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Quality Control Lab Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI

Andritz

Quality Control Manager

Neenah, WI · On-site

JOB PROFILE QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER Working location: Neenah, WI General Description Reporting to the Plant Manager, this position is responsible for the quality control inspection, testing and ...

Wells

QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN I

Valders, WI

$18.75 - $24/hr

The Quality Control Technician works closely with production teams to identify issues, ensure ... Strong organizational skills and ability to manage documentation accurately * Self-motivated with ...

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Quality Control Lab Manager information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$29K

$77.4K

$123.2K

How much do quality control lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for quality control lab manager in Appleton, WI is $77,395.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,600.00 and $95,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a quality control lab manager do?

A Quality Control Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a laboratory to ensure that products meet industry and safety standards. They supervise lab staff, develop testing protocols, review test results, and maintain compliance with regulatory guidelines. The manager is also responsible for training employees, troubleshooting equipment, and implementing improvements to lab processes. Their work is crucial in guaranteeing the quality and safety of products before they reach consumers.

What is the difference between Quality Control Lab Manager vs Quality Control Technician?

AspectQuality Control Lab ManagerQuality Control Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in science or related field; often certifications in quality managementAssociate's or bachelor's degree; relevant technical certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, overseeing testing processes and staffLaboratories, performing tests and data collection
ResponsibilitiesSupervising testing activities, managing staff, ensuring complianceConducting tests, recording results, maintaining equipment

The main difference between a Quality Control Lab Manager and a Quality Control Technician lies in their responsibilities and level of oversight. The manager oversees testing operations, manages staff, and ensures quality standards, while the technician performs the actual testing and data collection. Both roles require relevant scientific credentials and work in laboratory environments, but the manager holds a broader supervisory role.

What are some common challenges faced by a quality control lab manager, and how can they be addressed?

Quality Control Lab Managers often face challenges such as ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory standards, maintaining the accuracy and reliability of test results, and managing a diverse team of technicians. To address these issues, managers must stay updated on industry regulations, implement rigorous training programs, and foster open communication within the team. Effective use of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and regular audits can also help maintain high-quality standards and streamline workflows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a quality control lab manager?

To thrive as a Quality Control Lab Manager, you need a solid background in chemistry or biology, experience in laboratory operations, and often a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), analytical instrumentation, and quality standards such as ISO or GMP is typically required. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing teams and ensuring compliance. These skills and qualities are crucial to maintain product quality, regulatory adherence, and efficient laboratory performance.
What are popular job titles related to Quality Control Lab Manager jobs in Appleton, WI? For Quality Control Lab Manager jobs in Appleton, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Quality Control Lab Manager jobs in Appleton, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Quality Control Lab Manager jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Quality Control Lab Manager jobs? Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Quality Control Lab Manager job openings:
Quality Control Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quality Control Lab Manager job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,395 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor

Foremost Farms USA

Appleton, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Foremost Farms rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

100th of 437 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

About Us
Foremost Farms USA is one of the largest, leading dairy cooperatives in the United States and major dairy food and ingredients manufacturing business. We represent hundreds of Midwest dairy farmer members located in seven Midwest states, and we produce about 500 million pounds of cheese and 50 million pounds of butter in plants across our network every year. "We Bring Dairy to Life" in seven manufacturing plants across Wisconsin and Michigan and in our headquarters in Middleton (Madison), Wisconsin; and we're looking for employees who are innovative and aim for excellence in our wide variety of production, field and business roles. Join us!
About This Opportunity
JOB TITLE: Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor
POSITION TYPE: Full time
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Position Overview:
The Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor oversees the day-to-day laboratory operations, including ensuring the accurate and timely testing of raw materials, in-process, and finished products to meet customer and company quality standards. The Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor ensures compliance with good laboratory practices (GLPs), safety and regulatory requirements while lab activities are performed.
Key Accountabilities:
Organizes and directs the laboratory's workflow ensuring the completion of all records, accuracy in tests, and training in new testing equipment and laboratory methods.
  • Oversees test result collection, analysis and reporting of data to appropriate stakeholders.
  • Ensures that all testing is performed in a timely manner and with accuracy to support the product's release.
  • Purchase, organize, and maintain laboratory supplies as needed.
  • Maintain documented lab methods for all testing methods used internally and ensures alignment with corporate lab methods.
  • Coordinates any necessary outside lab testing, reviews internal and third-party lab testing results, analyzes and trends lab data.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, compliance, and service levels.
  • Promote safe laboratory practices and regulatory compliance.
  • Oversee and coordinate activities of the environmental monitoring programs.
  • Acts as a technical resource to address and resolve inquiries and issues regarding production or quality and assists with root cause analysis.
  • Oversee daily laboratory operations and ensures technical competence, valid results, and full compliance with the lab management system.
  • Manages the laboratory equipment calibration program, ensuring all instruments are calibrated at required intervals, traceable to national or international standards, and documented with calibration certificates and records.

Provides supervision under the direction of the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Manager to laboratory technicians.
  • Ensure operational continuity through effective staffing, scheduling, and backup testing capabilities.
  • Lead, coach, and develop laboratory personnel
  • Establish training programs, competency assessment, performance evaluations and succession planning
  • Provides performance feedback to lab technicians regularly including annual performance evaluations and encourages the growth and development of staff via individual development plans.
  • Collaborates with Quality Control Supervisor to ensure adherence to Environmental Monitoring Program, including but not limited to performing sponging and ATP swabbing as well as leading the investigation and root cause analysis exercises for out of spec results.
  • Participates in regulatory, customer, and laboratory audits as needed.

Serve as primary back-up support to the Quality Control Supervisor.
  • Evaluates processes and methods and recommends measures to improve quality, equipment performance, utilization of people, and quality of product.
  • Ensures timely and accurate monitoring and/or verifying of control points and that required documentation is completed. This includes Critical Control Points (CCPs), Preventive Controls (PCs), Critical Quality Points (CQPs), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Food Safety Plans.
  • Performs pre-shipment reviews and release of finished product.
  • Provides support to sanitation and/or production staff to ensure adherence to the master sanitation program(s) (MSS).
  • Performs final review of FSMA and regulatory documents as the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI).
  • Performs internal food safety and quality audits in accordance with the SQF program to ensure compliance with company standards.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 2-5 years' experience in laboratory in a food manufacturing environment with a strong understanding of GLPs and laboratory safety practices.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately and efficiently.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to successfully interact and communicate with internal cross-functional teams, and all organizational levels.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science or related field of study, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience with both microbiological and analytical test methods.
  • General knowledge of GMPs and quality systems associated with food manufacturing, dairy preferred.
  • Demonstrates good judgement in decision-making.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Job Setting: Plant Laboratory
Benefits:
At Foremost Farms, we believe that you and your family matter most. That's why we're proud to offer one of the most comprehensive and competitive benefits packages in the area - designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance - Flexible coverage with options to meet the needs of you and your family
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan - 100% company match on up to 8% of your contributions
  • Generous Paid Time Off - Start with 200 hours of PTO (pro-rated for first year)
  • 10 Paid Holidays - Enjoy time to rest and recharge
  • Paid Parental Leave -6 weeks fully paid
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) - when you elect the high-deductible health plan
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Save for medical and dependent care expenses
  • Life and Disability Insurance - Financial protection for you and your loved ones
  • Daily Pay Option - Access your earnings when you need them
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential support for life's challenges
  • Referral Program - Earn rewards for bringing great people to our team
  • Career Growth Opportunities - Advance your skills and your career with us

Don't meet every single requirement? At Foremost Farms we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled are encouraged to apply.
At Foremost Farms USA, we believe that employee diversity brings strength to our organization. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disabilities, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Successful completion of pre-employment screening is required, which could include a drug test, background check, and other verifications or assessments to be sure you will be able to succeed in your position.
Are you ready to Be Foremost?
Apply today at www.foremostfarms.com

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