Analytical Laboratory Supervisor

Department: Lab

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Summerville, SC

Description

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise the daily operations of the Analytical Laboratory, ensuring testing activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established priorities and quality standards.
• Lead, coach, and develop laboratory personnel by providing ongoing training in analytical methods, laboratory procedures, GLP, cGMP, safety requirements, and applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Oversee laboratory workflows, including routine testing, stability studies, retained samples, documentation, and workload management to support manufacturing and business objectives.
• Review analytical data, laboratory documentation, specifications, validation protocols, stability protocols, investigation reports, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead investigations of Out-of-Specification (OOS) and atypical laboratory results, partnering with cross-functional teams to perform root cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence.
• Partner with the QC Data team to resolve testing issues, ensure laboratory data integrity, and maintain compliant laboratory documentation.
• Oversee routine maintenance, calibration, and qualification activities for laboratory instrumentation and supporting software.
• Maintain the Analytical Laboratory in an inspection-ready state by ensuring compliance with GLP, cGMP, ISO 17025, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support the Quality Control Laboratory Manager in maintaining the laboratory Quality Management System (QMS), participating in management reviews, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure laboratory personnel understand their responsibilities while fostering a culture of quality, safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of laboratory standards, reagents, consumables, and supplies to support uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Ensure laboratory activities are performed with a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and compliance with laboratory procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory processes, analytical methods, and operational efficiency through innovation and continuous improvement.
• Conduct formal and informal performance discussions, provide ongoing coaching, and support employee growth and development.
• Collaborate effectively with Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, Product Development, and other cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives.

WHAT YOU NEED

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline required, including a minimum of 12 credit hours in college-level chemistry.
• Experience in an analytical laboratory within a cGMP-regulated environment.
• Hands-on experience with at least two of the following analytical techniques:
  • High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
  • Gas Chromatography (GC)
  • Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectroscopy
  • Near Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience in an analytical laboratory is preferred.
• Experience supporting laboratory investigations, method validation, stability testing, and quality systems is preferred.

• Strong knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), ISO 17025, and laboratory quality systems.
• Experience reviewing analytical data, laboratory documentation, validation protocols, stability studies, specifications, and investigation reports.
• Working knowledge of Out-of-Specification (OOS) investigations, root cause analysis, data integrity principles, and laboratory documentation requirements.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and qualification activities.
• Ability to interpret scientific data, technical documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and regulatory requirements to support sound technical decision-making.

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to supervise, coach, mentor, and develop high-performing laboratory teams.
• Experience managing laboratory workloads, prioritizing testing activities, and delegating assignments to meet business objectives and turnaround times.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience leading investigations, identifying root causes, and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, improve laboratory processes, and drive operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with laboratory staff, cross-functional partners, executive leadership, and regulatory auditors.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining compliance and laboratory efficiency.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to build strong partnerships across Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, and Product Development.
• High attention to detail with an unwavering commitment to laboratory quality, data integrity, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and making timely, risk-based decisions.

• Ability to safely work with ingredients and products derived from common allergens, including nuts, soy, dairy, fish, and shellfish.
• Ability to work safely around laboratory chemicals, including acids, solvents, fumes, and airborne particulates while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including laboratory coats, safety glasses, and gloves.
• Ability to operate analytical laboratory instrumentation and equipment safely and accurately.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position and move throughout laboratory and manufacturing environments during scheduled shifts.
• Ability to occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, climb a stepladder, and perform routine laboratory activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, read technical documentation and small print, and work in a low- to moderate-noise laboratory environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 30 pounds.

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Lead by example, promoting Thorne's mission, values, and commitment to quality, safety, and operational excellence.
• Coach and develop team members through regular feedback, mentoring, and performance management while building a high-performing, engaged laboratory team.
• Communicate openly and effectively, encouraging collaboration, transparency, and sound decision-making across cross-functional teams.
• Drive results by setting clear expectations, holding teams accountable, and continuously seeking opportunities to improve laboratory performance and customer outcomes.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive compensation
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
• Company- paid life insurance
• 401k plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%
• Gym membership reimbursement
• Monthly allowance of Thorne supplements
• Paid time off, volunteer time off and holiday leave
• Training, professional development, and career growth opportunities