FSQ Microbiology Lab Manager

Company DescriptionAt Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands—Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, Golden Island, BiFi, and Peperami and KOOEE! to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.Job DescriptionPosition SummaryThe Microbiology Lab Manager is responsible for leading the facility’s microbiological testing, environmental monitoring, and pathogen control programs to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance.This role is critical in protecting Ready-to-Eat (RTE) products by proactively identifying and controlling biological risks, including pathogens such as Listeria spp., Salmonella, and other environmental contaminants.This role serves as the technical expert on biological contamination risk, providing actionable insights to prevent contamination events and strengthen sanitation and zoning effectiveness.Key ResponsibilitiesEnvironmental Monitoring Program (EMP) OwnershipDesign and manage EMP across:Zones 1–4Determine:Sampling locationsFrequencyExpansion strategies after positivesFocus on:Listeria spp.Indicator organismsMicrobiological Testing & Lab OperationsOversee:Product testingEnvironmental swabbingWater testingEnsure:Lab accuracy and reliabilityEquipment calibration and validationMaintain proper documentation and compliancePathogen Detection & Control StrategyIdentify:Harborage pointsRecurring contamination areasProvide recommendations to:SanitationFSQOperationsData Analysis & Risk IdentificationAnalyze micro data trendsIdentify:HotspotsRecurring risksProvide actionable insights—not just reportsResponse to Environmental PositivesLead structured response to:Listeria positivesEnsure:Root cause analysisDeep cleaning and validationExpanded samplingSanitation Validation SupportValidate effectiveness through:Swab dataATP trendsIdentify weaknesses in sanitation executionCross-Functional LeadershipPartner with:FSQ RTE Manager contamination controlFSQ Raw Manager upstream riskOperations implementation of fixesKey Performance MetricsEnvironmental positive rate (e.g., Listeria)Repeat positives / harborage eventsProduct microbiological complianceTime to resolution for positivesEMP compliance rateAudit performance (micro-related findings)Experience5–10+ years in:Food manufacturing microbiology or QAStrong experience with:RTE food environments (highly preferred)USDA-regulated facilitiesEnvironmental monitoring programsTechnical SkillsExpertise in:Listeria control strategiesEnvironmental sampling methodsPathogen testing protocolsFamiliarity with:ATP systemsRapid micro testing technologiesUnderstanding of:Hygienic design principlesSanitation chemistryLeadership CompetenciesStrong analytical and problem-solving abilityAbility to influence across functions (Ops, Sanitation, QA)Detail-oriented with strong data disciplineHigh accountability and urgency in risk managementCritical Success FactorsThis role will be successful if the individual can:Identify and eliminate: Hidden contamination sources (especially drains, niches, and traffic flow risks)Transform the plant from: Reactive testing proactive risk preventionBuild: A highly effective, data-driven environmental monitoring systemStrengthen: Sanitation validation and zoning disciplineWhy This Role MattersThis role is the facility’s primary defense against biological contamination riskIn this environment (RTE + current zoning/sanitation gaps), this position is:Mission-critical for regulatory complianceEssential for preventing contamination eventsA key partner in stabilizing food safety performancePHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job the team member is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel and talk or hear. The team member is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet/slippery floors. However, the vast amount of work is conducted in a climate-controlled building. Limited travel may be required.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in:Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, or related fieldAdvanced degree (preferred)Additional InformationThe salary range for this role is $90,000- $110,000 (Annually). Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.Disclaimer:This job description is intended to generally describe the nature and level of work to be performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of employees performing this role.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.E-VERIFY: Jack Link’s is a participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For information about the E-Verify program, please visit: All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.SummaryType: Full-timeFunction: Quality AssuranceExperience level: Mid-Senior LevelIndustry: Consumer Goods