Lab Supervisor

Shank's, a subsidiary of Universal Ingredients, is a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts, other extracts, natural and artificial flavors, food colors, syrups, and sauces. Shank's quality products are widely distributed to industrial, private-label, and grocery customers worldwide.

Universal Ingredients

Universal Ingredients is a global supplier of high-quality, plant-based specialty ingredients for human and pet consumption. With thousands of products and global sourcing capabilities, we provide customized, value-added solutions - including fruit and vegetable juices and concentrates, dehydrated ingredients, botanical extracts, flavors, and beverage systems - for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.


Our advanced production capabilities, including aseptic beverage processing and flexible packaging solutions, enable safe, shelf-stable products with no preservatives. At the heart of our innovation is our Application Capabilities Lab, where food science experts collaborate with customers to develop market-ready solutions through product development, flavor analysis, sensory testing, and commercialization support.


Driven by innovation, sustainability, and partnership, Universal Ingredients helps customers stay ahead of evolving consumer preferences while delivering consistent quality, functionality, and performance across global markets.


Available Immediately Upon Hire: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, ID Theft, 401K, and PTO.

Disclaimer: Shank's Extracts manufactures various products that identify as major food allergens (milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans) as well as several other food ingredients. We cannot guarantee you will not be exposed to skin and/or odor contact with these various ingredients. Your health and safety are our number one priority, and we will do our best to accommodate within reason.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

The primary purpose of this position is to supervise the analytical and microbiological laboratories and laboratory personnel while ensuring accurate, timely testing and reporting of raw materials, work-in-process products, finished products, and environmental samples. This role oversees daily laboratory operations, supports food safety and quality programs, and serves as the technical resource for laboratory testing, method development, equipment maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise analytical and microbiological laboratory technicians.
• Coordinate daily laboratory workload, testing priorities, and staffing assignments.
• Provide training, coaching, performance feedback, and development opportunities for laboratory personnel.
• Conduct performance evaluations and participate in hiring, disciplinary actions, and employee development.
• Lead daily laboratory meetings and communicate results, priorities, and issues.
• Perform and oversee analytical and microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process materials, finished goods, environmental samples, water samples, and air samples.
• Review and approve laboratory results and maintain testing records.
• Develop, verify, validate, and improve laboratory methods.
• Conduct statistical analysis, trend analysis, shelf-life studies, and stability studies.
• Investigate quality concerns, customer complaints, out-of-specification results, and foreign material findings.
• Provide technical support for Root Cause Analyses and Corrective Actions.
• Manage calibration, preventive maintenance, and repair of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain laboratory SOPs, testing methods, specifications, and documentation.
• Administer the Chemical Hygiene Plan and laboratory safety programs.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with GMPs, SQF requirements, food safety programs, and internal procedures.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits as needed.
• Assist Regulatory with technical documentation and customer requests.
• Support R&D with new product development, validation studies, and troubleshooting.
• Participate in food safety inspections and continuous improvement projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

ESSENTIAL/SKILLS NEEDED:

• Able to perform a wide variety of laboratory tests on raw materials, finished products, or chemicals.
• Able to make observations, analyze data, and interpret results.
• Able to produce technical reports, summaries, and protocols.
• Familiar with performing all laboratory procedures
• Knowledge operating lab equipment.
• Able to work alone.
• Detail-oriented and able to maintain records of tests.
• Good verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with others.
• Familiar with food safety and specifically SQF.
• HPLC and GC work experience with pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or food products.
• Familiar with FCC, USP, and AOAC Methodology
• English comprehension including speaking, reading, and writing is required for our business's necessity to ensure a safe and effective work environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, or related scientific field.
• 5-10 years of laboratory experience in food, flavor, ingredient, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or related manufacturing industries.
• Minimum 2-5 years of laboratory supervisory experience.
• Experience with chromatographic instrumentation (HPLC, GC/FID, GC/MS).
• Experience with food safety and quality systems, including SQF and GMP requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasionally exposed to odor and fumes.
• Must have average vision, use of arms, and hands to see lab instruments and to operate equipment, must be able to hear and speak to communicate with co-workers and some customers.
• Exposure to food allergens such as, but not limited to, milk eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans will occur.

Conduct, Quality, Integrity, and Culture

Conduct: We will conduct every aspect of our business with honesty, integrity, and openness, respecting human rights and the interests of our employees, customers, and third parties

Quality: Shank's is committed to food safety and product quality. We employ extensive food safety programs and controls at all levels. Our quality standards and food safety procedures are thoroughly being evaluated internally and externally. We continuously strive to improve our performance.

Integrity: Shank's and its employees will not offer, give, seek or receive, either directly or indirectly, improper inducements for business or financial gain. Where information is confidential, that confidentiality must be protected.

Culture: Shank's respects the cultural values of our employees, contractors, and customers. We also promote a balanced work-life environment. We recognize and celebrate our employees for their hard work and the contributions they make to our company.

Shanks Core Values:

ASPIRATION: Share a vision for achievement


ACCOUNTABILITY: Support company reputation


ADAPTABILITY: Evolve to meet business needs

***Competitive compensation and benefits package***

Shank's Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients - Shank's is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer.