Quality Control Laboratory Lead

Responsibilities

• You understand that manufacturing moves quickly, and you know how to balance urgency with accuracy. When a quality concern needs attention, you speak up, explain your reasoning, and work with others to resolve it.
• Look beyond the obvious.
• Identify patterns, question inconsistencies, and consider potential risks before making decisions.
• Solve problems thoughtfully.
• Combine technical knowledge with creative thinking to improve processes and prevent recurring issues.
• Take ownership.
• Work independently, keep priorities organized, and follow details through without constant direction.
• Communicate with precision.
• Build confidence in the work.
• Set clear expectations, delegate carefully when needed, and verify that results meet requirements.
• Collaborate across teams.
• Build productive working relationships while keeping quality standards at the center of your decisions.

Reporting to the

• Quality Manager / Head of Quality, you’ll support quality-system administration, laboratory readiness, investigations, controlled documentation, and day-to-day QC coordination.
• Maintain accurate, organized SOPs, GMP documentation, audit records, QC logs, and controlled quality documents.
• Support investigations, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and timely communication of batch rejections.
• Partner with R&D on formula changes, recurring adjustments, and out-of-specification results.
• Coordinate laboratory equipment calibration and preventive maintenance, including required records and certificates.
• Coordinate monthly water testing with third-party laboratories.
• Support employee training on GMP, SOPs, operational processes, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain QC/QA supplies, batch folders, bulk product retains, and organized record storage.
• Assign and track form, logbook, change-control, and deviation identifiers.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality processes, strengthen documentation, and reduce manual work through automation.
• Coordinate with Production, R&D, QA, Warehouse, and Operations, providing department coverage as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• One to two years of documentation experience, plus experience in a Quality Control, Quality Assurance, or Production environment.
• Knowledge of manufacturing quality systems, production processes, and compliance practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and clear communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate quality concerns confidently.

Preferred

• Technical writing and regulatory documentation.
• Audit preparation and compliance initiatives.
• CIN7 / CORE and laboratory or quality-management tools.

You’ll thrive here if you

• Share clear findings, provide specific feedback, and explain the reasoning behind your recommendations.
• What You’ll Do—and What You’ll Bring

Work environment

This role works across laboratory, office, production, and warehouse areas, with exposure to chemicals, production materials, and noise. Duties include extended standing, frequent walking, repetitive movements, bending and twisting, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Required PPE and safety procedures must be followed. Weekend availability is needed based on operational demands.

Bring your curiosity. Put your expertise to work. Join Team Merit and help us deliver quality our customers can trust.