Job Opportunities

We are seeking a Production Lab Manager to join our talented and diverse Quality Team in an environment with a strong commitment to internal and external customer service.   Reporting to the Vice President, Technical, the Lab Production Manager will be responsible for overseeing the start-up and operations of a newly established industrial microbiology and analytical lab. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in decision-making processes related to equipment selection, installation and validation, workflow design and optimization, while ensuring that all products meet the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong entrepreneurial attitude and an initiative-taking work ethic. The individual will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient functioning of the lab, adherence to industry and regulatory standards, and the timely delivery of high-quality results to support Production.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols and aseptic techniques in the laboratory. Maintain a safe working environment for all lab personnel.
• Conduct sample preparation and product testing as required to support Production OSCOT.
• Supervise and mentor lab staff, providing guidance and support in their day-to-day activities. Facilitate training programs for lab personnel on equipment usage and aseptic techniques. Foster a collaborative and productive work
• environment among team members.
• Evaluate, select, procure, install, and validate relevant lab equipment.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting activities.
• Develop and implement efficient and compliant analytical and microbiological testing processes, protocols, and validations.
• Streamline workflows to maximize efficiency and productivity and minimize turnaround times while continuously assessing laboratory procedures for accuracy, reliability, and efficiency.
• Assist in achieving ISO 17025 accreditation and continuously monitor industry standards and regulations to ensure compliance.
• Manage the Production laboratory budget and resources.
• Analyze experimental data and results, preparing comprehensive reports for internal and external stakeholders. Interpret analytical and microbiological findings, providing insights and recommendations based on the results.
• Consult as needed with other departments, such as Production, Quality, R&D, Customer Service and/or Product Safety. 

Required Skills and Experience:

• PhD preferred, bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or related field with appropriate experience accepted
• Have a proven track record with outstanding leadership skills and professionalism
• 5+ years of experience in a microbiology laboratory that conducts traditional microbiological testing, preferably in the consumer goods, food and beverage, or pharmaceutical industry
• In-depth knowledge of and experience using aseptic techniques in a traditional microbiological laboratory (e.g., culture media preparation, plating/inoculation, incubation, enumeration, and identification.)
• Familiarity with Biosafety levels, including demonstrating proficiency in standard microbiological practices and techniques for working with agents requiring BSL-2 containment.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on fostering a positive work environment.
• Experience with or willingness to learn how to operate analytical equipment such as HPLC, GC-FID, ICP-OES, and FT-IR.
• Familiarity with regulatory and quality requirements for laboratories in the OTC and personal care fields.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
• Familiarity with LIMS, ELN, and/or ERP software systems as well as all Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Detail-oriented and possess the ability to multi-task

E4 Shift: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 7:00pm - 7:00am

Reporting to the Material Handling Supervisor, the Material Handler’s main responsibilities are to manage, prep and prepare all materials for production, verifying the accuracy of the order.  The right candidate will have the ability to communicate well – both externally and internally; be a team player with a strong work ethic; ability to work productively and independently is essential.  Must be detailed-oriented, highly organized, previous forklift a plus.  Must be able to handle 50 lbs. routinely, 75 lbs. occasionally; ability to stand and walk for long periods on a regular basis.   May be required to assist and work on production lines as needed.  

Responsibilities include:

• Verify and deliver materials to production accurately and on time
• Perform the inventory transactions in the ERP system, keeping jobs updated throughout the shift
• Wrap and move pallets to final locations
• Communicate within the production team
• Work in a safe and diligent manner to make sure company guidelines are met

Minimum requirements:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• General computer proficiency
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and have strong organizational skills
• Timely decision-making and responsiveness
• Possess solid reading and math skills.
• Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team
• Prior forklift experience preferred 

The Quality Sampler is an entry-level position that reports to the Quality Control Supervisor and works independently to insure received materials meet quality standards by sampling raw materials and components and performing inspections  and tests associated with all materials used in Production.

 Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinates and performs sampling of all incoming goods used in a cGMP production environment.
• Completes and files all related documentation.
• Samples, reviews, and coordinates all incoming labels, components, packaging, and raw materials in accordance with but not limited to established procedures such as Mil Spec E-105, internal procedures or customer requirements 
• Evaluates and approves labels, components and packaging materials based upon appropriate standards, specifications, and allied tests
• Evaluates, tests and approves raw materials
• Files all inspection and test data associated with labels, components, packaging and raw materials in their appropriate files DELETE
• Coordinates material holds for all nonconforming items
• Uses laboratory equipment and devices to assess raw materials
• Understands color-matching theory and performs direct color matching needs against standards.  Ability to differentiate  colors using standard color matching techniques including a color spectrophotometer DELETE
• Works independently, and is able to communicate specific quality issues to employees, line leaders, supervisors, and managers DELETE LINE LEADERS
• Participates in Quality Assurance team meetings, development of QA goals, QA operating budgets, and works to achieve those goals and to meet or beat standard cost objectives and works with others in a shared space
• Supports QA and Production training activities related to product and production quality
• Creates an atmosphere that supports respect, honesty and open communication among all employees; encourages employees to celebrate accomplishments and have fun 

Experience and Skills required:

• Prior manufacturing or laboratory experience preferred but not required
• Ability to communicate well – both externally and internally
• Team player with a strong work ethic
• Excellent communication and math skills
• Creative thinker and problem solver
• Ability to work productively and independently
• Listens extremely well
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Experience in FDA regulations and understanding of GMP requirements, a plus
   

E2 Shift - Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:00AM - 7:00PM

Who we are: We are a premier contract manufacturer in the beauty and personal care industry.

What you’ll do: By joining our talented compounding department, you can expect to challenge yourself while performing a variety of tasks. Our Compounding Technician ensures that all products are batched in accordance to the formula manufacturing instructions or “recipe”. You will stage and verify all required ingredients for bulk products and use state-of-the-art machinery to mix and blend raw materials. Our compounding team is responsible for product flow to manufacturing – providing high quality product that meets standards for flavor, color, viscosity and visual appearance.

What we are looking for:

 A safety first – quality minded team player that is dependable with a positive attitude

·        Ability to read, follow and understand written instruction

·        Demonstrated problem solving ability - solving problems is what we do best

·        Experience with inventory transactions and material movement / forklift certified is a plus

Your benefits package will include:

·        A 3-day work week with paid lunch and breaks

·        Five weeks paid time off annually (a combination of Sick / Personal & Holiday pay) *

·        Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

·        FREE gym membership at the EDGE

·        Up to $5,000 Flex Spending Account (FSA) funds depending on insurance needs

·        401k with company match

Our Location is Ideal:

·        If you enjoy mountain biking – we are located right on the Saxon Hill Bike Trail

·        If you enjoy skiing or trail running – Cochran’s ski area and Catamount Family Center are near by

·        If you enjoy shopping or going to the movies the Essex Outlets is just up the road

·        If you enjoy eating – JCAT, Hoagies, Mimmo's and JP’s Restaurant are just minutes away

Why You Should Apply:

·        Three-day work week

·        Good benefits

·        Career advancement opportunities

·        Overtime availability

·        Great people
Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, lifting @ 50 lbs. and @ 75 lbs. occasionally. Ability to work around perfumes and fragrance on a daily basis.

*Prorated for new hires

• E2 Shift – Thursday, Friday, Saturday 6:50 AM – 7:00 PM
• E3 Shift - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 6:50 PM - 7:00 PM

Reporting to the Shift Supervisor, Technical Operators are responsible for working with the manufacturing team to ensure that all equipment is performing optimally, operating pieces of equipment on the production floor, as well as assisting Maintenance Technicians with line setups and changeovers of manufacturing lines. Must be detailed-oriented and highly organized.  Must be able to handle up to 50 lbs. and able to stand and walk up to 12 hours on a regular basis.  Would be required to lead and work on production lines as needed.  

 Responsibilities include:

• Assist Maintenance Technicians with changeovers, minor adjustments/repairs and line setups, as needed.
• Performs all of the duties of a manufacturing operator including:
• Starts and stops machines and reports machine issues; reads, understands and follows product specification and operation sheets; inspects containers to specs.
• Fill vats and move kettles; replenishes packaging supplies and machine supplies.
• Completes all associated paperwork associated for each product order.
• Meets production targets on the line by both working the line at various stations and by providing coaching to line workers and temporary associates to meet targets.
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks to assist the maintenance team as needed
• Follows all safety guidelines and protocols
• Perform house cleaning (5S) tasks
• Support Operational Excellence program by doing audits and being part of continuous improvement activities

Minimum requirements:

• Strong baseline of mechanical knowledge and aptitude
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• General computer proficiency
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to multitask and have strong organizational skills
• Timely decision-making and responsiveness
• Possess solid reading and math skills.
• Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team