Laboratory Manager Reidsville, NC

Company Background: Farmina is nature and science in perfect harmony. Our mission is to develop the best all-natural, nutritious, and scientifically validated food that dogs and cats will love. Farmina is an innovative Pet Nutrition Company focusing on servicing dog and cat pet parents to make the best personalized nutritional decisions for their pet's well-being while providing life changing solutions along the way. We at Farmina firmly believe in our company motto: Happy pet. Happy you. Position Purpose As the Lab Manager at our Reidsville, NC pet food manufacturing facility, you will play a key role in safeguarding the microbiological and chemical integrity of our products. This is a hands-on leadership role , responsible for overseeing laboratory operations, conducting microbiological testing, implementing sanitation verification programs, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will bring extensive scientific and operational expertise in food or pet food microbiology, and will lead efforts in maintaining a safe and accurate laboratory environment while supporting the plant's quality goals. Requirements Education and Training Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, or related field is required. Master's degree or higher in Microbiology or a closely related discipline preferred. Ongoing certifications in laboratory safety, food safety, or quality systems (e.g., HACCP, SQF, ISO 17025) are desirable. Experience Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a food or pet food microbiology laboratory. At least 2 years of leadership experience managing lab personnel and lab operations in a regulated manufacturing environment. Hands-on experience with microbiological and chemical testing procedures, environmental monitoring, sanitation validation, and allergen testing. Experience working in compliance with FDA, USDA, AAFCO, and cGMP regulations applicable to food or pet food production. Technical Skills Proficiency in microbiological plating, PCR, rapid pathogen detection, and shelf-life analysis. Familiarity with lab instrumentation (e.g., autoclaves, incubators, spectrophotometers, pH meters). Strong data analysis and documentation skills using LIMS or equivalent systems. Capable of training staff and enforcing laboratory SOPs, safety protocols, and quality standards. Leadership & Communication Proven ability to lead a small team of lab technicians in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. Demonstrated collaboration with cross-functional departments including Quality Assurance, R D, and Production. Excellent organizational and documentation skills; detail-oriented with strong problem-solving capabilities. Ability to establish collaborative working environment with our outside partners. Key Responsibilities Laboratory Operations Oversee daily laboratory testing of raw materials, in-process products, environmental samples, and finished goods to ensure conformance to microbiological and quality standards. Maintain and calibrate all lab equipment and instrumentation to ensure accuracy and compliance. Be the primary contact for external testing labs/facilities. Microbiological Testing & Compliance Implement and oversee the plant's microbiological testing program, including pathogen monitoring, hygiene validation, and product shelf-life studies. Ensure full compliance with FDA, USDA, and AAFCO microbiological standards for pet food. Lab Team Management Recruit, train, and supervise laboratory technicians; evaluate performance and provide coaching and development opportunities. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, scientific excellence, and regulatory adherence. Data Integrity & Reporting Maintain robust data documentation systems; analyze and report testing results to key stakeholders. Assist in root cause analysis and corrective action development related to microbial deviations or quality complaints. Cross-functional Collaboration Partner closely with Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Sanitation, and Production teams to support plant-wide quality and safety initiatives. Contribute microbiological expertise to new product development and process changes. Regulatory Readiness Lead internal lab audits and prepare the facility for third-party inspections or regulatory audits related to microbiological controls. Stay current on emerging technologies and regulatory updates in food microbiology. Benefits: Empower 401k Hartford Company Paid AD&D Hartford Voluntary AD&D Hartford Voluntary Long-term Disability Insurance Harford Voluntary Child Life Hartford Short-term Disability Insurance Colonial Life Critical Illness Colonial Life Term Life Colonial Life Whole Life Health FSA Dependent Care FSA Colonial Medical Bridge Colonial Accident Harford Voluntary Life Dependents Hartford Voluntary AD&D Dependents Hospital Indemnity NYC Commuter Benefits Employee Pet Food Discounts Paid Maternity Time Off Paid Paternity Time Off Paid Adoption Time Off Pet Wellness Insurance Pet Accident and Illness Insurance This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described , and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer. Farmina is An Equal Opportunity Employer