.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of QC or analytical laboratory experience in a cGMP-regulated environment, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, FDA, ISO, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Experience in cosmetic, OTC drug, pharmaceutical, or personal care manufacturing preferred.
• Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation (e.g., pH meter, Viscometer, FTIR) and method development/validation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite Office.

• Fully on-site position, 5 days a week (Monday through Friday).
• Ability to stand for extended periods while working in the laboratory.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. when handling laboratory equipment or materials.
• Manual dexterity for operating laboratory instruments and handling samples.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses.

• Competitive compensation package
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• 401K program with matching contributions
• The spirit of a startup with the security of an established, profitable industry leader

$75,000 – $85,000 annually

At Prime, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. Prime is an equal opportunity employer.