Headquartered in Ayer, Massachusetts, Catania Oils is a fourth-generation family-owned manufacturer founded over 100 years ago by Giuseppe Basile, an Italian immigrant who brought his olive oil business from Sicily to the United States. The Company has grown into a leading manufacturer of edible oils, including virgin olive, vegetable, blended, organic, and specialty oils.

As an industry leader with a notable national presence, Catania Oils is proud to be one of the largest manufacturers in Ayer and is the largest manufacturer of plant-based oils in the Northeast. The Company has enjoyed being part of the Ayer community for more than 26 years.  We are seeking a top-notch Quality Laboratory Manager for our Quality Department. In this crucial role you will be responsible for the following: 

The Quality Laboratory Manager will manage all Chemists, Quality Laboratory Technicians and  Quality Line Technicians overseeing all quality testing required of edible oils at Catania Oils ensuring that all products meet required standards. 

  · Manages the Quality Analytical laboratory in performing incoming and authenticity testing, shelf-life, retain process and generating COAs for edible oils samples by various chemical techniques, including but not limited to: analytical, sensory, chromatography, and other related techniques.

· Manages Quality Satellite laboratory across three shifts ensuring that all processes, specifications and regulatory requirements are met to include inspections, line checks and laboratory testing.

· Manages all Quality Laboratory direct reports (Lab techs, quality line techs, and chemists) to include scheduling, coaching, training, and performance management.

· Assist Quality Assurance and Regulatory to ensure all testing, calibration, verification, and validation meets customer and regulatory requirements. Assist in third party audits.

· Utilizes software systems to include ERP, regulatory systems, and Laboratory Information Management system for sample log-in, tracking, data management and reporting. Performs specified quality control activities and monitors appropriate measures to ensure quality of the analysis and data.

· Ensure all test methods are up to date and develop new methods as needed.

· Serves as the laboratory oil expert for all oils samples submitted to the laboratory, maintain laboratory chain of custody, and monitor sample tracking.

· Assist in cultivating a good Food Safety Culture within the organization by ensuring that compliance to SQF, GMP, HACCP and FSMA standards is being maintained on the manufacturing and warehouse floor.

Skills/Knowledge

• Strong  leadership skills
• Strong quality  mindset
• Ability to  prioritize effectively, manage multiple projects and make positive changes to achieve goals
• Knowledge  f Regulatory and Compliance standards including HACCP and SQF
• Extensive  knowledge of FSMA Practices
• Strong  computer, scientific, and organizational skills
• Excellent  communication (oral and written) and attention to detail
• Ability to  work independently and as part of a cross functional teams
• Self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Understanding  of food chemistry testing and instrumentation
• Knowledge in shelf-life and sensory testing.

    Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of Quality experience preferably in a food manufacturing setting.
• Minimum of 3 years of laboratory management experience.
• Experience  working in GMP/GLP setting.

 Education

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or other related degree concentration, or equivalent directly related experience (two years of directly food lab related  experience is equivalent to one full-time year of college in related  major)
• SQF   Practitioner, HACCP certified
•  Knowledge of HACCP, SPC, TQM, FSMA and SQF Quality and Food Safety audits 

Catania Oils is an Equal Opportunity Employer